Alex Picot Trust explains why a company’s success is built on the dedication and commitment of its team
AS a local company with more than 100 years of history in Jersey, we understand that our success is built on the dedication and commitment of our people. Without people, no business can truly thrive, which is why supporting our team is embedded in our culture and values.
“Work-life balance” is a phrase heard often, but at Alex Picot Trust, it is something we actively live by. Supporting our team to thrive both professionally and personally is central to creating a healthy, successful and sustainable workplace.
In recent years, employee priorities have shifted significantly, with greater focus being placed on mental health, wellbeing and workplace culture. People increasingly seek employers who genuinely value and support their wellbeing.
Throughout the year, we offer a variety of initiatives designed to encourage healthy habits, movement and opportunities for colleagues to connect outside of the working day.
These initiatives have recently included yoga, boxing and tennis sessions, acupressure massages, blood pressure checks and guest speakers discussing topics such as gut health.
Creating opportunities for colleagues to connect is another important part of our workplace culture. Whether through lunchtime walks, coffee and cake breaks in the kitchen, or regular social events organised by our Sports and Social Committee, we recognise the value of bringing people together.
Last year, we hosted a company sports day. It proved to be a fantastic way for teams to build relationships and encourage healthy competition between teams, while staying active – a perfect combination for wellbeing.
Every year, we support Jersey Stroke Support through our annual step challenge, which is a competition between teams in the office to travel as far as possible by walking, cycling or running. This encourages people to be active, develops relationships between colleagues through the random allocation of teams and raises awareness for an important local cause which is close to our hearts.
In addition, we close the office between Christmas and New Year to give everyone the opportunity to properly switch off and spend quality time with family and friends.
Supporting mental health and employee wellbeing has always been a key part of our workplace culture. Our employee assistance programme offers 24/7 access to mental-health support, counselling, healthy eating guidance and fitness resources. We also have trained mental-health first aiders within the business, helping to create an environment where people feel comfortable seeking support when they need it.
Mental Health Awareness Week remains an important date in our wellbeing calendar and provides an opportunity to further encourage conversations around mental health. This year, our team enjoyed acupressure massages and wore green to help raise funds for a local charity.
While organised initiatives are important, workplace culture is often shaped by the smaller, everyday interactions employees experience within their teams.
Feeling supported by colleagues, being recognised for contributions and working in an environment built on trust and respect can have a significant impact on overall wellbeing and job satisfaction. At Alex Picot Trust, wellbeing is viewed as something built collectively through shared values and everyday behaviours.
“In a close-knit island community like Jersey, workplace culture matters,” says Hannah Roynon-Jones, director at Alex Picot Trust. “People remember how they are treated and creating a supportive environment benefits not only individuals, but the wider business and community as well.”
As workplace expectations continue to evolve, businesses that prioritise wellbeing and demonstrate genuine care for their people are likely to be better placed to attract and retain talent, strengthen teams and create sustainable long-term success.
Ultimately, workplace wellbeing is not about one-off initiatives or ticking boxes. It is about creating an environment where people feel supported, respected and empowered to thrive, both inside and outside the workplace.
