Staff Well-being Research Articles

Lived Experiences of School Heads During Post-Pandemic: Building Resilience and Navigating Schools to Recovery Amidst Disruptive Times

Crisis management practices among school leaders are critical for effective emergency response and resilience. Crisis management studies are essential because unanticipated crises, such as health concerns and calamities, disrupt the learning process. This phenomenological research explores the lived experiences of school heads during the post-pandemic period when they built resilience and navigated their schools back to recovery. Adapting to changing circumstances, finding effective ways to bridge learning gaps and promoting staff and learner well-being are the major challenges facing school heads after pandemic. Real-life situations are further explored through this research to aid in crisis management. This study is crucial because it aids organizations in their effective planning, rapid response, and recovery from unexpected crises. Eight school heads from the Philippines were selected as participants. The researcher utilized a validated questionnaire to gather data on various school management strategies before and after the pandemic. The post-pandemic posed challenges, needs, and opportunities due to protocols, settings, and requirements while incorporating resilience strategies and implementing proactive school recovery approaches. The ANCHOR model was developed as a crisis management framework based on the findings and observations. This process consists of five stages: acclimatization, necessity appraisal, counter-response and handling, opportune resilience strategies application, and recovery and restructuring. It can be applied by organizations to manage crises and recover, emphasizing crisis management skills to improve organizational performance. The model can aid school heads in making informed decisions and navigate institutions to recovery. Finally, this research encapsulates that crisis management skills are essential to organizational performance, particularly in academic institutions.

Survey analysis of workplace violence among public healthcare workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

BackgroundWorkplace violence in the healthcare sector has become a global issue that poses a threat to the safety and well-being of healthcare staff. This study aims to understand and analyze workplace violence experienced by public healthcare workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.ResultsThis is an observational analytical descriptive study using a cross-sectional design across 482 healthcare workers from 7 general public hospitals taken through stratified random sampling with a standardized questionnaire. The surveys found that 65 from 482 healthcare workers (13.6%) admitted to experiencing physical violence, verbal abuse, bullying, and/or sexual harassment. It is most prevalent among nurses, with the majority occurring in the emergency department ward. Verbal abuse is the most common type, mainly perpetrated by patients’ relatives. Most workers who experience violence take no action. In the bivariate analysis, there was a significant relationship between professions (p = 0.045) and their workplace (p < 0.001) with workers experiencing violence. No significant relationships were found regarding age, gender, marital status, duration of work, and years of service.ConclusionsA low prevalence of workplace violence was noted in public hospitals in Yogyakarta, suggesting that underreporting might be a major concern. Nurses and the emergency department are the most vulnerable and thus need more urgent interventions. Further research should focus on private hospitals and more effective preventive and responsive measures.

Assessing the Impact of Human Resource Competency and Employee Commitment on Performance at Urban Republic, a Member of the Erajaya Group, Palembang

Companies must innovate and improve employee performance in today’s competitive business climate to maintain their market share. Urban Republic, a company headquartered in Palembang and part of the Erajaya Group, is the subject of this study, which examines the relationship between employee participation and HR competency and performance. Improving employee performance requires HR competency, including technical and non-technical skills, and employee commitment, characterized by loyalty and dedication. For Urban Republic to remain competitive, they must understand how these elements affect performance. This study aimed to assess the impact of employee commitment and HR competency on performance. Three sections of labor area heads, store leaders, and staff were given surveys as part of the quantitative approach. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data, supported by validity, reliability, and classical assumption tests. The results showed that employee dedication showed almost significant significance, indicating a possible influence, while employee competence had a statistically significant impact on employee performance. Dedication and HR competency significantly impact performance when the two work together. This analysis emphasizes the importance of continuous HR development investment and the potential benefits of employee commitment. To reduce the risk of employee turnover, it is recommended that HR training programs be improved, employee recognition programs be strengthened, commitment issues be addressed, and staff well-being be monitored to avoid burnout. It is recommended that more research be conducted to examine the intricacies of employee dedication and how it impacts work outcomes. The study concluded that a balanced focus on HR competency and employee commitment is essential to optimize employee performance at Urban Republic

The emotional wellbeing of students with profound intellectual disabilities and those who work with them: a relational reading

