Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire has introduced a wellbeing programme for its staff as part of a campaign to create a healthy workplace environment.
As of this week, employees are able to take part in mindfulness walks, picnics, planting trees and litter-picking, as well as getting the chance to pet sheepdogs, lambs and horses at the estate’s own farm.
The initiative also features free weekly yoga classes, mental health-for-men classes, menopause support, free breakfasts, FitBit challenges, barbecues, quizzes and sport.
Megan Carter, head of HR at Blenheim Palace, explained that the business believed its responsibility was to do all it can to raise awareness of the issues surrounding mental health and to provide staff with the tools to help them thrive in the workplace.
“Studies have shown this is not only beneficial to the individual but also to the business as a whole; with far fewer days lost to illness and absenteeism, lower staff turnover and higher productivity and job satisfaction.
“Yoga has long been proven to provide many mental and physical benefits, from increasing energy and reducing fatigue to improving concentration and focus. Simple things like petting an animal can lower your blood pressure, help you relax and cuts down on the levels of stress hormone within your body,” she added.
Back in 2017, Blenheim announced its ‘10 Goals’ strategy, which extends to all three parts of the business: Blenheim Palace, Blenheim Estate Homes, and Blenheim Estate Land. Its mission is to share and protect the site for future generations, to enhance the lives of local people and to be the lifeblood of the local economy.
It is aiming to become one of the UK’s Top 100 employers through its staff support, training opportunities and wellbeing schemes.