We are: 

* Supportive * Curious * Welcoming * Encouraging * Straightforward * 

We are Garrett Learning. 

 

Inside this month’s issue: 

• Training trends of 2023
• 2024 is going to be exciting. Keep Tuesday 12th March free! 
• Shouting about the wins!

What’s been happening?

 

The Learning trends of the year: 

 

1) Mental Health First Aid

 

The focus is still very much on Mental Health First Aid. We are noticing our employees are opening up and being honest, stating their mental health is the reason they need to take a break from work instead of saying, for example, it’s a bad back. 

Investing in mental health training for all members of the organisation is a great initiative. By offering support and guidance to anyone in your organisation, you are creating a safe environment where individuals feel comfortable seeking help for their mental health.

It is unfortunate that stigma still exists when it comes to discussing mental health in the workplace. It is important to work towards breaking down these barriers and creating a culture where employees feel empowered to share their experiences without fear of negative consequences, for example, fear of losing their job or not getting that promotion.

Offering mental health training demonstrates your commitment to the well-being of your employees and can contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment. It may also encourage individuals to be more open about their mental health, leading to improved overall mental well-being within the organisation. 

This year, Garrett Learning has trained 249 people in MHFA England Mental Health programmes in 2023. The cumulative total trained from July 2020 now stands at an incredible 721 individuals who have completed their training. The learners feel empowered and confident to have a conversation, use acceptable language and can provide support.

There is a fantastic app – Hub of Hope , you’ll find support in your local area should you, your colleagues, friends or family need it. 

Along with training, we can normalise mental health in the workplace. Employee Benefits recommend these approaches: 

1. Start with a mental health statement
2. Ongoing training and education
3. Promote self-care initiatives
4. Use correct language
5. Open communication and surveys
6. Normalise seeking help

Find out more here.

Want to know more about the mental health programmes we deliver, MHFA England and bespoke courses, check out our website. 

 

2) Leadership and Management development 

We’ve seen an increase in organisations investing in Leadership development. Traditionally (in Wendy’s employed days) leadership and management programmes were run in a cohort with pre-determined content. In 2023, Garrett Learning has been working with individuals on a theory and mentoring basis. 

Each learner has individual needs in their career journey. The sessions are shaped by the conversations that take place which makes it a tailor-made and unique learning experience for every learner. 

A recent cohort of Leadership and Management learners attended group sessions underpinned with 1:1 mentoring. This feedback was shared with us: 

“Thank you for working with them – they’re definitely listening to you and we are seeing some changes in attitude.  It’s a totally new concept for them both so I’m impressed at their willingness to listen and take action”

Sometimes it takes someone external to offer confidential support and guidance to help them lead the way. 

Please click here for more information on the Leadership and Management Chapters and support we offer. Need something more bespoke, book a call with Wendy Garrett to discuss your needs. 

What’s coming up?

We’re so excited about the opportunities that will present itself in 2024! 

If you’re self-employed, a solopreneur, or have been in business for a couple of years, we have something special planned for you! 

Keep Tuesday 12th March free for an amazing day! Information and an early bird offer will be launched in January! A group of awesome experts are coming together to help you push your business forward! Want to be kept in the loop, sign up here.

Want to clarify your why, purpose and direction or excel the growth of your business, book onto The Work Retreat. 

Join our Facebook group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1039672280699848  to find out more, or view the website here https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/work-retreat/ 

 

Join us on:

 

> Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th January 2024. Studley Castle, Warner Leisure Hotel. (Limited to 10 places)

 

> Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th June 2024. Stanton House Hotel, Cotswolds. (Limited to 10 places)

 

> Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd November 2024. The Cottage at Temple Guiting, Cotswolds. (Limited to 6 places)

 

Take advantage of the early bird offer – Unsure what to buy someone for Christmas this year, gift them The Work Retreat. Find out more at www.garrettlearning.co.uk 

 

Want to change your direction in 2024 or improve your skill set? Become a Mental Health First Aider. Upcoming course dates can be found here https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/book-here/ 

 

What’s new?

 

As 2023 comes to a close, it’s important to reflect on the ‘done’ list rather than the ‘to-do’ list! If you take a moment to look back, you’ve achieved so much. We are focusing on the wins, the Garrett Learning/Wendy Garrett top five moments of 2023 are: 

 

1. My website! Thank you to  Eighty 3 Design https://www.eighty3.co.uk/  for their outstanding professionalism and for making the Garrett Learning website sing and dance! I love it! 

 

1. I DID A THING!

• I’ve committed to writing a newsletter each month. I haven’t lapsed! Do you read it? What do you want to see featured in 2024? 

