Wellbeing Initiatives and Staff Achievements – National Work Life Week
In light of Monday’s work-life balance feature, EPIC take a closer look at how two of their staff are using wellbeing initiatives for a good cause as part of this week’s campaign.
Spending time outdoors and in nature is great for your mental health, with some of its countless health benefits including improvements in mood and confidence and reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression.
As staff wellbeing is always a priority at EPIC Risk Management, employees are encouraged to get outdoors, spend time in the fresh air, and exercise regularly, as this helps relieve stress and releases mood-boosting endorphins.
The business’ encouragement and support have had a hugely positive effect on many employees who have been inspired to set themselves, and take on, incredible challenges which have in turn become fantastic achievements.
EPIC’s Insights Executive Andy Margett and Head of Training and Development Caty Illingworth have both very recently challenged themselves to charity running events which involved training and competing outdoors and have proved to be huge successes in providing mental and physical health benefits and improving wellbeing.
Andy Margett was inspired to complete the Great North Run this September – arguably the World’s largest half marathon for determined and dedicated runners. Andy took to the streets of the North East of England to raise money for Kicks Count, a charity very close to his heart that helps expectant mothers spot signs of babies in distress during pregnancy. He raised an amazing £900.
With lived experience of problem gambling and addiction, Andy feels that running has had an incredibly positive effect on his life since finding recovery. EPIC caught up with Andy to speak about his achievement and how this made him feel:
“Running has been part of my life ever since I stopped gambling. It has helped me fill the void, it helps me mentally switch off and give myself some ‘me time’ when I go out running. I have a much better feeling of well-being and purpose now. I love the atmosphere of the Great North Run and this was my fourth attempt at it.
“Completing this year’s run made me feel emotional, tearful, and thankful as to how lucky I am in life.”
EPIC’s Head of Training and Development Caty Illingworth also challenged herself back in September as a complete non-runner to complete the Cancer Research UK ‘Run 60’ challenge. This entailed running 60 miles throughout the month for her chosen charity which is also very close to her heart.
Caty raised a fantastic £440.75 through sponsorship to help fund research and treatment.
EPIC also caught up with Caty to talk about her achievement:
“As a side benefit, I had started pushing myself to run outdoors and change up my exercise routine, and when I saw this challenge advertised, I knew the commitment and accountability this created would mean I had to do it.
“The impact on my mental wellbeing has been immensely positive, and physically I am getting there on the fitness side too. Taking time out of busy, demanding days at my desk or looking after my family to get outdoors and elevate my heart rate is the best therapy for me and I am so glad I had the challenge and sponsors to cheer me on.
“I feel healthy, strong (physically and mentally), and super proud. I managed a few PBs (personal bests) along the way and have now signed up to a virtual 125km for October.”
Andy completing the Great North Run for the fourth time, and Caty developing from a non-runner to achieving PBs and signing up for further challenges this month shows that employees achieving a positive work-life balance and setting time aside, away from work, to get outdoors, exercise, and challenge themselves has amazing health and wellbeing benefits – so much that people want to progress even further and achieve more!
Everyone within EPIC would like to congratulate Andy and Caty on their achievements and is very proud of their efforts and hard work, involving stepping away from comfort zones, achieving a good work-life balance, and raising considerable sums of money for charity.
EPIC continues to encourage this and supports all employees in their achievements both inside and outside of the workplace.
