Employee health and wellbeing
The University offers its staff help, support and resources to improve health and wellbeing, and guidance on stress management and developing personal resources.
Work-life balance
The work-life balance webpages provide an overview of the University's flexible working policy and options, details of the on-site nursery and leave entitlements.
Occupational Health
Occupational Health (OH) is concerned with how work and the work environment can affect an employee’s health, and how employee health can affect a person’s ability to do the job. You can access Occupational Health appointments, services and support from the OH webpages.
Managing stress at work
These Stress webpages outline the University policy for the prevention and management of stress in the workplace and resources for both staff and their line managers on managing workplace stress.
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
The University has partnered with independent organisation Health Assured to provide all employees with free access to wellbeing support. The Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) offers expert advice and compassionate guidance by phone 24/7, 365 days a year. It provides counselling, legal advice, bereavement support, general advice on medical problems and a range of information resources and self-help tools on a broad range of issues including finance, childcare, eldercare or any other life issues.
In addition all staff have access to Wisdom, Health Assured’s comprehensive health and wellbeing app.
Wellbeing at Work Strategy
The University has signed up to the University Mental Health Charter Framework, which includes a ‘Work’ domain consisting of two themes: Staff Wellbeing (workplace culture, interventions and support) and Staff Development (staff training and development relating to mental health). The Wellbeing at Work Strategy 2024-2029 sets out our approach to achieve this in more detail, underpinned by an action plan.
Wellbeing and personal resources
The Wellbeing and personal resources dashboard in the Staff Learning Portal offers information and resources on topics such as stress management, self-care and financial wellbeing.
Wellbeing at Work Network
The aim of the Wellbeing at Work Network is to harness the extensive knowledge, skills, expertise and enthusiasm of colleagues across the University, to develop and promote the wellbeing initiatives and support available to our staff. The network is a collaborative platform for consulting ideas and initiatives, to further the University’s ambitions around wellbeing at work. The network meets online up to four times a year, and has a Google Space to share key communications with members. If you would like to join the network or suggest themes for forthcoming meetings, please send them to: Jennifer Kirman jennifer.kirman@brookes.ac.uk
Mental health first aiders
Mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand and help someone who may be experiencing a mental health issue. Mental health first aiders are not therapists. They will be able to listen, reassure and respond. You can access a list of trained University-wide Mental health first aiders, to arrange a virtual or in person cuppa and chat, if you need to talk.
Time management
The Researcher Development team runs a workshop on Time management for researchers, as part of the annual University Research & KE Training programme. This very practical session explores strategies for time management for research-active staff, including ways of using your time effectively to 'work smarter rather than harder' and to achieve a good 'work-life balance', reducing your stress in the process.
University Research Staff Mentoring Scheme
All research-active staff can request a Mentor to work towards their research-related goals. You will be matched with a Mentor from outside of your School, who will use their expertise, experience and knowledge to guide you in named areas for researcher development. There are two calls annually, in June and December. Further details can be found on the Mentoring web pages.
Coaching
All University staff can access also the Oxford Brookes Coaching Pool to set and work towards achieving their work-related goals. Coaching is empowering others to find their own solutions. The coach's role is to facilitate thinking by providing challenge and support, to help the coachee unlock their own answers.
Buddies
A buddy is a member of staff who has volunteered to offer informal, friendly support to a new starter during their first few months at the University or in a new role. It is the Line Manager’s responsibility to assign a buddy to a new member of staff. Guidance for Buddies.
Diversity networks
The University has a number of Staff Networks and forums to connect and support staff, based on shared identity or experience. These networks can assist in personal and professional development, organise events and activities, act as a sounding board for policy development and review, and provide a consultative forum for the university to gather views and feedback.
Brookes Sport & Active Wellness
Brookes Sport offers Oxford Brookes Staff Memberships on use of its gym facilities and classes, with regular Staff Active initiatives intended to help you look after your fitness, health and wellbeing.