 

• I trialled The Work Retreat and it was a massive success! This is underpinned by Monday Club. Join us online, the first Monday of each month at 4pm to reflect and refocus on what is important!

 

• I started a podcast called Pause for Positivity. It’s a 5-minute podcast filled with lovely fulfilling and inspiring messages.  https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/pause-for-positivity-podcast/ 

Want to be a guest in 2024, book in a call here: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy?month=2023-12 

 

1. Post-COVID, connection with others and removing the feeling of loneliness has been extremely important to me. I looked for a local co-working space and couldn’t find anywhere suitable. Wendy being Wendy, if it doesn’t exist, make it happen! Partnering with Bistrot Pierre in Kidderminster, we now run co-working Monday. We are welcoming new people, employed and self-employed each week. If you’re local, come and join us! We love it!

 

1. Garrett Learning are proud to give back to our community by offering continued support to Men Walking and Talking  https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/ . We train their volunteer Walk Leaders to become Mental Health First Aiders so they can proactively support others as well as themselves.

 

1. This has been the best financial year for Garrett Learning, reporting a 20% growth. Thank you to all our new and returning loyal customers. I appreciate you. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.  

Want some help?

 

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning ( www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:

• Lunch and learn workshops
• Leadership and development sessions
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training 
• 1:1 mentoring
• The Work Retreat

 

Book a chat with Wendy here: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

 

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. 

If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

​m: 07859 878 599

c: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

w: www.GarrettLearning.co.uk

l: www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-garrett-7522bb50/ 

f: www.facebook.com/GarrettLearning 

i: www.instagram.com/garrettlearning

t: www.tiktok.com/@garrettlearning 

Christmas, connection and celebration!

 

We are: 

* Supportive * Curious * Welcoming * Encouraging * Straightforward * 

We are Garrett Learning. 

 

Inside this month’s issue: 

• Awards night
• Christmas stress-busting tips
• The power of connecting with others

 

What’s been happening?

 

On Saturday evening I went to a ‘works’ Christmas party! All thanks to the super supportive local networking group, Women Who, Worcestershire run by Lisa Lloyd and Carrie Pawley. 

Along with the turkey dinner and dancing, it was the annual awards night, and incredibly passionate women in business surrounded me. I was selected as a finalist for the ‘Women Who Inspire’ award, and although I didn’t win, this is what the nominee wrote about me: 

‘Wendy is wow! She’s a bundle of energetic power who has a real can-do attitude. She’s not afraid to share her story and her own struggles and she’s definitely not afraid to support others in a similar or completely different space. She’s flippin awesome’

When I read this, I felt like a winner! 

It can be difficult to be your own cheerleader in this self-employed space, however, I’ve found this network and it’s amazing to be a part of a wider supportive and encouraging environment. 

 

If you’re local to Worcestershire, find out about your local group here: https://womenwhoworcestershire.co.uk/  

What’s coming up?

It’s nearly December, I can mention Christmas surely! 

It can be a frantic time of year, perhaps giving ourselves a hard time if we haven’t achieved all the 2023 goals, getting ready for Christmas, having an Instagrammable worthy looking home and getting all the presents wrapped!

Yes – that’s usually me! However, unusually for me, I haven’t given it much thought this year. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself for a perfect Christmas and a special day. In reality, I would become extremely stressed and when something went wrong it would have really bothered me for the rest of the day! Wendy, why! 

Over the last few years my relationship with Christmas has changed. It’s magical and I absolutely love the lead-up, however I try to adopt a stress-free approach (if my husband, friends or parents read this, they will disagree and say I’m still super stressy!) 

 

We need to create some space in the run-up to Christmas. Here are three suggestions to help create what we might need:

 

• Enjoy the cool air against our skin! 

  Get out and get some fresh air, just for 5 minutes, stand, sit or take a 5-minute 

  walk, during this time, take some deep breaths and feel the crispness of the air. 

   Try it and thank yourself after!

 

• Plan ahead.

• What do you need to buy, make, create, do, visit, shop, prepare? 
• Make a list. 
• Ask yourself, do you really need to do everything on this list?
• If it’s a yes, how and when will you do it? Can you cross some stuff off or ask someone else to do it?
• Plan your activities over the four weeks leading up to Christmas. It will become more manageable than trying to cram it all in during the Christmas week/eve! 
• Remember to add in some space to relax and rest too! If you don’t look after yourself, it will be even harder to get it all done.  

 

• You can say no!
• You read that correctly! If you’re not up for going out for that drink, meal, social event, that’s ok.
• You can politely decline the invite. Thank the person for the invite, you can say it’s really kind of them to think of you during this festive period, however, I’m sorry, I’m not able to fit this in or I’m honoured you asked me, but I simply can’t.

