Finding ways to wellness at Gallagher

Exercise, meditation, team check-ins, and BBQs are just some of the ways Gallagher team members are focusing on wellbeing.  Why is it important? When we look after our wellbeing at work it helps us be our best at home, and when we care for our wellbeing at home it helps us be our best at work.

In fact, our purpose at Gallagher – protect what matters most – is as much about our team members as it is about our customers. When we protect what matters most for our people, our people can protect what matters most for each other and our customers.

Simple ways to wellbeing

Hamilton-based Value Stream Manager for Operations, Duane Taylor, says wellbeing is a major focus in his team.

“This is the number one thing we talk about it – we discuss how we’re going in terms of mental health, and if we have anything going on that may affect our wellbeing.

“We really do look out for each other. A simple text, message, or call makes a huge difference, and it goes both ways too.

“Our company purpose, protect what matters most, has helped our team build a culture which speaks strongly to one of our values, helping each other grow, and this means it’s become second-nature to keep wellbeing front and centre.”

Using technology as a supporting tool

Duane’s team also run a monthly wellbeing check-in, which was created from an idea brought up by Steve Swindale and Gavin Larsen, also in the Operations team. “The team gets together, and we go through a set of questions relating to wellbeing. Gavin created a site which tracks the results, giving us the ability to compare how we are standing in the current month when compared to previous months.

“By reflecting on our results we’re able to see if certain events triggered specific trends, and if so, we’re able to look at how we can improve for next time.”

Duane says Steve and Gavin have been running this for several months now, and it’s going great. “It’s prompted some open discussions with the team which wouldn’t have been possible before. Individual team members are also able to jump in and track their own personal wellbeing score using a unique code. It’s a valuable tool we have available and I’m not doing it enough justice talking about it!”

Embracing mindfulness

Project Administrator Lauren Fawcitt has been playing her part in looking after the wellbeing of our Hamilton-based team – since the middle of 2021 she’s been leading 'Recharge & Meditate' meditation sessions which, as she describes, are really beneficial for overall health and wellbeing.

“The 15-minute meditation sessions involve breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind. This is followed by another 15-minute session focusing on light stretches to wake the body, accompanied by heavenly diffuser scents, quiet calming music, and dimmed lighting.”

When Covid made its way onshore, Lauren and her meditation sessions had to apply some creative problem solving to adapt to the restrictions that came with it. “Lately the sessions have looked a little bit different to what I originally aspired them to be – when I first introduced them, they were held onsite, but with Covid restrictions pushing us to work from home, we moved them online, via Microsoft Teams.”

Staying well around the world

Overseas, many of our North American teams have been using fitness to look after their mental and physical wellbeing. Director of Customer Service & Inside Sales Scott Rooney, who is based in our Kansas City office, often runs over his lunch break and was gearing up to tackle his first ever marathon, until Covid came long. That didn’t stop him however, as he decided to run it on his own!

Territory Manager Neil Mentzer is a CrossFit and weightlifting coach outside of work and says that gives him the drive to look after himself and others. “It’s my goal to not only better myself every day, but also to help others find a better version of themselves too.”

In Canada, Kyle Thompson (Canada Warehouse) likes to ride his bike and is looking to enter a 70km bike ride to raise money for a CT scanner in his city. Mike Adams (Canada Warehouse) is also a big runner and logs a ton of miles.

In the UK, Security’s Regional Marketing Manager Bethan Thompson shared their team’s approach to wellbeing. “Much like the rest of our team around the world, we use fitness as a tool to look after both our minds and our bodies.”

Bethan says that building lasting relationships is also an important part of the team’s wellbeing approach.

“We think spending time together outside of work is really beneficial, and with Covid restrictions no more we’re looking forward to team BBQs!"

Wellbeing is of critical importance to us at Gallagher. If you're keen to join a team who prioritises wellbeing, have a look at our vacancies here.