Minds Matter – CPI initiatives that boost staff wellbeing

Wellbeing may not always be considered in terms of sustainability but at CPI we believe creating a culture for everyone to thrive at work is very much in the scope our Sustainability ambitions. Colleagues are at the heart of everything we do as a business so ensuring their wellbeing is something we take very seriously indeed.

Workplace wellbeing

Due to the physical nature of the work and the regular presence of sometimes large and heavy machinery, maintaining employee safety presents greater issues for the construction industry. Indeed, HSE statistics show – as with most years – the highest number of UK workplace fatalities in 2020/21 took place in the building sector. This alarming statistic – the industry recorded 39 deaths out of 142 fatalities across all sectors – highlights the need to create an environment where all colleagues whether on or off site, feel safe in the knowledge that every step has been taken to keep them from harm’s way.

Health and safety systems of work at CPI factories are of the highest standard and we pride ourselves on taking a proactive ‘learn and prevention’ approach to colleague safety. We’ve employed some imaginative measures to help us support our safety message. RaLF, for example, is character we created to promote safe working practices across our sites. His name is an acronym for ‘Report and Learn Form’, – we encourage our colleagues to report all near misses and hazards they observe and share all learnings from these reports regularly across the business. RaLF has also been used to promote various safety campaigns, making him an extremely popular mascot for this vitally important industry issue.

Additionally, CPI holds monthly health and safety meetings open to all colleagues at each site and we have used safety surveys to encourage colleague feedback and participation in our safety initiatives. Our monthly Safety Matters dashboard is available to all colleagues so everyone is aware of our safety KPI’s.

Mind and body

Our colleagues have indicated through Engagement survey feedback that their wellbeing – both physical and mental health, is an important topic for them. As a business we are using our colleague engagement forum “Let’s Talk” to find out how to best meet the needs of colleagues through appropriate wellbeing supports. This forum has a representative from each location at CPI and is an opportunity for colleagues to engage and provide feedback to the business. The forum helps inform our wellbeing activities to ensure we are best responding to the needs of our colleagues.

We want a culture at CPI where colleagues feel comfortable speaking about their mental health. All colleagues at CPI complete Start the Conversation training which aims to get participants thinking and talking about good mental health. Our Employee Assistance Programme ensures that all colleagues have free access to a range of services 24/7 including counselling and support services.

Good physical health is also a key factor in our overall wellbeing and colleagues at CPI can benefit from discounted health assessments. The confidential 360 health assessment give colleagues a full overview of their current health and wellbeing, identifying any common health issues before they become health problems.

The CPI Cycle to Work scheme encourages colleagues to adopt a healthier commute to work as well as saving money on bikes and cycling equipment. All our locations have been fitted with bike shelters so that bikes can be stored securely and safely.

Financial Support

Caring for the present and future financial wellbeing of our colleagues is vitally important, with financial pressures a common cause of anxiety and strain for many individuals.

All colleagues at CPI are enrolled in a personal pension plan with personal contributions facilitated by salary sacrifice to maximise the money set aside for a colleague’s future financial security. All colleagues in the pension scheme also have the benefit of Life Assurance cover.

The introduction earlier this year of Simply Health means that all colleagues now have access to a company paid health and wellbeing service, whether it’s for dental treatment, eye tests or even alternative therapies. This also gives everyone the flexibility to access all the health and wellbeing services at a time that works best for them.

Grab, our online benefit portal, is available to all CPI colleagues, enabling them to save money on everything from high street retailers to booking a holiday. Colleagues can make real savings on every day expenses which helps offset the current impact of rising prices.

By investing in the physical and mental wellbeing of all our colleagues, CPI is building a platform for even greater success. Our colleagues are our most valuable resource and we need to care for them. It’s why their wellbeing remains our highest priority.