Enjoy your Christmas, your way! 

What’s new?

Wendy is wearing a few new hats! 

Connection with others is so inspiring. I love being around people and enjoying the magic that is created!

Deloitte reports: “Connection empowers innovation and creativity and a deeper connection with ourselves”. Read more here. 

I’ve felt lonely in business for a while, coming from a large corporate environment to sitting in a room on my own isn’t great for me. I made some positive changes to be the best creative version of myself!

Here’s how I can help you connect with others: 

As well as my course facilitation, do you know that Garrett Learning runs Monday Club? 

These sessions are for anyone, anywhere, from the employed to the self-employed and everyone in between. You’ll have a chance to reflect on your previous month, identify what is important to you for the future month and monitor your growth. 

I started Monday Club because I’m passionate about growth, development and empowering others. We will be sharing tips, there is a chance to network and time to ask for help in the ‘I’m in a pickle’ section.

This session will give you the space for creativity and growth in your business, life or career goals. Invest 45 minutes in yourself, just once a month to catch your breath to see how amazing you really are!

Are you in? It’s free to attend, test this out in December and January. Click here to be involved!

 

The Work Retreat dates are now finalised for 2024!

 

I had an idea – brainstormed it –  spoke to anyone who would listen – ran the focus groups – lots of preparation – packed the car up-  run the trial!

And it was a huge success and I thoroughly enjoyed myself too! 

Thank you Amy from Naturally Grown Health for your feedback: https://www.naturallygrownhealth.co.uk/  

Why should you go on a retreat?

• We need to take time away from our business to focus on where we want to go next
• Do you actually take a break?! You’re spinning many plates, we all know what happens when we stop focusing, 
• You’ll actually get stuff done!
• Are you lonely in business? I know I am. Meet and connect with others. Want an opinion on something, guidance, focused chat on your ‘niggle’. We are all in for that!
• If we don’t look after ourselves, how can we look after others? Whatever our reasons for being in business, we must look after our well-being to help us achieve our passion and purpose.
• Start 2024 in the best possible way!
• You deserve it! Gift it to yourself or treat someone!

Join us at:

 

> Wednesday 17th to Friday 19th January 2024. Studley Castle, Warner Leisure Hotel. (Limited to 10 places)

 

> Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th June 2024. Stanton House Hotel, Cotswolds. (Limited to 10 places)

 

> Tuesday 19th to Friday 22nd November 2024. The Cottage at Temple Guiting, Cotswolds. (Limited to 6 places)

 

Take advantage of the early bird offer – Unsure what to buy someone for Christmas this year, gift them The Work Retreat. Find out more at www.garrettlearning.co.uk 

Want some help?

 

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning ( www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:

• Lunch and learn workshops
• Leadership and development sessions
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training 
• 1:1 mentoring
• The Work Retreat

 

Book a chat with Wendy here: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

 

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. 

If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

​m: 07859 878 599

c: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

w: www.GarrettLearning.co.uk

l: www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-garrett-7522bb50/ 

f: www.facebook.com/GarrettLearning 

i: www.instagram.com/garrettlearning

t: www.tiktok.com/@garrettlearning 

 

Inside this month’s issue: 

• What should we do after World Mental Health Day?
• Being inspirational 
• Monday Club

What’s been happening?

 

I can’t lie, I’ve had a wonderful three weeks away in the sunshine. My husband Charlie and I went to the Hunter Valley in New South Wales, Australia for a family wedding and we stopped via Bali on the way home for a little holiday (and Bali was on my bucket list!)

 

Bali is quite a nice place to write this newsletter! 

I’m not a work-a-holic by any means, I don’t always work while I’m away, however the joys of being self-employed does mean that I can go away on holiday more often so I do need to keep on top of work. I pretty disciplined with the holiday/work balance. I usually spend the first hour of my day with a cuppa and catch up on emails, share a social media post etc then I have the rest of the day to rest, explore and eat amazing food.   

 

What’s coming up?

 

Lots of exciting stuff, that’s what is coming up! 

 

I’m passionate about supporting others and helping people grow. This is why I changed my career direction to Learning and Development in 2012. I love to support people and connection (or re-connecting people) is important to me. 

Whilst I’ve been away and ‘out’ of the business, my brain, ideas, and creativity levels have ramped up a notch or two.  

 

• I will be running Monday Club on the first Monday of every month. It’s online, it’s free, and for 45 minutes starting on Monday 6th November at 4pm. Monday Club welcomes everyone, whether you’re in business, study or working towards personal goal, come and check it out. 

