BigChange looks after its employees’ health and wellbeing not only during the winter months but throughout the year through a variety of benefits and support.
Based in Leeds and employing 235 staff, BigChange is a management software service used by field service workers and back office personnel at more than 2,000 organisations worldwide.
The organisation supports its employees’ health and wellbeing by providing 15 mental health first aiders for its workforce to speak to if needed and enabling staff to have an individual wellbeing objective that they work towards throughout the year, whether that is improving their work-life balance, reading more or starting a meditation class.
BigChange also supports employees to stay their best throughout the entire year by providing access to health plans, including GP and counselling support, as well as enhanced sick pay, life assurance and income protection for peace of mind, explains Maisie Harris, HR business partner.
“We’re big on energy and pursue our purpose with passion, so we have four BigRecharge days a year where we all take a paid day off to focus on whatever energises us,” she says. “We understand that having time off is important so with that in mind, we offer 27 days of annual leave upon joining, increasing by a day each year up to a maximum of 30 days. With the BigRecharge days throughout the year, this means employees join with 31 days of entitlement rising to 34 days after three years.”
BigChange also offers employees a bikes-for-work scheme as well as a monthly contribution to gym, online or Zwift, which is an indoor cycling app, memberships. It provides flexible working through its BigFlexi scheme, which allows staff to build flexibility into their normal 37.5 hours working week and is agreed in advance with colleagues. They can additionally take advantage of remote and hybrid working options, and collaborative office spaces.
BigChange wants to support employees and enable them to bring their whole selves to work, acknowledging that little things can make a huge difference, especially at work, adds Harris.
“That’s why we have created a culture that is flexible and with our employee’s wellbeing in mind. Offering this support is important as we want employees to work in a supportive, collaborative environment where they feel a sense of belonging, loyalty and trust. The additional annual leave, flexi-working and recharge days are all especially valuable in the winter when people are experiencing lows due to the colder, shorter days,” she concludes.