Interest in the mental health landscape of young people is widespread. This paper focuses in on the emotional wellbeing of students with profound intellectual disabilities and those who work with them in special schools. A relational reading of the situation illustrates some relationships between the two and vulnerabilities of both. The authors engage with theory: the double (and triple) empathy problem and empathy more widely, and with the concepts of affect attunement, holding and ethics of care. They interweave brief reflections on their own experiences working and researching in special schools and argue that these relationally constituted spaces present challenges for the emotional wellbeing of students and staff. The paper concludes by calling for recognition of the emotional labour involved in interacting across different ways of being and of knowing the world and for greater attention to empathising in embodied, perceptual ways to aid mutual understanding and support wellbeing.

Strengthening Relationships Within Intensive Psychiatric Care: Staff Perceptions of an Attachment Training Intervention

ABSTRACTIntroductionIntensive psychiatric care units can be challenging environments in which to build strong staff‐patient relationships. Attachment theory may provide a useful model for strengthening relationships in this setting.AimThe aim of this study was to explore staff perceptions of the utility of attachment theory for understanding patient behaviour in the intensive psychiatric care setting.MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 11 multi‐disciplinary staff members. Interviews focused on the staff member's experience of learning about attachment theory and applying this perspective to their work on the ward. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe analysis led to the development of three themes: engaging the reflective self, new perspective on others and cohesive ward culture.ConclusionStaff reported that learning about attachment theory supported them to better understand patient distress and associated behaviours. Notably, staff also used attachment theory to reflect on both their own internal states and the internal states of their colleagues. These reflections were suggested to bolster staff wellbeing and improve the ward milieu.Implications for PracticeIntegrating attachment theory into team formulation, ward rounds and reflective practice groups could have a benefit for clinical practice, staff wellbeing and team cohesion in this setting.

What Else Do You Do? Neurosurgery and Beyond: A Perspective on Trainee and Staff Well-being and Feeling Valued

What Else Do You Do? Neurosurgery and Beyond: A Perspective on Trainee and Staff Well-being and Feeling Valued

Neo-Liberalism’s Shadows: Modern slavery in South African Higher Education

Neoliberal ideology globally prioritises competition and productivity over staff well-being in higher education, leading to exploitative practices and heightened stress among academic faculty, culminating in what can be termed modern academic slavery. This study investigates the contemporary impact of neoliberalism on South African universities, focussing on governance, funding and academic freedom, and how these factors contribute to deteriorating conditions for academic staff and toxic work environments. This research examines academic experiences in a South African urban higher education institution (HEI) utilizing a single-case study approach. It examines their context within institutional and societal trends. Using a single-case ideographic approach in a South African HEI, the study utilises detailed documentation, incident analysis and literature review to understand academic enslavement within the chosen HEI, contextualising the academic’s experiences within these broader institutional and societal trends. The findings reveal four key themes: moral disengagement, corporate malfeasance, exploitative labour practices, and labour coercion, illustrating the widespread exploitation of academic staff. The study advocates for urgent interventions to ensure respectful treatment, foster ethical work environments, and address disparities between administrators and faculty. It calls for autonomy, ethical leadership and a culture of inquiry in HEIs to combat modern academic slavery while acknowledging the need for further action and exploration.Contribution: This study underscores the current impact of neoliberalism on higher education in South Africa, exposing challenges for academic staff and advocating systemic reforms. It emphasises the necessity for future investigations into institutional accountability and strategies to enhance staff well-being in HEIs.

Mental Health and Yoga in Prisons

Prison environments pose substantial health risks and may adversely affect the health and wellbeing of both prisoners and staff. Drawing extensively from international literature across several disciplines and supported by empirical data, this article presents a multidisciplinary study that focuses on mental health in prison settings and examines unconventional healthcare interventions, using yoga and meditation as a case study. Despite compelling research suggesting overall positive outcomes, the idea of yoga in prisons is not fully integrated into criminal justice policy and practice, and there are gaps in prison yoga research. Recognising the multifaceted roles of yoga within correctional institutions, this article specifically explores the impact of yoga on improving the mental health of incarcerated individuals and prison personnel. The primary aim is to raise awareness about mental health challenges in prisons and underscore the healthcare benefits of implementing prison yoga programmes. Accordingly, the article provides an overview of mental health issues in prisons, assesses the potential benefits and mechanisms of yoga and meditation as alternative mental healthcare methods and explores the barriers to integrating these practices into prison healthcare. It advocates for yoga and similar practices as viable mental healthcare alternatives for both prisoners and prison staff. The article's analysis contributes to a preliminary framework for policymakers, prison managers, staff, and scholars seeking to enhance mental health outcomes in penal facilities.

