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 Hearing Aid Dispenser, Hayley Gotheridge, based in Burton-on-Trent, took part in the programme in 2022, after the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic. She felt it was the perfect opportunity to refresh and find a new look on life moving forwards from the pandemic. 

Positive mental health has always played an essential part in Hayley's life ever since her neurosurgery in 1998 due to her epilepsy, and it has been more important than ever to manage since 2001 when she had her last seizure. 

"Trying to keep up with others physically and mentally can sometimes be a challenge for me, but the programme has helped me to reduce the high expectations and pressure I put on myself, 

"Tasting colours has encouraged me to accept my already high level of commitment and success in what I do both professionally and personally rather than assuming I'm not doing a good enough job,

"The programme is a great opportunity for colleagues and helps everyone as a team have a more positive and kinder outlook on each other, the work we do and how to help maximise productivity. It creates a positive work environment and makes me feel confident to talk to OutsideClinic when and if I am struggling or to express and share my thoughts and feelings. I feel fortunate to be able to do so as I know many people working for other companies that feel undervalued and unable to express themselves in the way that we can at OutsideClinic." 

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