Supporting staff wellbeing isn’t just about meeting legal responsibilities, it’s about creating a positive place to work where people feel valued, respected and motivated. Happier, healthier teams can be more efficient, caring and engaged.
Here are some ways to think about wellbeing at work and how you can make a real difference.
Physical health: Encourage good habits like regular check-ups and health promotion.
Physical safety: Make sure everyone knows how to stay safe around horses and equipment. Put up signs where appropriate and consider enrolling your staff in personal safety training.
Mental health: Keep an open door for conversations about stress or worries. Train managers to recognise signs of poor mental health and to handle sensitive chats with confidence and care.
Working environment: Make workspaces comfortable, safe and inclusive.
Good line management: Support your managers with training so they can look after people well and handle absence fairly.
Work demands: Make sure roles and workloads are realistic. Encourage regular breaks and a good work–life balance.
Autonomy: Give people a sense of responsibility – trust them to make decisions and try new ideas.
Communication: Be open and honest about any changes and involve your team throughout the process.
Pay and reward: Be open about pay and find ways to recognise great work – a thank you, a coffee run or flexible hours can go a long way.
Leadership: Lead with kindness and purpose. Share your vision and make wellbeing part of your culture.
Ethical standards: Treat everyone with dignity and fairness, and show how your centre/ business gives back to the community.
Inclusion: Value differences in your team and make sure everyone feels welcome and respected.
Employee voice: Listen to your team – hold regular chats or meetings where they can share ideas or raise issues.
Positive relationships: Encourage teamwork, mutual respect and support between colleagues and managers.
Career development: Offer mentoring and training, with opportunities to take extra qualifications. These could be in safeguarding, coaching or equine care. Check the British Horse Society, Association of British Riding Schools and The Pony Club for qualifications and pathways.
Emotional wellbeing: Build a supportive culture where people look out for each other and know where to get help if they need it.
Lifelong learning: Encourage staff to keep learning, whether through formal courses or new experiences at work.
Creativity: Celebrate fresh ideas and encourage collaboration.
Physical activity: Promote ways to stay active, like lunchtime walks, yard fitness sessions or charity rides.
Healthy eating: Keep it simple – provide healthy snacks, swap recipes or plan team lunches with nutritious options.
Fair pay and benefits: Make sure pay is fair and transparent, and offer flexible benefits where you can. Check the National Minimum Wage.
Retirement planning: Support those nearing retirement with flexible options such as phased retirement.
Financial support: Point staff towards trusted help such as Employee Assistance Programmes, Citizens Advice or independent financial advisers if they’re struggling.
Supporting wellbeing doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated. Often, it’s the small, thoughtful actions that make the biggest difference – a genuine thank you, flexible hours, or hot drinks on a cold day. When people feel valued and cared for, every person and horse benefits.