Supporting recovery, healing and wellbeing with Aboriginal communities of the southeast coast of Australia: a practice-based study of an Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation’s response to cumulative disasters

BackgroundThe recent crises of bushfires, floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic on the southeast coast of Australia were unprecedented in their extent and intensity. Few studies have investigated responses to cumulative disasters in First Nations communities, despite acknowledgement that these crises disproportionately impact First Nations people. This study was conducted by Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal researchers in partnership with Waminda, South Coast Women’s Health and Wellbeing Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO). It investigated the collective experiences of people affected by cumulative disasters to identify the practices that support healing, and recovery for Aboriginal communities. The study addresses a knowledge gap of how Waminda, designs, manages and delivers responses to address complex health and social issues in the context of cumulative disasters.MethodsUnderpinned by practice theory this study employed Indigenous-informed, narrative inquiry. Culturally-appropriate, multiple interpretive methods were used to collect data including: observations; yarns with Aboriginal community members, yarns with Waminda practitioners, management and board members; interviews-to-the-double, visual images and documentation. The data were collated and analysed using the phases of reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsThe paper articulates a suite of culturally safe and place-based practices that enhance social, emotional and spiritual well-being following cumulative disasters. These practice bundles include: adopting a Country-centred conception of local communities; being community-led; viewing care as a collective, relational, sociomaterial accomplishment and having fluid boundaries. These practice bundles ‘hang together’ through organising practices including the Waminda Model of Care, staff wellbeing framework and emergency management plan which orient action and manage risks. The paper demonstrates the need for disaster responses to be community-led and culturally situated. ACCHOs are shown to play a crucial role, and their local responses to immediate community needs are grounded in contextual knowledge and use existing resources rather than relying on mainstream system-wide interventions.ConclusionsThe paper suggests crafting responses that focus on assisting communities (re)gain their sense of belonging, hope for the future, control over their lives and their capacities to care for and to be cared for by Country, are key to both enhancing healing, health and well-being and harnessing the strengths of communities.

Prevalence, predictors and outcomes of self-reported feedback for EMS professionals: a mixed-methods diary study

BackgroundProviding feedback to healthcare professionals and organisations on performance or patient outcomes may improve care quality and professional development, particularly in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) where professionals make autonomous, complex decisions and current feedback provision is limited. This study aimed to determine the content and outcomes of feedback in EMS by measuring feedback prevalence, identifying predictors of receiving feedback, categorising feedback outcomes and determining predictors of feedback efficacy.MethodsAn observational mixed-methods study was used. EMS professionals delivering face-to-face patient care in the United Kingdom’s National Health Service completed a baseline survey and diary entries between March-August 2022. Diary entries were event-contingent and collected when a participant identified they had received feedback. Self-reported data were collected on feedback frequency, environment, characteristics and outcomes. Feedback environment was measured using the Feedback Environment Scale. Feedback outcomes were categorised using hierarchical cluster analysis. Multilevel logistic regression was used to assess which variables predicted feedback receipt and efficacy. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.Results299 participants completed baseline surveys and 105 submitted 538 diary entries. 215 (71.9%) participants had received feedback in the last 30 days, with patient outcome feedback the most frequent (n = 149, 42.8%). Feedback format was predominantly verbal (n = 157, 73.0%) and informal (n = 189, 80.4%). Significant predictors for receiving feedback were a paramedic role (aOR 3.04 [1.14, 8.00]), a workplace with a positive feedback-seeking culture (aOR 1.07 [1.04, 1.10]) and white ethnicity (aOR 5.68 [1.01, 29.73]). Feedback outcomes included: personal wellbeing (closure, confidence and job satisfaction), professional development (clinical practice and knowledge) and service outcomes (patient care and patient safety). Feedback-seeking behaviour and higher scores on the Feedback Environment Scale were statistically significant predictors of feedback efficacy. Solicited feedback improved wellbeing (aOR 3.35 [1.68, 6.60]) and professional development (aOR 2.58 [1.10, 5.56]) more than unsolicited feedback.ConclusionFeedback for EMS professionals was perceived to improve personal wellbeing, professional development and service outcomes. EMS workplaces need to develop a culture that encourages feedback-seeking to strengthen the impact of feedback for EMS professionals on clinical decision-making and staff wellbeing.

