When we talk about wellbeing at HRW, we’re not talking about a single initiative, a monthly awareness campaign, or a benefit that’s tucked away in an employee handbook. We’re talking about people. The people who log on each morning bringing their energy, ideas, ambitions and expertise. The people who support our clients, collaborate with colleagues across the globe and help drive our business forward. But also the people who have lives beyond work. Families. Responsibilities. Challenges. Good days and difficult days. At HRW, our commitment to wellbeing is deeply connected to our values. We Before I reminds us that we achieve more when we support one another. Passionate Participation encourages us to bring our best selves to work, while Speak Up, Speak Out creates the psychological safety needed for honest conversations about wellbeing. We recognise that every person brings their whole self to work, and with that comes a responsibility. A responsibility to create an environment where people feel supported, valued and able to thrive, both professionally and personally. At HRW, creating an environment where people can thrive is not something we take lightly. It’s a commitment that shapes the decisions we make, the culture we nurture and the way we lead. Why This Matters to Me Throughout my career, I’ve always believed that organisations have a responsibility to care for the people who make their success possible. As Global Head of People and Organisational Development, that belief drives me every day. I see it as both a privilege and a responsibility to help shape an environment where people feel supported, valued and able to be their best. My role goes far beyond policies, programmes or processes. It’s about creating the conditions for people to thrive, championing a culture where people come first, and ensuring wellbeing is embedded into the everyday employee experience rather than treated as a standalone initiative. Whether I’m shaping our culture, developing leaders, designing meaningful people initiatives or listening to colleague feedback, my focus remains the same: putting people first. I’m passionate about ensuring HRW remains an employer that genuinely cares, where support is readily available, conversations about mental wellbeing are normalised and every individual feels valued for who they are and what they contribute. By living our values, fostering trust, inclusion and belonging, and continually evolving how we work, I’m committed to keeping mental wellbeing firmly at the heart of our positive workplace. Because when people feel cared for, connected and empowered, they don’t just perform at their best, they flourish. The Changing Conversation Around Wellbeing The conversation around mental health has evolved significantly over recent years, and rightly so. More people feel empowered to speak openly about their experiences, and organisations are increasingly recognising the critical link between wellbeing, engagement, performance and belonging. True wellbeing is embedded in the everyday experience of work. It’s reflected in how leaders lead, how teams connect, how workloads are managed and how people feel when they speak up. It’s about creating a culture where support isn’t something people have to seek out only when they’re struggling. Instead, it’s woven into the way we work every day. Creating Space for People to Thrive At HRW, we believe wellbeing isn’t about helping people simply cope with the demands of work. It’s about creating the environment and conditions where people can be at their best.That means recognising that flexibility matters. Recovery matters. Human connection matters. Our flexible and hybrid working approach helps colleagues balance professional and personal commitments in a way that works for them. Because life doesn’t happen outside of working hours, and we trust our people to manage their work in a way that supports both performance and wellbeing. We’ve introduced no-meeting days and no-meeting afternoons to reduce cognitive overload and give colleagues uninterrupted time to focus. In a world where diaries can quickly become full and attention is constantly pulled in different directions, creating breathing space is more important than ever. And through Early Finish Fridays, we encourage everyone to make a head start on switching off for the weekend, creating valuable time to rest, recharge and return refreshed. Because wellbeing isn’t just about productivity. It’s about sustainability. Support When It’s Needed Most There are times in all our lives when additional support is needed. That’s why we have dedicated Mental Health First Aiders across our global business, providing colleagues with approachable, knowledgeable support when they need someone to talk to or guidance towards further resources. Our Employee Assistance Programme offers confidential professional support, ensuring colleagues can access help whenever they need it. Alongside this, we provide wellbeing-focused learning and development opportunities that help people build resilience, understand wellbeing more deeply and develop practical strategies to support themselves and others. Importantly, we also invest in our leaders. Managers often play a crucial role in shaping a colleague’s day-to-day experience. By equipping leaders with the skills, confidence and resources to have supportive wellbeing conversations, we’re helping ensure that mental wellbeing remains part of everyday leadership, not just something discussed during times of crisis. The Power of Human Connection One of the strongest protective factors for wellbeing is feeling connected. As our company grows, operates globally and embraces flexible ways of working, creating meaningful opportunities for connection becomes even more important. That’s why we place genuine value on activities that bring people together, build camaraderie and provide opportunities to spend quality time together that isn’t always focused on work, delivery and output. Our Tea for Three initiative creates dedicated time for colleagues to meet, chat and learn more about each other beyond their immediate teams or projects. These conversations help strengthen relationships, foster belonging and remind us that behind every Teams call and email is a person with their own experiences and perspectives. Connection isn’t always about organised social events. Sometimes it’s simply about creating space for a conversation, a catch up, a hey how are you moment. Because when people feel connected, they feel supported. And when they feel supported, they are more likely to succeed. Recognition Matters More Than We Realise Another important aspect of wellbeing is appreciation. Feeling seen, valued and recognised for our contributions has a profound impact on how we experience work. At HRW, we actively encourage recognition and celebration. Whether it’s a thank you from a colleague, recognition of a milestone, acknowledgement of a great piece of work or celebrating a team achievement, these moments matter. They remind people that their contributions make a difference. And that sense of purpose, belonging and appreciation is closely linked to overall wellbeing. Building a Culture Where People Can Speak Up Perhaps most importantly, wellbeing flourishes in environments where people feel psychologically safe. A culture where individuals feel comfortable asking for help, sharing concerns, expressing ideas and being themselves without fear of judgement. At HRW, we continue to nurture a culture built on openness, inclusion and trust. With Speak up, Speak out at the heart of our company values, we encourage colleagues to talk, share perspectives and challenge respectfully. We know that creating a mentally healthy workplace isn’t the responsibility of one team or one individual. It is something we all contribute to through the way we lead, collaborate and care for one another. Looking Ahead Supporting wellbeing is not a destination. It’s an ongoing commitment. As our people, our business and the world around us continue to evolve, so too must the ways we support our colleagues.. Because wellbeing isn’t just about navigating today’s challenges. It’s about creating a workplace where people can build fulfilling careers while maintaining balance, connection and good mental health for the future. At HRW, we’re proud of the steps we’ve taken, but we’re equally focused on what’s next. By equipping leaders, supporting colleagues and continually designing ways of working that prioritise recovery, flexibility and belonging, we’re helping create an environment where our people can thrive. After all, our greatest strength has always been our people. And when our people thrive, so does our business. As we continue to grow and evolve, our commitment remains unchanged. We will continue listening to our people, investing in their wellbeing and creating an environment where everyone feels they belong. Because a truly great and successful organisation isn’t defined solely by what it achieves, but by how it cares for the people who make that success possible. Want to find out more about the people who make HRW? click here Apply Now!