Trade fabricator Sternfenster has launched an employee assistance programme, to improve the health and wellbeing of staff. The move is one of several new initiatives that have been introduced by the Lincolnshire fabricator, as part of the company’s vision to achieve gold status within the Investors in People accreditation scheme. The scheme recognises organisations that are committed to improving performance through continuous workforce development and recognition.
Available to all Sternfenster staff, the employee assistance programme includes a free, confidential helpline with round-the-clock access to trained counsellors and support specialists. Options for virtual and face-to-face appointments are offered. The programme guarantees unlimited access to private, 24-hour GP services, financial and legal support, a care concierge service for anyone providing care for a relative or loved one, plus guidance on self-help workbooks and the MyMindPal mental fitness app.
Mike Parczuk, Sternfenster’s managing director, said: “As an industry, we have been fortunate that high levels of demand have kept us extremely busy. We have fared much better than other sectors, some of which have been damaged irreparably by Covid and lockdown.
“But that doesn’t mean that it has been an easy ride,” he continued. “Market conditions, balancing high demand with continuing issues of material supply, have put a huge amount of pressure on everyone. Covid restrictions outside of work have amplified that pressure; they’ve created additional stress.
“I’m extremely proud of all the people that we employ at Sternfenster. I’ve learnt that they are very strong. They work very well as a team. It means that, as a business, we are very robust, we can tackle pretty much anything.
“The introduction of our employee assistance programme is just one of the steps we are taking to support everyone at Sternfenster, to recognise the contribution they are making to the ongoing success of the company. Having processes in place to ensure that our people are as healthy and happy as possible is a positive step forward for the company, and we will be more productive as a result. For our customers that will ultimately translate to an even better level of service and support.”
