Employee Support During COVID-19 Using Compassionate Mind Training

Abstract

An individual’s wellbeing at work is now recognised as key, particularly for those in challenging environment’s such as health and social care. Focusing on the cultivation of (mindful) compassion has been shown to be an effective way of improving mental health. This service evaluation focused on a pilot drop-in group for council and NHS staff, informed by Compassionate Mind Training. It was facilitated during the COVID-19 pandemic, between April – August 2020. The group was evaluated by recording the number and characteristics of attendees and using a feedback survey focused on the acceptability of the group structure and content. Workload was a barrier to attendance. There were differences noted in terms of gender and area of employment of the attendees. The offer of a regular, short (30 minute) and virtual group during the working day seemed to facilitate participation. The group appeared acceptable as attendees indicated they improved their knowledge and understanding about group concepts and reported they had become more mindful and compassionate in everyday life. Participants appeared to value the range of meditations offered and group resources. The facilitators were struck by the sense of community that emerged. The group could be used in future research as a stand-alone programme to support staff wellbeing or perhaps as one part of a wider approach to support the development compassionate organisations.