Grant Thornton in Scotland puts wellbeing at the heart of its people strategy

One of Scotland’s leading business and financial advisors is putting wellbeing at the heart of its people strategy.

Grant Thornton has launched a series of initiatives designed to support and develop employees in a range of areas – from nutrition and mental health to professional growth and career planning.

The move is part of a renewed commitment from the firm to equip its people with the right support and assistance with their professional and personal life plans.

A ‘Wellness Community’ has also been created led by employees across Grant Thornton’s three Scottish offices in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen. The group will champion the new approach and co-ordinate events, including lunchtime walks, movie days and a dedicated tech-free ‘Wellness Space’ for colleagues to relax and clear their minds.

The new approach comes after Grant Thornton consulted employees and found almost 65% were keen to access greater support on mindfulness and wellbeing, on an ongoing basis.

Andrew Howie, Grant Thornton’s managing partner in Scotland, said: “There’s often been a view that the business world is stuffy and sales-driven, and it’s that perception that I believe forces many of our people to keep their emotional wellbeing out of the office. Building relationships is the key to the growth of Grant Thornton. We’re a people-led business, so it’s essential that we all look out for each other and ensure that everyone is flourishing in a positive, supportive environment.

“Our new wide-ranging approach is about developing an inclusive, open and supportive working environment where people can easily access the support tools required to develop professionally and personally. We’ve already held successful interactive workshops on subjects including nutrition and time management, while our tech-free wellness space has proved a big hit, as have our lunchtime walks and payday breakfasts. As 2019 gets underway, I’m looking forward to a successful year for our firm, a firm that’s leading the way on championing agile working practices, greater personal coaching and even greater collaboration.”