A Support Tool for Emergency Management in Smart Campuses: Reference Architecture and Enhanced Web User Interfaces.

In the context of smart campuses, effective emergency management is crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of students, staff, and visitors. This paper presents a comprehensive support tool designed to enhance emergency management on smart campuses, integrating a low-cost people-counting system based on cameras and Raspberry Pi devices. It introduces a newly designed architecture and user interfaces that enhance the functionality and user experience of a smart campus disaster management system. Finally, a usability evaluation has been carried out to validate the brand-new user interfaces devoted to emergency management.

Optimizing Hospice Care: A Scoping Review of Staffing Strategies to Enhance Practice

Background Investigating hospice staffing models is vital for ensuring patient-centered care by aligning workforce capabilities with evolving patient needs. With the opening of the Hospice Residence at Providence Care Hospital, effective staffing can enhance operational efficiency, staff well-being, retention, and elevate the quality of end-of-life care. Objective: The primary objective is to investigate models of hospice care, staffing characteristics across disciplines, staff qualifications, training and operational metrics. Methods A comprehensive search of academic literature was conducted using MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Embase, following the PRISMA-ScR framework. The review focused on hospice care for adults, covering staffing and care models. Studies on general palliative care, pediatric/NICU care, non-full-text studies, and those published before 2013 were excluded. A grey literature search was also performed. Results Out of 1,579 imported studies, 1,082 were screened, 260 full texts reviewed, and 51 met inclusion criteria. Published between 2013 and 2024, the studies were conducted in North America, Europe, and Asia, covering various designs including randomized control trials, observational, qualitative, and mixed-methods. Patient populations included terminally ill individuals with diagnoses such as cancer, COPD, and heart failure. The majority of studies examined inpatient hospices. Facility sizes ranged from 6 to 33 beds (median = 16). Key topics included staffing models, staff-to-patient ratios, training, volunteer roles, care delivery, and patient satisfaction, with common ratios being 5.5:1 to 6.5:1 for physicians and 1.5:1 to 2.7:1 for nurses. Hospice staff included physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, spiritual care providers, and volunteers, with training ranging from specialized education to minimal instruction. Conclusion Understanding staffing strategies is crucial for hospices to meet growing demand and patient complexity. This review emphasizes optimal staff-to-patient ratios, diverse care models, and the vital role of volunteers. Further research is needed to establish best practices for sustainable, high-quality hospice care. Contributors: Patel, V.; Aghakhani Barfeh, K.; McDonald, H.; Kang, J.; Pranajaya, P.; Toon, D.; Wong, M.; Goldie, C.L.

Implementing healthy food policies in health sector settings: New Zealand stakeholder perspectives

BackgroundIn 2016, a voluntary National Healthy Food and Drink Policy was released to improve the healthiness of food and drinks for sale in New Zealand health sector organisations. The Policy aims to role model healthy eating and demonstrate commitment to health and well-being of hospital staff and visitors and the general public. This study aimed to understand the experiences of hospital food providers and public health dietitians/staff in implementing the Policy, and identify tools and resources needed to assist with the implementation.MethodsA maximum variation purposive sampling strategy (based on a health district’s population size and food outlet type) was used to recruit participants by email. Video conference or email semi-structured interviews included 15 open-ended questions that focused on awareness, understanding of, and attitudes towards the Policy; level of support received; perceived customer response; tools and resources needed to support implementation; and unintended or unforeseen consequences. Data was analysed using a reflexive thematic analysis approach.ResultsTwelve participants (eight food providers and four public health dietitians/staff) were interviewed; three from small (< 100,000 people), four from medium (100,000-300,000 people) and five from large (> 300,000 people) health districts. There was agreement that hospitals should role model healthy eating for the wider community. Three themes were identified relating to the implementation of the Policy: (1) Complexities of operating food outlets under a healthy food and drink policy in public health sector settings; (2) Adoption, implementation, and monitoring of the Policy as a series of incoherent ad-hoc actions; and (3) Policy is (currently) not achieving the desired impact. Concerns about increased food waste, loss of profits and an uneven playing field between food providers were related to the voluntary nature of the unsupported Policy. Three tools could enable implementation: a digital monitoring tool, a web-based database of compliant products, and customer communication materials.ConclusionsAdopting a single, mandatory Policy, provision of funding for implementation actions and supportive tools, and good communication with customers could facilitate implementation. Despite the relatively small sample size and views from only two stakeholder groups, strategies identified are relevant to policy makers, healthcare providers and public health professionals.

