Mental Health for Line Managers and Wellbeing Champions

Steps was commissioned by a major UK retail bank to create a series of bespoke engaging, interactive e-learning modules around mental health, targeted to Line Managers and Wellbeing Champions in the organisation.

Building on previous work with Steps on mental health in the workplace, as well as other initiatives carried out by the bank, it was evident that great efforts were being made to raise awareness of the topic. This programme would provide further support, specifically tailored to line managers and wellbeing champions, while being accessible to all, supporting them in fulfilling their responsibilities relating to mental health. By creating an easily accessible digital resource, the aim was to reach a large audience across the organisation, including national and international offices.

What did we do?

We conducted learning needs analysis via a series of focus groups and a survey completed by over 1000 line managers and wellbeing champions. This helped us to develop a clear picture of what was needed to support staff in promoting good mental health. All aspects of the digital resource, from the tone, style and use of media were informed by the research phase.

In collaboration with the client, and in partnership with our Mental Health expert Laura Rosenthal, we created a programme consisting of nine modules, all of which centred around increasing knowledge of common mental health conditions and equipping learners with skills and knowledge to improve their response to mental health challenges. Topics included how to spot the signs that someone might need support, how to have a conversation, promoting mental health within teams and navigating performance targets and wellbeing.

This was the largest digital resource we have created to date, showcasing a range of different styles including presenter, expert corner, drama scenarios, ‘Goggle-box’ style discussion groups, senior leader advocacy and a personal stories section.

Our Steps to Change methodology informed how the digital resource was structured to promote long-term behaviour change:

SEE IT – Raising awareness of how to spot the signs – (Covered in modules 1 and 2)
OWN IT – What is expected of you – (Covered in module 3)
CHANGE IT – How to have a conversation, support for those supporting others – (Covered in module 4 and 5)
LIVE IT – Managing return to work, manging performance, promoting Mental Health in your team – (Covered in modules 6, 7 and 8)

Results

The programme was launched in March 2023, since then it has been completed by over 3,300 people, engaging with more than 14,000 modules, with 5-star ratings across the board. A bespoke line manager module was included as part of their mandated learning during Q2 2023. The programme offset a target of 10,000-interactions by the end of 2023. Our client is a real advocate for Steps and our partnership approach: “We had a strong track record working with Steps on mental health in the workplace, and were delighted to partner with them on our most extensive and ambitious mental health learning programme. From the outset, Steps understood our requirements, wanted to understand what end users wanted and set about mapping the modules and content. The project management ran smoothly, with any challenges and requests taken in their stride by an excellent and knowledgeable team”.

Since it’s launch in March 2023, the programme has been completed by over 3,300 people, engaging with more than 14,000 modules, with 5-star ratings across the board. A bespoke line manager module was included as part of their mandated learning during Q2 2023. The programme offset a target of 10,000-interactions by the end of 2023. Our client was delighted with the engagement level across the bank: “The end result has been very well received, with strong take-up and feedback and a comprehensive programme that we can use across all areas and colleagues to change behaviours and strengthen the culture of openness of mental health in the workplace.”

Next Steps?

We continue to support and collaborate with the client on the ‘Change it and Live it’ aspects of the programme, and to track and measure impact against longer term measures such as stress-related absence, colleague ratings on engagement, and managers’ ability to support mental wellbeing.