Northern Bank is a Get fit for life winner

In April 2009 Northern Bank launched its internal wellbeing programme under the branding of ‘Northern Well-being Get fit for life.’ The programme promotes the physical, social and mental wellbeing of its employees:

• It empowered its employees to make informed and accessible choices to improve their wellbeing;
• Helped them reduce stress and promote resilience; and
• Created a more productive, attractive and corporately responsible place to work.

The programme was integrated into Northern Bank’s wider HR agenda which includes talent management, performance management, employee engagement, employee relations and employer branding strategies all of which align closely with its CSR agenda.

With senior buy in, it signed the Business Action on Health pledge and launched the programme through a practical ‘walk the talk’ - each Executive Team member pledging to change one personal behaviour to improve their own wellbeing.   

A wellbeing committee of internal and external stakeholders and local champions communicated and co-ordinated activities at local level.

In addition Northern Bank reviewed and ensured all policies were clear and consistent and provided ongoing help and support to line managers. It introduced an online wellbeing hub to provide a central point for employees and their families to access diverse wellbeing information, support and tools. This has become an integral part of its ongoing programme with themed wellbeing campaigns.