Friday Footnote #27

Each week we share loads of content amongst Team ION and with our network. Content which inspires us, which we find helpful or that just makes us smile. We thought we would start sharing these insights every Friday. Welcome to Friday footnote!

It's good to talk

At yesterdays ION Open Doors session we were joined by David Husband from DEWI Development who led a session on a hugely important subject, mental health. David shared insights with the group covering what is mental health, tips for looking after yourself, steps to manage mental wellbeing and advice on how to identify whether friends/colleagues need support.

The presentation led to some fantastic conversations within the group (nearly 2 hours worth!) and highlighted the importance, now more than ever, of talking, listening and of community. David said afterwards 'I hope everyone took a little something away to help them or someone else in these current times of challenge'. They certainly did David, and thanks again for sharing your knowledge and experience with us.

David also shared various links with the group if people wanted to find out more or needed further support:

• Wellbeing through Work - Swansea Bay University Health Board 
• Federation of Small Business Care
• NHS
• Mind
• Mental Health Foundation
• Samaritans

Effectively returning employees from furlough

A few weeks ago Katy Roberts from our Bangor team ran an event discussing effectively supporting your team back from furlough. Following the extension of the furlough scheme, how do you maintain employee wellbeing and engagement for those still on furlough? Katy blogged for us this week sharing 8 simple steps to help. Katy will also be joining us in a few weeks at our ION Open Door session to discuss the subject further, so keep an eye on our social media channels for more information.

Support, advice & upcoming webinars

• We were joined at yesterday's ION Open Doors session by Simeon from the Swansea Employability Academy who updated everyone on their fully funded 6-week internship offering. To find out more, check out their website.
• In 2019 we partnered with KaosPilot to run a hugely successful Leading Product & Service Design programme. In a few weeks, there is an opportunity to take part in a KaosPilot webinar discussing transformation design and designing online experiences. Adam from the team has signed up. Sign up here.
• The 2020 Engage4Success Conference, Engaging Leadership, presents a series of 5 individual conversations exploring each of the four enablers of employee engagement through the lens of the goals of the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act Wales. You can find out more and book to attend here.
• International Leadership Week takes place between 16-19 November and the Institute of Leadership & Management have a number of 30-minute webinars packed with interviews, panel discussions and debates. Find out more on their website.
• Events are running throughout October and November, where you can have your say on the future economies of Mid Wales and South West Wales. Book your place.

Inspiration

Just a few things that have interested or inspired us this week:

• Innovation and Change during uncertainty (Swansea University School of Management)
• Our work-from-anywhere future (Harvard Business Review)
• 3 lessons on making uncertainty work in your favour (Inc)
• How the '15-minute city' will transform work (Raconteur)
• How to have more inclusive meetings over Zoom (TED Ideas)
• Hyperlocal high streets set for reinvention says Cardiff architect (Wales 247)

Upcoming leadership programmes

Due to popular demand, we recently announced our next ILM Level 5 Leading Growth programme which will start in July 2021. Places are expected to book up fast so we'd encourage you to check it out ASAP. Due to the current coronavirus pandemic, our programmes are currently delivered virtually until we are able to deliver face-to-face.

Our leadership programmes are currently fully-funded until the end of August 2021. Check out our courses page to find out more about upcoming courses and get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Stay Safe

Team ION

PS - Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?