Providing support at key stages in the employee life cycle

During the workshop, we discussed as a group some ideas for mitigating the risk of loneliness for colleagues at key stages in their career. In addition to loneliness awareness training and equality and diversity training for all staff,  here are some of the ideas the Tackling Loneliness Hub came up with. 

  • Have a clear and structured onboarding process, with a mixture of in person and online meetings.
  • Introduce new starters to other colleagues in the team and key contacts.
  • Enable new starters to shadow meetings with other colleagues.
  • Develop a buddy system for new starters.
  • Create cross working groups to enable employees to share their expertise and meet colleagues from across the organisation.
  • Provide regular social social activities, such as team lunches, lunchtime walking groups, etc.
  • Manager relationship is key – provide clear objectives, explain how the role fits within the wider team, and have regular 1:1s.
  • Provide resources: employee handbook which outlines support available as well as glossary of terms / acronyms used. 

  • Ease the employee back into the workplace gradually with a phased return.
  • Ensure the employee is consulted in all stages of their return to work.
  • Upskill line managers so they are prepared to support employees.
  • Signpost colleagues to relevant support as required.
  • Develop a Wellness Action Plan.
  • Ensure regular meetings with the line manager or HR person to check-in and meet reasonable adjustments.

  • Develop a manager peer support network to enable challenges to be discussed in an open and safe space. 
  • Keep regular team meetings, even if there is not much to discuss.
  • Be transparent with colleagues about your management style and foster a culture of trust and open communication. 
  • Consider coaching or support outside the organisation. 

  • Create peer support groups to help build social connections with others who are also approaching retirement. 
  • Develop a buddy system, either between a near retiree and someone still in the organisation, or pairing someone approaching retirement with someone already retired.
  • Have a ‘Mid-life MOT’ conversation which could be used to discuss retirement alongside a range of other workplace issues. 
  • Provide resources: video case studies describing individual experience and tips for a positive transition to retirement; list of volunteer opportunities and community groups which may be useful.