August 2021
Improving the workplace through kindness
In 2020, #bekind became one of the most used and talked about hashtags as it launched a movement for change in the UK - encouraging us all to come together to support each other through challenging times.
Now that things are changing once again, it's just as important to #bekind and to support each other.
Five ways to be kind and support each other:
Take the time to ask, 'how are you?' and really listen to your colleague's reply
Share a positive and supportive comment to encourage and motivate them
'charity begins at work' - bring skills and resources together to get involved in a collaborative work for charity or workplace fundraiser
'treat others how you want to be treated' - a small act of kindness can be the positive impact in their lives they need at this time
Give time to help a colleague with a project they are doing or by sending them information or key resource you've found helpful.
More information:
See the Action for Happiness Monthly Calendars for more ideas on how you can be kind and support your colleagues. Visit actionforhappiness.org
Stonewall: Diversity Champions and Allyship. Join us on MS Teams; Thursday 2 September, 3pm to 4pm
The Prism network has organised this online event to give all staff the opportunity to learn more about the work of Stonewall, and how we can work with them to deliver more inclusive workplaces. The council is a member of Stonewell.
Maureen McKenna, Executive Director of Education and our Leadership Sponsor, will introduce the session to talk about being the sponsor for Prism before inviting Stonewall to present.
The council is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workspace. We have have recently updated our Equality Outcomes for 2021 to 2025 - including a commitment to participate in Stonewall Scotland's Workplace Equality Index to progress LGBTI+ Inclusion in the workplace.
What is the event about?
The event will briefly introduce Stonewall, their Diversity Champions Programme, and will cover the importance of allyship and how you can become a good LGBTI+ ally.
The 40 minute presentation will be delivered by a speaker from Stonewall - followed by 20 minutes for any questions and a discussion at the end of the presentation.
Register now to secure your place
Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
You can register on Eventbrite - here
Support your favourite charity with tax free donations. Join us on Teams to find out more, Wednesday 25 August, 10am
Come along to the next StC Payroll Giving Webinar to find out how you can support your favourite charity or charities, tax free.
Give a little and have a big impact...it costs you less to give more!
Workplace Options Seminar - Raising Confident Children
This month's seminar from Workplace Options is about Raising Confident Children. They will cover how you can create supportive environments for your children to boost their confidence and self-esteem and help them become resilient adults.
Don't miss out and join the webinar - at a time convenient to you
To get started phone or login to Workplace Options.
Visit Connect to access our council login details. If you do not currently have access to Connect please ask your manager to provide these details to you.
More information
You can find out more about Workplace Options at workplaceoptions.com
Freephone: 0800 247 1100
Parent Club - advice and support for parents and carers
Find out more about the Parent Club 'Boosting Family Wellbeing' campaign (see Parent Club support for parents and carers) - with useful tips and advice to help boost your family's wellbeing.
The campaign provides tips and supports parents to introduce positive interactions with their children into their daily routine.
Secure your place for 'Mental Health in the Work Place' - free webinar for managers in October
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, in partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH), are offering a free online mental health in the workplace learning opportunity to managers across the city.
There are only 100 places available on a first come first booked basis - so don't delay and book your place today!
- Date: 28 October 2021
- Time: 10 am to 12 noon
- On : Teams
Content
This free online learning session is aimed at line managers and team leaders working within workplaces in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, including those supported through the Healthy Working Lives (HWL) Programme.
The webinar is designed to help managers to support and maintain good mental health and wellbeing for staff, particularly in relation to COVID-19 experiences.
Book your place today
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis - there are 100 spaces for managers across the city so you are advised to sign up as soon as possible.
Sign up using Event Brite at
More information
- On the programme: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/about-us/professional-support-sites/mental-health-improvement-and-equalities/training-and-capacity-building/commissioned-programmes/
- On the guide for managers webinar: https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/media/268653/healthy-working-lives-mental-health-in-the-workplace-a-guide-for-managers-webinars-october-2021.pdf
Calling all BME staff - join our next Network meeting (on Teams)
You are invited to attend the next BME Network meeting which will take place virtually on 30 August 2021from3 to 4.30 pm on Teams.
This is an exciting opportunity to hear from our guest speaker, Annemarie O'Donnell, Chief Executive on the council's position on equality and diversity - you will have the opportunity to ask questions on key issues.
Register
To secure your place please register here.
Asking a question
If you would like to ask Annemarie O'Donnell a question, please submit this by email in advance no later than 14 August 2021 to BMENetwork@glasgow.gov.uk as we are running a 'question time' system on the day to help timings.
You should include your name and area of work in your email alongside your question or suggestion to be discussed in support of our work on equality and diversity.
We will endeavour to discuss as many questions at the event.
For more information - read our
Get involved
To support the full council family - we are looking for staff to join our BME Network Steering Group. If you think you can help lead on the development of the network and support BME staff please email BMENetwork@glasgow.gov.uk to find our more information about what's involved.
Don't forget that if you are a BME member of staff you are invited to join our council BME Network - currently at 98 members. The Network is a fantastic way to contribute and benefit from diversity discussions, raise any concerns you may have and get involved in local events. Join us by emailing BMENetwork@glasgow.gov.uk
Wellbeing Class: The Wonder of Wellbeing - Wednesday 18 August 2021, 10am to 12 noon, MS Teams
You asked, we listened. We are joining forces with LifeLink again to provide a series of Wellbeing Classes after the popular taster sessions provided during our recent Digital Health and Wellbeing Roadshow.
Wellbeing seems to be on the tip of everyone's tongue lately. But what exactly is 'wellbeing'? Why is it so important, and what can we do to look after it?
In this session Mark O'Hare from LifeLink will explore the various aspects of wellbeing and share some evidence-based strategies we can all use to help improve and maintain our personal wellbeing.
More information / register now
Places are limited and on a first come first serve basis.
If interested please register here.
If you are allocated a place and are then unable to attend - please let us know in advance so that your place can be re-allocated.
Share the Positivity this summer through Payroll Giving
What charity do you support through Payroll Giving and why?
Let's raise a smile and put the fun back into Payroll Giving with our Selfless Selfie competition. Send us a brief video or photo showing us who you support and why and nominating your charity for the chance to win £50 (2 chances - one in July and one in August). You must be a Payroll Giving donor to enter but don't worry if you haven't already signed up you still can.
Send your short video or photo to mypayrollgiving@stcpayrollgiving.co.uk
Cycle to work Day - Thursday 5 August
Take part in the UK's biggest cycle commuting event.
Whether you are just starting, or cycling is a regular part of your lifestyle, there will be something for everyone to do for Cycle to Work Day.
Register now
To get involved with the cycling action and join the community please click here to register.
You can also get involved by sharing your ride on Social Media using #Cycletoworkday
More information
- You can find out more at cycletoworkday
- Find out more about support for staff who cycle regularly, or want to get started, on Connect