 

Sign up here! https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/monday-club-with-garrett-learning 

 

• The Work Retreat in the Cotswolds, January 17th to 19th. Get away from the daily grind and give yourself some time to focus on yourself and your business. £575 for 2 nights in a castle, breakfast, dinner, entertainment and a massage. Find out more here: https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/work-retreat/ A perfect way to start the new year. 

 

 

What’s new?

 

World Mental Health Day has come and gone, however we need to continually support the people in our team. If you’re looking for some guidance, the new MHFA England programme: Mental Health Skills for Managers, will help you on your way. 

 

This programme will support managers in putting well-being at the top of the leadership agenda. The programme will provide confidence and practical skills to support the team in person or virtually. The managers will be confident in having a conversation with their team members about mental health and wellbeing.

This programme will help you create a healthy workplace for all which will encourage employees to thrive, be themselves at work, and access the support that is required.

If you’re a people manager, this course is for you.

Cost per person: £150 – includes digital resources, workbook and certificate.

Dates for all the MHFA England Adult open programmes are available on this link: https://mhfaengland.org/public-profile/?id=53e0d92a-9711-e811-8127-e0071b664191 

If you’re interested in running your own private cohort, or want more information please email wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk or book in a call to chat directly with Wendy: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

 

Finally, I’ve been nominated for an award! 

 

Women Who Inspire Award – This award will go to the woman who, against all odds, has risen to challenges and made the impossible into possible for herself. 

 

I’ve been recognised as ‘Inspiring’ by the fantastic group of ladies at Women Who, Worcestershire. The awards dinner is at the end of November. I feel truly honoured to be recognised for doing what I love. 

 

There are ten finalists, who are all incredibley inspiring ladies. Whom we can all learn from and support one another. 

 

It led me to think about being inspirational. I’ve had a few conversations over the last couple of months about how I’ve inspired others.

 

• I’m training for the London Marathon in April, so I started Couch to 5k. My sister-in-law and friend mentioned they’d re-started couch to 5k running as I had been posting my runs on Strava and Facebook and it inspired them to get back out there and give it a go. They’re smashing their goals too!

 

• I chatted with a former learner on one of the MHFA England programmes I ran, and she asked about becoming a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. I asked her why she wanted to do this and she said I inspired her to do this through my passion and love for the job. I will continue to support her in the new role. I’m excited to see how she grows and develops as an instructor. 

 

• Then just last week, I caught up with a friend on the phone – we hadn’t spoken for 12 years! She moved cities, from Clermont, inland Queensland to Brisbane. I asked her what made her move. I didn’t expect the answer of ‘Wendy it was you that made me do it, if you can travel solo halfway across the world, I can move to a bigger city’ 

 

All these conversations fill my heart with love and admiration. 

 

If we want something, we can do anything we put our minds to it. Yes, life gives us challenges, sometimes things don’t go the way we expect them to go. We can learn from this, we realise that change is good and provides us with new opportunities. 

 

I love this quote from Richard Branson before: 

 

 

I really do live by this. It pushes my comfort zone and opens up a new world! Perhaps I will see you at Monday Club to start working on your own goals! 

 

 

Want some help?

 

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning ( www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:

• Lunch and learn workshops
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training 
• 1:1 support
• Mentoring
• Work Retreats

 

Book a chat with Wendy here: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. 

 

If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

​m: 07859 878 599

c: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning/cuppa-and-chat-with-wendy 

w: www.GarrettLearning.co.uk

l: www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-garrett-7522bb50/ 

f: www.facebook.com/GarrettLearning 

i: www.instagram.com/garrettlearning

t: www.tiktok.com/@garrettlearning 

 

 

The Work Retreat is about working ON your business, career, life rather than IN it. Take yourself off to a castle for a few days to rest and reset.

If you’ve read enough, let’s go!  Pay here!

Monday Club – First Monday of the month 4pm

Hi. I’m Wendy Garrett. I’ve started Monday Club because I’m just passionate about growth and development. My business is Garrett Learning and I deliver training in Leadership and Management, I’m an MHFA England instructor for the Mental Health First Aid programmes and I organise work Retreats where I take people away from their business to work ON their business rather than IN it.

Please join us on the first Monday of every month at 4pm for 45 minutes. This session will give you the space for creativity and growth within your business, life or career goals.

These sessions are for the employed and self-employed to identify what is important to you and monitor your growth. It’s worth investing 45 minutes in yourself, just once a month to catch your breath to see how amazing you really are.

Are you in?   sign up here

The first three sessions are free, from February 2024 there will be a small charge of £7.50 per session, or pay upfront and save. A 12-month subscription: £75.

You’ll be emailed your Monday progress document the week before your session or download it here:  Monday Club with Garrett Learning

See you soon!

