In September 2021, OutsideClinic launched a new employee well-being strategy in a mission to be the best place to work in optics and audiology. 

The Cirencester-based programme, Tasting Colours, was introduced to support the health and well-being of the team. To date, 132 people have taken part in the 'life-changing' programme, with colleagues saying how the approach to wellness is a 'breath of fresh air and a reset towards positivity' and recommending it to others within the business.

We hear from regional trainer Michael Riordan who recently completed the tasting colours programme in September 2022 and described the experience as interactive, reflective, and engaging. The set-up worked perfectly into his lifestyle, fitting into his professional and personal schedules as 1-hour zoom sessions every week. It allowed Michael time to reflect between sessions and think about his learning.  

Michael gained a lot from the course and has adopted what he has learned into his life as a busy grandfather who enjoys spending time in nature, on his wife's allotment and around the fantastic countryside in Binfield, Berkshire. That is when he is not busy following Harlequins Rugby club to as many of their games as possible (Home and Away!) 

"The programme was interesting, and I encourage other open-minded colleagues to participate. It's an excellent fit for OutsideClinic as it works around your professional and private schedules. As someone who gives more than 100% in everything I do, the programme was great to put into perspective and remind me how important my life outside of work is too,

"The programme has opened my eyes to a lot. My character has gone through several changes over the years, and although I thought I was different, the programme drove home how much I have changed,

"It has drawn attention to how my mind works and how I can think more positively to reach my full potential and thrive professionally and personally. I look for solutions to problems rather than blame and seek to understand rather than be understood. I also listen more than I did previously to ensure that I understand a situation before reacting." 

  To read more about how the wellbeing initiative is going click here.