It’s International Women’s Day. As part of our celebration, we have hand-picked three Wellbeing Champions within the programme who are doing some amazing work within their workplaces for ‘Inclusion’. 

 We recently caught up with Sharon Smith, Administrator and Wellbeing Champion at Babcock International. Sharon has been a Wellbeing Champion for nearly 6 months and has already been implementing her role within her team to improve the wellbeing of others. 

 We asked Sharon what she does to uphold inclusion within her wellbeing champion role… 

“I’m lucky enough to chat with everyone in the team. I take advantage of this opportunity to share some great resources and support options related to well-being via email. However, I also understand that not everyone has access to email, so I make sure to print out the information and place it on our well-being boards throughout the building. I think this is important, as it helps to ensure that everyone knows who I am and what I’m here to do. It’s also a great way for everyone to see what resources are available for them within the workplace and the community. I’m a firm believer that taking care of our well-being is crucial to living a happy and fulfilling life. That’s why I’m always happy to share any information that can help our team members lead healthier and happier lives.”.

Inclusion is very important to Sharon as she has implemented this throughout her entire career, this also comes naturally to her as part of her personality Sharon shares that having those smaller conversations can make a big impact on individuals… 

“I always make sure to treat people equally to ensure that everyone feels valued. Regardless of their job role or level, I believe everyone should be treated the way they would like to be treated. It comes naturally to me as I have always been in a role where I talk and support others. In general, I am a chatty and friendly person, so being a Wellbeing Champion feels very natural to me. I work in a big building with lots of rooms, which can make some individuals feel isolated. However, I try to walk around and visit everyone in the building, so that I can get to know each person and they know me. I do this to ensure that no one feels isolated, and just in case they ever need support, they know where to go!”

Working in an environment which is mostly male, Sharon takes it in her stride to provide support in a way that diminishes barriers, to ensure everyone is included…

“Although I am the only female in the entire building, I don’t let this stop me. I work well in this situation by making sure that I am approachable and friendly. I keep conversations low-key and always find it easier to initiate conversations by asking someone how they are, especially if they seem a little quiet. Sometimes it can be difficult for males to start a conversation. Additionally, I have completed my wellbeing champion training and have access to resources, which makes it easier for me to provide support to my team members. As a result, I have been able to develop good relationships with everyone in the office and offer the support they need.”

We would like to congratulate Sharon Smith on the incredible work she has been doing with her team at Babcock International. It is truly inspiring to see how Sharon has taken the Wellbeing Champion Programme under her wing and implemented it from a grassroots approach. Even the smallest conversations can have a big impact on people’s lives! We appreciate her efforts and look forward to seeing what more she does as a Wellbeing Champion.