Calling for Greater Transparency, Great Customer Service & Mental Health

This week we started with some very positive news with the announcement of no UK Covid deaths since the pandemic began and the fact that over half the adults in the UK have now had their second dose of vaccine, both significant milestones.

We also had some disappointing news for those wanting to go on holiday overseas this summer, with recent changes to the countries listed on the traffic light system, which will have a significant impact on the travel industry as well as the thousands of UK businesses who provide travel services.

We will be calling on the government for greater transparency on the rationale and criteria on which these decisions are based and for the government to align the traffic light system with official Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice to prevent further confusion for consumers and industry alike.

Going the extra mile makes a difference

As an organisation that is owned by its' customers, I often talk about how great customer service is paramount, and having read about the brilliant example of one of our colleagues in thumbs up this week I wanted to call it out in recognition of what is truly a great example of going the extra mile.

“I just had a lovely call from a lady who is 93, she has always used our Rodbourne Cheney store as it is only 10 minutes away from her house. She wanted to thank Simon, as she had asked about the umbrellas in store for her garden and she asked about delivery, he took the umbrella in a trolley and helped her cross the road and walked the lady home, she said he was so helpful, showed her how to put it up and was so polite.

She said that the store is lovely, all staff are excellent, they are so helpful. Her son sometimes comes and does a shop for her and he has commented about how nice they are in the store”.

It's great to have such positive feedback regarding our colleagues' performance and I would like to thank Simon Ockwell and the team for doing a great job, well done.

Everymind’ Mental Health app & Men’s Mental Health Forum

In a year where many of us have been isolated from family and friends, this has taken its toll not just on our social interactions but most importantly on our mental health. As mentioned before this is something I try to manage by taking weekly walks with my dog Noah alongside the Warwickshire canals.

However, more is needed to help all of us are manage our mental health. That’s why on Monday 7th June, we are piloting the launch of the ‘Everymind’ app by collaborating with our partner, Everymind at Work. This will initially be launched in support services ahead of being fully rolled out to the rest of the Society.  The app will offer services to colleagues by educating and empowering a focus on self-care.

Staying on the topic of Mental Health, it was great to see the callout to Male colleagues as part of the Men’s Mental Health Forum this week. I was surprised at the startling facts on suicide rates as well as the number of men who go missing in comparison to women. Sometimes there is a stigma, where we as males feel as if we shouldn’t be talking about ‘Mental Health’, but this forum provides the platform to do that with like-minded colleagues.

If you are interested in joining one of the sessions, please contact  Rebekah.brain@midcounties.coop, or for more information click here.

Colleague Pulse Survey – Take part

Finally, the latest Colleague Pulse survey is now open until 13th June. I encourage you all to take part and share your views so we can make your Society, a better place. Since they began, many of you have responded to help us continually improve.

The more of our colleagues who take part, the better representation we have on things that matter to you, so I ask if you can please encourage other colleagues to complete the survey. Plus, if you take part, you are automatically entered into a prize draw to win one of five £20 store vouchers.

Complete this month’s pulse survey here.

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