Deloitte are on board for the 2019 Bowral Classic! Global experts in finance and economics, Deloitte aren’t what you’d expect from such a big company.
They have taken a radical approach to employee wellbeing and we sat down with Will Emerton and David Haynes to find out more about the firm’s innovative approach.
BC: Hi guys, it’s a pleasure to meet you. First of all, tell us why wellbeing at work is so important for you at Deloitte?
DH: I’m a very keen cyclist (my kids say obsessed) as it provides both the physical benefits of being fit and healthy along with social interaction and spending time outside. I’m a big believer that to achieve your personal best in the workplace you need to have the right balance of personal wellbeing, and I love working at Deloitte because it holds similar values.
Deloitte is a people and relationship business. Providing a work environment that allows our people to achieve their personal best is critical as it enables them to provide a high quality and impactful service to our clients. As an organisation, we operate in an environment that can be demanding and fast-moving at times, so it’s very important that we support and encourage our people to achieve that balance from a wellbeing perspective.
WE: Deloitte is a very constructive and positive environment to work in. I especially like our flexible working policies which enable employees to work in a way that best works for them. This means that I can balance my family time and work time and still find enough time to get out for regular bike rides. All of which are really important to me.
BC: What specific schemes have you introduced at the company to try and get the best out of your employees?
WE: Deloitte does so much for employee wellbeing in addition to flexible working – there are too many to mention and the following are just a few examples! There is a huge promotion and awareness of diversity which is really important in making Deloitte an inclusive and safe working environment. There are regular initiatives around mental and emotional wellbeing through things like “R U OK? Day” and other mindfulness events. Right now we are involved in the “Step Up” challenge where the whole of Deloitte is competing in teams to log the most amount of steps (walking/running but sadly cycling doesn’t count!). Even our recognition system known as “Shout Out” awards can enable you to redeem points for sporting gear, spa vouchers and other wellbeing focussed rewards.
DH: We have an official Wellbeing at Deloitte program that focuses on four areas of wellbeing to support, improve and enhance the overall wellbeing of our people. These four areas are physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing.
Our people are supported to prioritise their physical wellbeing needs, which in turn benefits their mental wellbeing and overall health.
Another initiative recently implemented for the first time is ‘Financial Wellbeing Month’, launching financial wellbeing as one of our new focus areas. It gave our people the opportunity to address financial concerns or make future financial plans through education sessions with SMEs.
These initiatives are just two examples of how we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment at Deloitte, where our people have a sense of belonging and can be their best selves; and feel supported, recognised and safe to address any issues without stigma.
BC: Finally, Will, you’ll be riding in October. Are you looking forward to it?
WE: I’ve been cycling for about 35 years though like many people when I was old enough to drive a car my bike gathered dust for a few years. More recently I have been a dedicated cycle commuter for about seven years and started taking part in Gran Fondos/ Classics for the last five years.
I’ll be taking part in the Bowral Classic for the first time this year. I have heard great things but it hasn’t worked previously for me to attend. I’m looking forward to getting involved and being part of what should be an awesome event!
