TLC Care has become the first workplace in any industry to achieve a new wellbeing award.

The luxury care home provider was awarded Platinum accreditation on the new Investors in People Wellbeing Framework, which identifies organisations that are high performing across their practice – including actively improving people’s health and wellbeing, and encouraging a positive workplace culture.

Paavan Popat, CEO of TLC Care, said: “To be the first organisation ever to achieve Platinum Investors in People Wellbeing Accreditation is an incredible achievement and a testament to the passion and dedication our teams have for the wellness and health of one another.”

As part of its Wellness Framework, TLC Care works with team members to set individual 30-day wellness plans focussing on healthy eating, exercise, sleep, engaging with nature and spending time with family and friends.

Additionally, 30 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) have been added across the group in the last four years to break down the stigma around mental health and promote good work-life balance for all employees.

Training for these roles and a range of other key areas including medication awareness, food safety and manual handling is created and delivered in-house – giving employees the chance to mentor others in areas they are skilled at.

Mandatory dementia training, which has been developed in consultation with experts and residents and includes a sensory experience to help staff understand what it may feel like to live with dementia, helps team members build better relationships with customers and feel more confident in their work.

Care team members have opportunities to progress to senior roles such as unit managers and home managers and regularly attended development courses, with many employees taking on ‘TLC Care Champion’ roles for their home in areas such as End of Life, Safeguarding, Infection and Prevention Control, and Medication Management and Pain.

Onboarding coaches help to integrate new employees with ongoing guidance and support, while overseas team members are provided with a meet and greet and transport from the airport, one month’s free accommodation, English lessons where required, support finding permanent accommodation and information packs and advice about the area they will be living in.

All homes also operate a ‘support cupboard’ allowing team members to pick up essentials such as hygiene products and tinned food to take home.