Wendy

Forward planning for World Mental Health Day, let us help! Inside this month’s issue: Planning for World Mental Health Day on 10th October – find useful resources enclosed What podcasts are you enjoying? What is a Work Retreat? Grab a cuppa and enjoy!

What’s been happening? We’ve been busy over at the Garrett Learning ‘box office’! The business is growing! Wendy Garrett is now a Retreat Leader for The Garrett Learning Work Retreat. Wendy has many many hats and talents, she will continue to provide training and development, however, she’s combining her passion for learning, development and her experience within the hospitality industry.

What is a Work Retreat? It’s an escape from your usual place of work, whether you are employed or self-employed, the aim of a work retreat is to spend time with like-minded people to work on your business rather than in it, to collaborate, work on projects, have space for clarity and vision and be creative. You could focus on the growth of your business, your career or life. Or simply let the retreat work its magic on you. The Work Retreat will run quarterly with various themes and budgets. The first retreat will take place in January 2024 – check it out here:

The Work Retreat

Want to be kept in the loop, subscribe to the mailing list:

Sign up here

What’s coming up? World Mental Health Day is on Tuesday 10th October. The charity Mind mentions that: ‘It’s a day to raise awareness of mental health problems. More and more of us are aware of mental health and so many of us still aren’t getting the right support’. Want to make a difference? Take action this World Mental Health Day:

1) Sign the petition to reform the Mental Health Act. Find out more here.  Download a support pack to share on social media, display, posters and update your Zoom backgrounds. 2) The Mental Health Foundation is running a ‘Tea and Talk’ campaign. Get your community or workplace involved. Having a conversation and connecting with others is important to support our well-being and mental health. Click this link for information.

3) MHFA England has some fantastic resources available, for today and every day.

If this World Mental Health Day sparks discussions about upskilling your team in mental health, Garrett Learning delivers programmes to support your objective.

Click for the Garrett Learning website

What’s new? We’ve been listening to podcasts! We love them! Listen to a podcast when out walking, running or driving the car. The top three that I have enjoyed over the last month include: ted Learning podcast hosted by Justin Smith-Essex. Take a listen to their new lived experiences series. It’s an insight into how other people live their lives and the stigma, challenges and discrimination received and they share their inspiring resilient approach to overcome challenges. Take a listen here.

Dawn Owen’s High Vibe Tribe Podcast.  Dawn has enormous amounts of high vibes with great guests with a unique view of the world and has her very own style that challenges the ‘norm’ of coaching. Listen here.

Something a little different and not work-related. Welcome to When it comes crashing down with Dan and Ross (not Diana Ross!) it’s a random and high-energy podcast. I specifically loved the episode on retro toys! Who actually did receive a Mr Frosty when they were a kid? Listen here.

and if you’re not ‘podcasted out’ come and listen to mine!

What is new with you? What are you working on? Want some help? Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning can help: Lunch and learn workshops MHFA England Programmes  Open courses Bespoke training 1:1 support Mentoring Work Retreats Book a chat with Wendy here.

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself.

If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

Copyright (C) *2023* * Garrett Learning*. All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: wendy@garrettlearning.co.uk Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

 

First things first, what’s been happening at Garrett Learning?

 

I’m on another level at the moment, I’m growing and developing my knowledge in all different directions. I’m on a continuous learning cycle. This month I attended a Doggy First Aid course. Meet Jeff! I had a great day fussing him! He was a fantastic canine support instructor! 

I love learning and these skills will be extremely valuable as the summer holidays are here and my family members will drop off their beloved pooches to me as they jet off on holiday. The dogs will have a mighty fine time with ‘Aunty Wendy’. I absolutely love the company of dogs and I will benefit from all the extra walks/breaks I will take throughout the day.  

 

Let’s talk about work-life imbalance!

Have you mastered the art of work-life balance yet? If so, please share your secrets with us! Or do you feel it is another unnecessary pressure we place upon ourselves?

 

There are increasing demands of life, looking after children, elderly parents, running the home, working, and managing a business. Plus we should try and fit in all the ‘good stuff’ that we’re told to do to keep us well: exercise, eat healthy, connect with others, take a break, rest, reflect and fit in a lunch break away from the desk. All of this should fit neatly into 24 hours! 

The pressure of managing a ‘work-life’ balance can feel like an impossible and unrealistic goal – what does it look like anyway? It’s going to be different for everyone. 

There is an ongoing debate on whether we are managing work-life balance. CIPD reports 60% of people surveyed working longer hours than they want to and 24% over-work by ten or more hours a week, which is causing disruption to family life and they reported that they find it hard to switch off. 

