Introducing Michelle: Our Wellbeing Champion

Our annual leadership awards are a celebration of the people who truly make every moment matter and lead Consensus with compassion and care. This year, Michelle won the Wellbeing Champion Award that recognised a manager who really prioritises the wellbeing of their team and strives to create a healthy, happy workplace for everyone.

One of their nominations said, “It’s very clear wellbeing is weaved into everything they do! Michelle speaks openly about her own wellbeing struggles and always encourages others to open up – making sure people feel supported and listened to.”

Michelle joined Consensus as a support worker in 2018 after ten years in education and working as a domiciliary carer. After just a year with the team, her passion and love for her job saw her get promoted to Team Leader before she became the deputy and now registered manager for Kingston House. She has loved her journey so far and it’s clear that her success is not only because of her determination and hard work but a deep care for other people that has made her a fantastic colleague and leader.

Why Wellbeing Matters

After spending years coming to terms and adapting her life after being diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, Michelle decided she would work hard to create the kind of place she would have wanted to work when she needed support. She has a true open-door policy and strives to create a safe space for her team to feel secure, appreciated and supported – it all starts with just talking to your team and treating them with respect. She said, “It might sound cheesy but we work in someones home, I want to foster an environment that feels like friends popping over. We respect that this isn’t our space, but we still need to feel comfortable being here every day.”

Why Representation Matters

“You can’t support people unless they’re allowed to be themselves.” Michelle is very proud that her team who is made up of people of different genders, nationalities, and backgrounds all feel themselves at work; they celebrate holidays from around the world and all appreciate being able to experience different perspectives and cultures while being able to express themselves at work and share a little bit of their lives with others. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to bring their ideas to the team if they want to and empowered to take the lead on things that matter to them.

Why Appreciation Matters

It’s amazing to hear Michelle talk about her team; “They’re talented, creative, compassionate, kind – they are truly amazing people and they make my day every time I walk into this building. My team and the people we support are the reason I work here.” She loves to host team building events, find little meaningful gifts, or just make a round of tea to let people know they’re appreciated. She says, “Not appreciating the people around you is the quickest way to lose them – it’s important to recognise not only the huge achievements but the little things people do that make a difference.”

Being a Wellbeing Champion

“Championing and advocating for others wellbeing isn’t complicated – but a lot of people might be intimidated and think it’s complex when it’s as simple as listening.”

For anyone thinking about starting their journey to promoting better wellbeing as a manager or an individual Michelle offered some advice:

• Don’t be afraid for help: I’m lucky enough to work with our amazing Wellbeing Coach Mary who is an inspiration to work with. Having someone to talk to and asking for help has been instrumental in making sure someone is always there when they’re needed. It’s okay to not know the answer to something, but if you have a network of people you’ll have a way of finding it.
• Be as flexible as possible: We all have responsibilities at work, but I’m mindful that life happens – allowing flexibility for emergencies, doctors appointments, sick kids or partners or last-minute plans can really help someone manage their life better and avoid burnout. Our jobs are important, but we’re all better when we’re happy and rested.
• Self-care is key: It can be easy when you’re busy or having fun to forget to eat your lunch or even to drink water – but looking after yourself, especially if you’re looking after someone else, is important so make sure you check in on the people around you and make sure they’re being kind to themselves.