Diane Rudge: Ways in which digital communications support good mental health

Diane Rudge, head of wellbeing, at the Department for Work and Pensions, describes how using digital solutions engages colleagues and connects them more widely.

"Our social intranet platform hosts an online mental health first aid community and all colleagues are encouraged to join our “Working Well Together” group which is now the second most popular in DWP. The group enables colleagues to engage in thriving wellbeing conversations, share information and best practice, as well as helping to promote new services.

"It’s been great to get external recognition through our REBA Employee Wellbeing Award 2018 for the progress we’ve made through our Working Well Together strategy and the positive impacts it is having on our 83,000 employees.

"Winning the award has helped us really drive forward wellbeing in DWP. It has not only helped us to convert people who may doubt the value and benefits of workplace wellbeing, but has also supported and given power to those who already believe to go on and do more.

"It’s also put us in demand for showcasing our work across wider industry, in particular our approach to measuring wellbeing."