(Read the full article here: https://www.cipd.org/uk/about/press-releases/poor-work-life-balance/ ) 

We could find ourselves in a negative cycle, if we aren’t managing to switch off, rest and reflect, this could have a negative impact on our sleep. If we don’t sleep well, the knock-on effect is that it’s difficult to perform well at work. This will hugely impact your business/organisation: reduced efficiency and productivity, leading to staff absence, presenteeism, and therefore impacting the bottom line; sick pay, high turnover, the associated recruitment costs and grievances.  

There are signs of poor work-life balance: 

• Starting the working week tired and exhausted
• Feeling irritable 
• Complaints about workload and ‘not getting everything done’, but struggling to focus
• Missing personal commitments due to work
• Not prioritising medical appointments over work. For example, not attending medical appointments as ‘I’m at work’
• Frequently working overtime shifts
• Not taking annual leave

When I was 23, I found myself working 50-60 hours a week, sleeping with a notebook and pen by the side of my bed to capture my work related thoughts as I woke throughout the night. I never switched off from work. I didn’t take any annual leave in the first year as I thought it would impress my boss as I’m so ‘hard working’ and therefore be offered a promotion. The promotion didn’t come, I was completely exhausted, burnt out and ended up handing in my notice.  

Can we break the cycle? – We certainly can try!

• Manage annual leave – if you/your team haven’t taken any time off in a while, encourage them to book in a break. People often return to work refreshed and raring to go!
• The introduction of well-being plans will identify what the individual wants and needs to be physically and mentally well. Check out mind.org.uk for an Wellness Action Plan template. 
• Adapting a flexible approach to work, including hours worked and the location, allows employees to work around their personal schedules; which will reduce stress and help manage the increasing demands of life.   
• The ‘four-day working week’ (I’m a personal fan of this idea!) 

The UK Campaign is currently being trialled and hopes to improve employee well-being by compressing the hours worked into four days without affecting pay and benefits.  

At Garrett Learning we can help train your team to spot signs of poor mental health with the MHFA England Mental Health programmes. The current open course dates are as follows:

Book here: https://calendly.com/garrettlearning 

Three tips on improving work-life balance:

• Anyone that knows me, knows that I absolutely love holidays! Book some time off, change location for this break if you can. Try to switch off from work, take that all-important ‘you time’. On the last trip I went on, I left my laptop at home! Next time I will also try to leave my phone.
• Plan your working week. Schedule start and end times, including breaks. Eat lunch away from your work area.  Add in appointments. Block out time to work on tasks. Reduce the number of times you check your emails (if it’s really important they will call you). Add in your leisure time or family activities. Unplug from technology. Try some of these ideas and reflect on how it makes you feel. 
• Book in a workcation (work from another location) – take yourself away, alone or with likeminded friends/colleagues, change of scenery, and imagine a view of the sea, countryside or the mountains. This break from the normal routine will do wonders for your creativity, productivity and wellbeing, as well as collaborating and re-connecting with people! (I’m taking my own advice here as next week I’m off to Weymouth for a workcation – more on that next month!)   

Remember there is no ‘perfect work-life’ balance. It’s about how you feel and when you perform at your best without it impacting your mental and physical health. 

Want to find out more about how Garrett Learning can help you??

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  

Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning can offer:

 

• Lunch and learn workshops
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training 
• 1:1 well-being strategy development
• Business mentoring

 

Chat with Wendy: Book a call

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. 

If you want to discuss your future plans, we’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

​m: 07859 878 599

– Book a call

– Website

– Linkedin 

– Facebook

– Instagram

– Tiktok 

 

A moment to reflect.

 

 

 

And just like that we are halfway through the year!

It’s been a busy one for Wendy at Garrett Learning. Firstly, Garrett Learning has turned 3!

 

 

 

What a learning journey that has been in itself. 

You may not know the story of how Garrett Learning was born, wonder no more….!

Rewind to May 2020 and I was made redundant. I brought a bicycle and planned to enjoy the summer exploring the Wyre Forest. Well, until I fell off it and caused myself an injury. I was bed/sofa bound and couldn’t drive. I was bored at home with nothing to occupy my time, when an email from MHFA England popped up saying we can now deliver the courses online. A company approached Jessica Shields Coaching and I to jointly deliver a Mental Health Programme. It has been three years since we both said yes! 

Today we celebrated! I owe so much to Jess. 

The last three years have been full of growth and development – Trying to wear all sorts of hats – doing my job as a course facilitator, along with being a marketing guru, IT wiz (I’ve lost too many hours trying to get my printer to print in colour!), been a website developer, found an awesome accountability buddy and I’ve finally found a group of like-minded people so I no longer feel lonely. 

I can now say I’m happy! It’s taken some time and I’ve learned lessons along the way. 

