NHS England's winter workforce preparedness guidance

NHS England has produced guidance for NHS organisations outlining six key aspects that trusts should focus on to support the health and wellbeing of their staff in the coming winter months. It was produced to address the likely operational pressures arising during these months and outlines the importance of prioritising staff wellbeing and high-quality patient care.

The six key actions for NHS employers relate to:

1. Leadership and engagement and the role of wellbeing guardians.
2. Prioritising health and wellbeing conversations and opportunities for peer support.
3. Protecting rest breaks and provide access to good quality rest areas.
4. Investing in reflective practice and study leave.
5. Supporting your occupational health and wellbeing service.
6. Supporting staff to stay safe from flu, COVID-19 and respiratory illness.

Read the winter workforce preparedness guidance.

Further resources

Below are some further resources we have produced to help support your staff during this period:

• Supporting the wellbeing needs of NHS staff guide outlines how NHS health and wellbeing leads and managers can prioritise and fulfil staff wellbeing needs.
• Eight elements of positive staff experience web page details the elements that are essential for creating, implementing and evaluating an effective staff experience strategy.
• Supporting staff through the increasing cost of living web pages draws together important resources and good employer practice with examples from across the NHS 
• Health and wellbeing top tips for supporting line managers page details ways to ensure that line managers understand their role in staff health and wellbeing, lead their teams compassionately, and provide the appropriate support to staff.
• Guidance for health and wellbeing leads on how they can introduce health and wellbeing champions into their workplace to support staff wellbeing. 
• Read what NHS organisations are doing to support their staff to work flexibly.