ГИБРИДНАЯ МОДЕЛЬ РАБОТЫ: PRO ET CONTRA

The article is devoted to the study of the prospects and problems of developing a hybrid work model, which has already become an inevitable solution for many organizations. The main options for implementing the hybrid model are presented, as well as other advantages compared to traditional office work and completely remote work. Typical problems arising in a hybrid environment and their manifestations in such areas as communications and cooperation, professional development, corporate culture, staff well-being, productivity and motivation, technological safety are highlighted). It is shown that the features of hybrid work often conflict with established management practices. Based on a generalization of experience in implementing a hybrid work model, national and global studies, recommendations are substantiated to overcome difficulties and find the optimal balance between the advantages and disadvantages of working in a hybrid environment.

СУБЪЕКТИВНОЕ БЛАГОПОЛУЧИЕ НА РАБОЧЕМ МЕСТЕ: ПОДХОДЫ К МОНИТОРИНГУ САМОЧУВСТВИЯ ПЕРСОНАЛА

A direct correlation between the level of staff well-being and the company’s profitability has been proven by both foreign and Russian studies. However, one of the unresolved problems today remains the fact that well-being at work is still not considered as a factor and resource for the productivity and efficiency of employees. The reality of modern life highlights the need for a rapid rethinking of the nature and patterns of connections between well-being at work and the state of labour productivity, socio-economic assessments of this relationship, and the development of management and digital solutions for monitoring and maintaining an adequate level of staff well-being. The article presents the results of a survey of representatives of the expert community conducted by the authors to identify the current aspects of well-being at work, as well as a brief description of the concept of a digital service developed by the authors for monitoring the well-being of employees through self-assessment.

The culture of care to enhance laboratory animal personnel well-being: a scoping review.

There has been intense focus on improving the quality of animal research in recent times. An emerging concept of a 'culture of care' has been proposed as another important pillar to enhance scientific quality, with staff well-being being a critical aspect. Professionals working with research animals can face moral and psychological burdens and are at risk of experiencing work-related stress. However, data on the global prevalence of stress in this population is limited. Equally, it is not clear how these stresses manifest, and what impact they might have on an individual's workplace performance and research quality. The purpose of this review was to identify work-related stress, its prevalence, and map evidence on strategies to mitigate stresses. We also set out to identify studies assessing the association between work-related stress and research quality. A systematic search was conducted across four databases, in addition to hand searching relevant references. We included peer-reviewed publications describing work-related stress, culture of care and laboratory animal professionals. A total of 49 publications were included for data mapping. Compassion fatigue was the most frequently described work-related stress, and its prevalence across Europe and North America is likely to be widespread. Multiple strategies to mitigate compassion fatigue and work-related stress were put forward, however, limited empirical evidence was available to assess success. Moreover, no studies reported empirical data linking work-related stress with research quality, despite several publications stating the case. Further population-specific research and measured assessments are urgently needed to deliver culture of care programmes to improve human well-being, animal welfare and research quality.

Enhancing outcomes in IVF laboratories: navigating the human element through leadership and emotional intelligence.