• First lesson: If you can, pay people to do the stuff you can’t do. By the time you have figured it out, you could have paid someone and used your own time more efficiently.
• Second: Remember to reflect on the things you HAVE completed and not the things you haven’t done. 
• Third: Find your trusted sounding board of people. You’ll need them, for so many different reasons! 
• Forth: You no longer need to work ‘9-5’… don’t feel guilty about taking a longer lunch break or starting work a little later or finishing early. Take the reward. We work hard & you make the rules!
• Fifth: You might find yourself in situations and might not know the answer. You’ll figure it out! (*insert trusted sounding board here!)

I’ve loved my journey and everyone I have met along the way. Thank you!

 

What else is new? 

 

 

I needed to ‘stretch’ so I started a Podcast! Welcome to ‘Pause for Positivity’. 

The idea is that in just five short minutes you’ll hear some inspirational and positive messaging that may just influence you in some way. 

We’re six episodes in  – Enjoy!

 

Take a listen to the most recent episodes here: https://www.garrettlearning.co.uk/pause-for-positivity-podcast/ 

And if you’d like to be a guest, Book a call as Wendy loves to chat to anyone who has a positive learning experience to share. 

 

Get yourself to a TEDx Talk!

To continue the theme of positivity, try surrounding yourself with inspirational speakers for the day. The talks are thought-provoking. Natalie Welch spoke about the ‘labels’ that are given to us, perhaps from our family members, school report or the workplace.

Labels may include: strong, hardworking, chatterbox, doesn’t pay attention, smart, fat, lazy, weak, positive, stupid, dumb, selfish, and childish.

What do these labels mean? We may allow the labels to serve us. For example, growing up, I’ve always been told I have my ‘head screwed on’ and I’m a ‘hard worker’. Upon reflection, I find it hard to switch off, I’m always on the go and never ask for help. I’ve had to unravel these beliefs, they no longer serve me in a positive manner, I’ve let them go.

Follow this link for upcoming events. https://www.ted.com/tedx/events

And watch previous talks here: https://www.ted.com/ 

2023 is shaping up to be an incredible year. Business number two is currently in the planning stages, we look forward to sharing this with you. Watch this space! 

 

 

Want to find out more about how Garrett Learning can help you?

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  

Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning can offer:

• Lunch and learn workshops
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training 
• 1:1 well-being strategy development
• Business mentoring

Chat with Wendy: Book a call

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. 

 

Welcome to May’s newsletter! 

Let’s talk about learning and neurodiversity. 

I will be honest, this wasn’t the topic I initially planned to write about for the May edition, however following on from an informative webinar earlier in the week with Hayley Brackley founder of Great Minds Don’t, it has made me think about how training can be delivered in a more inclusive way for those who are neurodiverse. 

According to Bupa, one in ten people is thought to be dyslexic and three in 100 adults have ADHD, therefore I feel it’s important to raise awareness and reduce stigma and discrimination as well as equipping our people managers/leaders with tips to support their diversity within the team.  

Firstly, what is neurodiversity?

The definition from The Brain Charity states: 

“Neurodiversity is the concept that brain differences are natural variations. Some people’s brains simply work in a different way.

For at least 20% of the adult population in the UK, these differences mean they may be diagnosed with

neurological conditions including autism, dyslexia and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)”.

What did I learn this week?  

Here are the five takeaways on how to improve the inclusivity of neurodivergent people in a learning environment:   

Tip one: Presentations. Consider the colour of your text and background. Black text on a light grey background for PowerPoint will reduce the colour contrast to help them focus on the slide. If delivering virtually, use black text on a white background as the user can adjust their own settings on the device to suit individual learning preferences, for example; changing the colour of their screen display.

Tip two: Fonts. Consider the font used, swirly (swirly) fonts look nice but can be difficult to read. Feel free to use those if it’s important to you and your brand messaging, however it’s suggested to keep swirly fonts for titles, headers or single words and not for sentences. 

Tip three: Ice-breaker activities. Think about the ice-breakers you use. For example, asking someone to state ‘two truths and one lie’ can be difficult for those who are neurodiverse. A suggested ice-breaker would include sharing factual information – describing something that brings them happiness, makes them smile or sharing something about their background or a defining moment.

Tip four: Eye contact. People who are neurodivergent can find eye contact awkward and overwhelming. Neurodivergent people may not engage in eye contact, this should not be forced. Typically, educators are taught that eye contact demonstrates a person’s understanding and engagement with the content being delivered, however this is not always the case. The learner may be able to listen or watch, but not both together.

