Litepods

Board: Orkney

Theme: Staff Wellbeing

Contact: Mary Anne Crook, Health Promotion Officer/ Healthy Working Lives Adviser

NHS Orkney’s aimed to improve the working conditions of those working in windowless offices. A survey in 2007 revealed that around 100 NHS Orkney employees worked in windowless offices. On the back of this NHS Orkney sourced and purchased 25 litepods with the aim of having positive impact on morale by responding to requests for the provision of light. To help staff cope and alleviate the symptoms of Seasonal Affecting Disorder (SAD).

Positives:

• Staff very pleased that their poor working conditions are being recognised and at least one aspect of the problem is being addressed
• Everyone taking part in the project would recommend trying litepods in windowless work areas
• Staff appreciated something being tried to improve their working conditions and felt that the safe and appropriate use of the litepods was well explained
• The portable nature of the product means that where staff have not used the litepod or felt any benefit from it, the item can be retrieved and offered to other staff.
• Overall, the litepods were well used and seen as positive

Challenges:

• Some staff found them too bright

Suitable for national roll out:

• NHS Orkney believes that due to the portable nature of the litepod that it can be transferred to another member of staff if not suitable and is therefore suitable for national rollout

For further information on the project please contact Mary Anne Crook, Health Promotion Officer/ Healthy Working Lives Adviser on 01856 879803 ormaryanne.crook@nhs.net