Higgs LLP is offering colleagues the opportunity to ‘paws for thought’ on Blue Monday by bringing their dogs to work.
Today, January 16, is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’ and is, according to experts, the gloomiest day of the year.
To help lift spirits, Higgs has decided to invite its people to bring their beloved dogs into the office.
“Every year the third Monday of January is dubbed ‘Blue Monday’,” explained Nicola Little, HR Business Partner at Higgs.
“It is apparently the most miserable day of the year due to a combination of factors, including the Christmas cheer being just a distant memory, the cold weather, January payday still being some way off and guilt setting in for people who have already given up on New Year’s resolutions.
“Whether you believe in Blue Monday or not, Higgs have decided to help lift the mood by welcoming well-behaved dogs into the office this week.
“Numerous studies have found significant health benefits from being around animals, including their ability to rapidly calm and soothe when people are stressed or anxious.
“The companionship of a pet can also ease loneliness, and most dogs are a great stimulus for healthy exercise, which can substantially boost mood and ease depression.
“I’m sure it will be a lot of fun and will help lift morale and positive mental health, which is something we take very seriously at Higgs.”
Higgs is also running a positive wellbeing lunch and learn session with wellbeing coach Cathy Lawson on Wednesday. The session will look at all aspects of wellbeing, including emotional health, mental health, physical health, stress levels, self-esteem and happiness.
“This interactive session will give our people time out to make sure they are tuned up and raring to go,” added Nicola.
Higgs LLP has made significant strides towards enhancing the health and wellbeing of its people. Perhaps most importantly, Higgs has an established and effective team of mental health first aiders.
The so-called Wellness Team was launched at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic and volunteers were sought to train as mental health first aiders. Today the firm has a team of 16 from all areas of the business with more to be trained in the coming months.
The team meets every six weeks and organises regular ‘time to talk’ coffee and cake sessions as well as arranging external speakers talking around subjects such as loneliness, resilience, and financial awareness.
Higgs has also offered its people financial help through the ongoing cost of living crisis and gives its people a Health and Wellbeing Day each year - an extra day off to take part in their favourite pursuits or to try something new.
Higgs’ commitment to wellbeing has not gone unnoticed. The firm recently received the silver accreditation from the world-renowned Investors in People and is also a finalist in The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards and the Women & Diversity in Law Awards for the Health & Wellbeing category.
