Major UK retailers launch Wellbeing in Retail website

The John Lewis Partnership, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asos, the Co-op, Marks & Spencer and Next have launched an online training guide that provides mental health support for retail workers.

Working with the Samaritans, the Wellbeing in Retail initiative was inspired by joint research from the John Lewis Partnership, Marks & Spencer, Co-op and Next, which revealed that: Over 50% of 2,000 retail workers questioned could not recognise the signs of someone needing emotional support; Around 25% would not feel confident approaching an upset colleague.

A website features information and suggestions, activities and resources and is accessible via desktop, phone or tablet. Tools such as breathing techniques, the Samaritans listening wheel, mood barometer, films from mental health experts and case studies are available.

Ruth Sutherland, Chief Executive at the Samaritans says: “It’s so encouraging to see retailers come together like this for the first time in the interest of improving their staff’s mental health. Over recent years, we have seen a real step change in the attitudes and behaviours of employers as they actively seek to address how they can improve wellbeing in the workplace and we are proud to be part of making this transition happen.”