Insights

Q: What does your role as a ‘Wellbeing Advocate’ at Bank of Ireland involve?

I really love being a ‘Wellbeing Advocate’. My role involves promoting engagement and participation in the Bank’s health and wellbeing programmes. Acting as a proactive and knowledgeable point of contact, I help promote the Bank's wellbeing ethos and direct colleagues to valuable resources.

A large part of the role is sharing wellbeing information through a variety of formats such as emails, team buzz sessions, and monthly team meetings. These frequent updates cover key topics, including mental wellbeing, physical wellbeing, social connection, and colleague supports.

My role also involves creating a culture of care and wellbeing across our wider department by being approachable and personable. Furthermore, I support wellbeing campaigns, generating engagement and connections across the team through initiatives like Random Acts of Kindness Day, group-wide Wellbeing programmes and Mental Health activities.

Q: It’s great news that Bank of Ireland has become a Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter Member. What does this mean, and how do you see it influencing workplace wellbeing initiatives?

The Mortgage Industry Mental Health Charter (MIMHC) is a non-profit organisation helping member firms from the UK mortgage industry by providing guidance, hints, tips and a simple framework to support the mental health and wellbeing of colleagues.

By becoming a Charter member, the Bank demonstrates its commitment to building a workplace culture with openness and compassion around mental health. As a signatory, the Bank is committed to the Charter's six key principles: enhancing mental health awareness, encouraging open dialogue, maintaining positive working conditions, supporting work-life balance, and promoting strong people management practices.

The Bank has normalised mental health discussions and reduced stigma through raising awareness. Moreover, it prioritises monitoring employee wellbeing through regular manager contact, creating an environment where employees feel supported and valued.

By joining the MIMHC, the Bank has strengthened its commitment to colleague wellbeing, by creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive.

Q: Can you share details about the support systems in place to help with wellbeing?  

At Bank of Ireland, we have a comprehensive range of support systems in place to help colleagues with their wellbeing.

There is a colleague Wellbeing App, Wellhub, and an Employee Assistance Programme. We also have a dedicated Community of Mental Health First Aiders who provide valuable support. Physical wellbeing initiatives are available and include colleague Step Challenges, the Cycle To Work scheme, and Studio Recharge HIIT sessions. Everyone can also benefit from quarterly wellbeing check-ins to address the 4 Ws—Wellbeing, Workload, Workspace, and Working Day—to ensure a holistic approach to support. Additionally, we have a Wellbeing Room at Bristol Temple Quay, providing a space for relaxation and rejuvenation.

To promote financial wellbeing, colleagues can benefit from the financial wellbeing hub, which features tools like a financial wellbeing health check.

Supporting work-life balance is also a key priority. Our Power Down and Recharge initiative encourages colleagues to manage their working hours effectively, while Give Together Days provide opportunities to contribute to the community. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements are in place to help colleagues maintain a balance between work and home life.

These initiatives, policies, and resources reflect our commitment to fostering a culture of care and supporting colleagues in every aspect of their wellbeing.

  Ryan Townsend, Mortgage Service Manager

Q: How does the workplace actively promote work-life balance for employees?

The workplace actively promotes work-life balance for employees through several initiatives. Flexible working arrangements allow staff to tailor their schedules to better fit their personal lives. Progressive policies around support and leave entitlements, such as Family Matters policies, provide additional support for employees during important life events. Our hybrid model and various ways of working offer flexibility in how and where employees work.

Social events, such as summer parties and Christmas parties help build a strong sense of community, offering employees a chance to relax and connect outside of work. Plus we have a Games Room at Bristol Temple Quay which provides a space for employees to unwind and have fun. Additionally, staff are encouraged to take regular breaks and lunches to ensure they have time to recharge throughout the day.

These efforts collectively help employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Q: What steps are being taken to raise awareness about mental health and reduce stigma within Bank of Ireland?

The Culture Team and Wellbeing Team, along with Wellbeing Advocates and Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), are actively involved in raising awareness about mental health and reducing the stigma within Bank of Ireland.

We have over 300 certified MHFAiders, trained through a partnership with Mental Health First Aid Ireland and Mental Health First Aid England. This community aims to be open, approachable and inclusive. Together, they work to reduce stigma and develop a workplace culture where mental health is prioritised and everyone feels supported. MHFAiders are committed to continuous learning, supporting one another in their roles, and proactively identifying themselves to colleagues across the organisation.

Wellbeing is regularly checked in on during one to one reviews and quarterly check-ins, as well as in team meetings. Additionally, Bank of Ireland has proudly joined the Elephant In The Room Movement with our elephant Nola, promoting understanding, compassion, and open dialogue about mental health to reduce stigma.