Tyndall HR’s Eilís Mulcahy on Wellbeing in the Workplace during WFH

In recognition of the essential contribution of HR professionals worldwide and within Tyndall, today for #InternationalHRDay we are featuring Eilis Mulcahy, HR Generalist at Tyndall. Eilís discusses the wellbeing and wellness supports Tyndall HR have implemented while WFH.

What inspired you to pursue a career in Human Resources (HR)?

My early career began in Finance, however following a 6 month secondment to a role in HR, I soon realised that I was more personally suited and motivated by work which involved a focus on people solutions.

 

What personal initiative in Tyndall are you most proud of?

Being a founding member of the Empowering Women @ Tyndall (EW@T) group, which focusses on encouraging women to reach their full potential, is one initiative that I am very proud of. In particular, when the team was recognised with the UCC Frank McGrath Perpetual Award for Equality and Welfare. Now being part of the Athena Swan Committee, the EW@T committee can contribute towards ensuring good practice in recruiting, motivating, retaining and promoting women in STEMM, and in doing so ensure that Tyndall benefits from the talent of the whole population.

 

Tell us about the supports Tyndall HR have implemented to improve people’s wellness while WFH.

Tyndall HR’s Wellness programme is focussed on supporting the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of all its staff and students. In the past 9 weeks HR have issued a range of information, guidance, screening and intervention tools, counselling and support tailored specifically to help care for individual’s wellness needs. This also includes guidance and support for working families and those working alone from home; advice on nutrition, sleep, and the importance of staying active.  Bespoke Mindfulness and Pilates classes have been developed and are available on-line weekly.

HR will continue to expand Tyndall’s Wellness Programme to support everyone as we progress through these challenging times.

 

What is your advice for other HR staff looking to improve employees wellness while working from home?

My advice would be to reach out, collaborate and speak with your employees, they are your customers and their feedback will steer you towards the most important and pertinent priorities. Maintaining the lines of communication and continuing to engage is key to creating a programme that best serves everyone.

 

What have you found most challenging during this period of lockdown?

Structuring boundaries between work and home and developing a new way of working in the “new normal” has been a particular challenge but an enjoyable one.