Tip Five: Time. Many neurodiverse people struggle with time management as time can be perceived to have sped up or slowed down. When setting times for the session, breaks or activities, be mindful that neurodiverse people may be early or late depending on their perspective of time. 

Want to find out more?

Understand neurodiverse conditions via the NHS website

A manager’s guide to supporting neurodiversity in the workplace: BUPA

We hope this summary was useful. 

 

Can Garrett Learning help you?

 

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  

 

Book a discovery call with us to see what Garrett Learning can offer:

 

• Lunch and learn workshops
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training 
• 1:1 well-being strategy development
• Mentoring

 

Chat with Wendy: Book a call

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable and can be yourself. 

 

If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

​m: 07859 878 599

– Book a call

– Website

– Linkedin 

– Facebook

– Instagram

– Tiktok

Poor mental health is the main cause of long-term absence The Times Health Commission conducted a survey with the consultancy firm PwC and they discovered that mental illness is the main cause of long-term absence.

CIPD states ‘Long-term absence is usually defined as lasting at least four weeks and can be challenging to manage; the longer someone is off sick, the harder it can be for them to return’.

We’ve seen a shift in employees taking time off for physical illnesses to poor mental health, anxiety and depression are the two main causes of poor mental health absence.

More than half of the employees surveyed said their mental health had worsened since the pandemic and employees are asking for work-related benefits. There was an increase of 64% in requests for counseling compared to a 19% rise in requests for gym memberships. The shift in well-being and what is needed to support the mental health of our employees is changing.

Impact of doing nothing: 

• People won’t feel supported.
• High-stress levels.
• Absenteeism and presenteeism have a detrimental impact on productivity, efficiency, accidents, and errors, therefore affecting your bottom line.

Work out the financial cost of poor employee health within your organisation with this tool that has been created by the UK Government  Workplace Wellbeing Tool.

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 states we have a duty of care for the health and well-being of our employees and under the Equality Act 2010, employers are required to support employees with disabilities and health conditions. The leaders of our organisation can manage this by:

• Implement/update your well-being strategy and well-being policy.
• Assess the level of stress in your organisation by using the HSE Stress Risk Assessment
• Assisting the employee’s mental well-being and financial security – providing job security and autonomy in their role.
• Training and guidance for leaders – how to spot early warning signs, learn how to approach the conversation and know how and when to signpost for support.
• Prevent isolation by keeping in touch when team members are off work. Establish who you should contact and how often.
• If applicable, involve HR, Occupational Health, and line managers.
• Confirm what the employee will be paid, for example, if they will receive sick pay.

Create absence policies that will cover:

• Holiday
• Maternity, paternity, adoption, and parental health.
• Time off for medical or hospital appointments.
• Sickness.
• Time off for the needs of their dependents.
• Time off for bereavement.
• Clarity on extreme weather or travel disruption is included as an authorised absence.

Find out more here: ACAS. The absence policy should also include the ‘Return to work’ process.

Return to work: 

A supportive return-to-work informal chat should establish if the employee is ready to return to work and what support is required. This is sometimes seen as a ‘tick box’ exercise. If this is the case, a great opportunity to connect with the employee is being missed. During this chat, you can update the employee on what has been going on in the organisation whilst they have been away, understand the employee’s needs further, and agree on a plan going forward.

People managers may have a tendency to try and ‘fix the problem’, however, a persons poor mental health it is not for us to solutionise. We can ask the employee what would be helpful for them to return to work, some considerations may include:

• Enabling flexible or hybrid working or phased return to work.
• Establish what ongoing support the employee requires.
• Confidentiality is important, establish what the employee would like to keep confidential about their absence and what they would like the other employees to know about their absence.
• Agree on reasonable adjustments- consider any recommendations that have been provided by the employee’s doctor.

Read more here:

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/mental-health-is-main-cause-of-long-term-absence-say-employers-times-health-commission-92dp0sfnq

 

Want some help?

Garrett Learning creates welcoming, memorable, and learner-focused learning experiences to reach individual and business goals.  Book a discovery call with us to see how Garrett Learning ( www.garrettlearning.co.uk ) can help:

• Lunch and learn workshops
• MHFA England Programmes  Open courses
• Bespoke training
• 1:1 well-being strategy development
• Mentoring

We (Wendy and her growing team!) are here for you when you need us. We are here to hear you! We are kind in nature and open to hearing everyone’s point of view. Our training and overall learning experiences are built to ensure you feel comfortable  

If you want to discuss your future plans, I’d love to hear them! Get in touch!

​m: 07859 878 599

w: www.GarrettLearning.co.uk

l: www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-garrett-7522bb50/

f: www.facebook.com/GarrettLearning

i: www.instagram.com/garrettlearning

t: www.tiktok.com/@garrettlearning