There is a link between the safety of people using care services and the wellbeing of staff delivering the service. Increased staff wellbeing may reduce sickness absence, burnout and work-related stress, meaning the staff are available to care for people. Healthy, engaged staff are better able to provide safe and high-quality services. Staff may be working in challenging environments such as lone working, which can increase risks to their personal wellbeing.

In order to provide safe and high-quality services, appropriate measures and checks should be in place to evaluate and maintain staff wellbeing. A working environment where staff feel able to raise issues about individuals’ safety, mistakes or areas of concern is central to their wellbeing. This involves creating a culture of transparency, continuous improvement and open communication and an environment where it is clear to staff that leaders, managers and the organisation(s) are committed to a culture of continuous improvement rather than an approach which seeks to blame individuals. Staff need to feel safe to raise concerns about staffing, any risks, and all aspects of the service without fear of retribution.

The ‘See Me’ video below talks about stigma in the workplace and highlights further resources to support staff wellbeing.

The ‘Include for Good Rapporteurs’ talk about their experiences in the video below.

Other useful links:

• Practitioner Health: accessing the service in Scotland
• TURAS: Psychosocial mental health and wellbeing support - taking care of your staff
• Scottish Government wellbeing hub
• SSSC: pre-employment and induction guide for employers of overseas workers, refugees and asylum seekers