Showing how much we care
At Hartford Care, we don’t only apply our values of care, comfort and companionship to our residents, we extend the same level of care and kindness to our employees too.
We strive to create a family environment in each of our care homes and across our central support team, making team members, residents and visitors feel welcome and part of something special. We value and respect our hard-working teams and as an ethical employer we aim to show our appreciation in many ways.
Last month, we announced our Winter Fuel Contribution of £600, easing the challenges of our current cost-of-living crisis for every Hartford Care employee.
This month, committing to our vision of being an ‘Employer of Choice’, we will be offering enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave to anyone who has been with us for at least 12 months. We want our team members to enjoy time with their families, without unnecessary financial worries or strain.
Furthering our financial support, Hartford Care has also committed to the ‘Real Living Wage’, which is paid by over 10,000 businesses in the UK who believe their employees deserve a wage that meets their needs, rather than only meeting minimum wage. Therefore, any minimum rate hourly paid employee at Hartford Care receives £9.90 / hour. Our young workers are also paid the same rate as our 25+ aged workers, extending this benefit to even more team members.
In addition to providing financial support and enhanced employee benefits, we have also introduced ‘Wagestream’ – an app that helps our employees improve their financial health, management and understanding.
To help our team members save money as well as earn more money, Hartford Care subscribes to the Vectis Card programme, which rewards employees with discounts and savings that can be used across the UK with member shops, restaurants, travel and holiday providers and also on big name brands.
To further promote our ‘family feel’ within our care homes, our care and nursing teams receive free breakfasts, lunches and dinners during their shifts. Homecooked food can be enjoyed by our incredible carers to help fuel them during their work hours.
At Hartford Care we apply a great deal of importance to the mental health and wellbeing of our residents and team members and have implemented ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ in each of our care homes. A two day course is completed by our Mental Health First Aiders, delivered by Health Assured, ensuring they are aware of the signs of mental health concerns and able to offer and recommend the appropriate advice and guidance. According to NHS England, 1 in 4 adults experience mental illness in their lifetime and providing support to those in need is something that Hartford Care takes very seriously*.
As part of our ongoing vision to be an ‘Employer of Choice’ we have been pleased to see more recent media coverage encouraging awareness of the menopause in the workplace. As an employer of approximately 800 people, currently with a high percentage of those being female, we chose to carry out menopause training with all our managers. The training has enabled our managers to identify certain signs and symptoms of the menopause, helping them to understand when an employee may be struggling or experiencing specific challenges. It has also enabled them to know which support and referrals they can make should the employee want to seek assistance or advice.
In addition to menopause health issues, our team members also have access to a GP helpline to assist with any other medical concerns, incorporating telephone and video consultations which are available 7 days/a week. It can be difficult enough to get a doctor’s appointment, but many of our employees work shifts, making it even harder, so our GP helpline is available to make their lives a little bit easier.
Going one step further in support of our employee’s health and wellbeing, we have recently relaunched our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and have been promoting this across our workforce. This service offers confidential counselling and expert advice should employees have any personal or work-related problems they wish to discuss. Providing support and practical advice for bereavement, family or matrimonial issues, stress, anxiety, domestic violence, bullying, legal rights and many other vital issues, the BUPA EAP scheme has been well received by our team.
We know that our employee benefits help us to recruit and retain the very best team members, who form important relationships with our residents. To find out more about our career opportunities and joining our team, you can view the latest vacancies on our career page, or contact us directly to discuss our flexible hours and attractive benefits on 01256 383 370.
* https://www.england.nhs.uk/mental-health/