Supporting Each Other
to Stay
Improving Retention Together
Why does supporting each other matter?
Providing support to colleagues is important because it helps create a positive and encouraging environment where people feel valued, cared for, and a part of the team. When colleagues help, encourage or simply listen to each other, it can make challenges feel more manageable and work more enjoyable. Feeling supported also helps people stay engaged and motivated, making it easier to navigate tough days and find fulfilment in what they do. When a workplace fosters a culture of care, compassion and connection, it strengthens relationships, enhances wellbeing, and creates cultures and working environments where people want to stay and thrive.
As a manager/leader you have a significant role to play in creating supportive cultures and working environments. Here are some ideas to help you:
- Create a culture of recognition
, acknowledge achievements, big or small, and show appreciation for hard work. - Encourage openness support and encourage colleagues to share ideas, feedback and raise concerns without fear of judgement.
- Support professional development through mentoring, training or career progression pathways.
- Be approachable and empathetic, build trust by actively listening, show empathy and understanding, offer help and support .
- Foster teamwork and collaboration, create positive, connected environments where people feel valued and a sense of belonging.
- Encourage and role model flexibility and work-life balance , encourage healthy boundaries to prevent burnout.
As a team member you play a huge role in creating a positive and supportive culture and working environment where people feel valued and motivated to stay. Supporting each other can be really easy, here's some ways in which you can help:
- Encourage each other, a simple gesture like “you’ve got this” or “great job” can really make a difference.
- Be there there for each other, listen to each other, celebrate success and achievements or give support in difficult times.
- Share knowledge, experience and skills to help each other to grow.
- Create a welcoming environment, being kind, compassionate, considerate and inclusive.
- Check-in on each other show care and support.
As a manager and leader you have a part to play in making Flexible Working work within your team by....
- Championing and supporting flexible working
- Having regular, open and supportive flexible working conversations with your team
- Identifying and overcoming flexible working barriers to in your area
- Adopting a ‘test and learn’ mindset where all ideas can be tried
- Help your team to work flexibly to meet the needs of the individual seeking flexibility, the team, and the service
- Using tools and resources to help you
As a member of the team you also have a big part to play in making flexible working work by...
- Championing and supporting colleagues to work flexibly
- Be compassionate towards those seeking flexibility
- Shaping flexible working plans and requests that are clear, practical and positive, the individual guide to flexible working toolkit can help you
- Work with your manager to develop flexible working plans that meet the needs of you, your colleagues and the service