We analyze the psychological and interpersonal aspects of in vitro fertilization (IVF)laboratory operations, highlighting how human factors such as leadership style, emotionalintelligence (EI), and team dynamics influence the effectiveness of IVF treatments. We alsoexamine the role of personality dynamics in team functioning and the adverse effects of toxicbehaviors on laboratory performance and morale. The manuscript comprehensively reviews contemporary literature about leadership styles, EI,and team dynamics. It also includes a detailed analysis of the ramifications of their operationswithin IVF laboratories. The primary emphasis resides in determining how these humanfactors contribute to the overall efficacy of IVF treatments and following patient outcomes. The findings suggest that staff well-being is not just a concern, but a critical factor inenhancing successful IVF outcomes. Leadership styles that promote emotional intelligenceand healthy team dynamics significantly improve laboratory performance. On the other hand,a toxic workplace negatively impacts staff well-being and patient outcomes. The studyhighlights the need for management development and EI training as vital components ofsuccessful IVF laboratory operations, reassuring the audience that these measures can lead toimproved outcomes. This manuscript presents the case for an equitable operational framework that recognizes thevalue of soft skills and technical expertise in IVF laboratories. It underscores the significanceof emphasizing the human element in reproductive medicine, proposing that by prioritizingempathy and delineating the contributions of the human factor, the field can achieve itsmaximum potential and enhance outcomes for staff members and patients. The pivotal role offuture research in empirically substantiating the influence of these human factors in realizingsuccessful IVF laboratories cannot be overstated, and we urge the academic community toparticipate actively in this crucial area of research.

An evaluation of a quality improvement initiative examining benefits and enablers and challenges and barriers of implementing and embedding core clinical supervision in primary care

Background Core Clinical Supervision has become a valued activity that impacts on the culture and organisational delivery of healthcare. It embeds good practice to ensure that staff have a high skill set, desirable professional attitudes, and provide high quality evidence-based care. It also helps to support good clinical governance and enhances staff retention (CQC 2013). A supervision framework has been adopted and adapted from the ‘General Practice – Developing confidence, capability, and capacity. A Ten Point Action Plan for General Practice Nursing’ ( NHS England 2018 ) and applied at scale across Yorkshire and the Humber, with minimal impact on clinical capacity, quality, and safety. This initiative coincides with general practice (and the wider health service) being under enormous pressure managing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, with impact on staff wellbeing and retention. The main aims are to evaluate the impact of embedding the Core Supervision training across primary care practice and strengthen course content for future delivery. Methodology and Methods A quantitative approach using an online survey, was completed by multi-professional primary care staff who had completed the Core Supervision Training. Findings Practitioners indicated that they required protected time due to competing demands and visible senior buy in to undertake core supervision. Additionally, practitioners who had participated or supervised sessions felt the benefits on staff wellbeing and indicated that it improved patient care delivery. Conclusion and Implications Survey findings suggest further research on embedding core supervision within primary care and a focus on national and local strategies are required. Standardised learning outcomes across the regions to ensure transferability of supervision practice and review training in supervision processes, particularly around conducting a supervision session.

Supportive Workplace Wellness Cultures and Mattering Are Associated With Less Burnout and Mental Health Issues in Nurse Managers.

The aims of this study were to describe burnout, mental health, and healthy lifestyle behaviors of nurses in a managerial role and assess associations among workplace culture factors (perceived culture, mattering, support, and staff shortages) with burnout, mental health outcomes, and healthy lifestyle behaviors. Nurse managers foster unit-based wellness cultures, yet burnout and mental health problems adversely impact the culture and well-being of staff. A cross-sectional, descriptive correlational design was used. The Florida Organization for Nursing Leadership enabled distribution of a wellness survey to nurse managers. There were 125 participants. Healthy lifestyle behaviors were infrequently practiced. Analysis revealed significant correlations among workplace culture factors, burnout, and mental health outcomes. When compared with nurse managers with staff shortages, those without staff shortages were 6.11 times more likely to not screen positive for burnout. Health systems should address workplace culture factors and staff shortages to reduce burnout, improve mental health, and enhance healthy behaviors in nurse managers.

Exploring the experience of working relationships for support workers of adults with intellectual disabilities.

Research suggests that a better awareness of how staff who directly support people with intellectual disabilities experience their working relationships, will contribute to understanding staff wellbeing and the quality of care they offer. This study aimed to gain insights into the lived experiences of support workers in supported living services in England. Six support workers participated in semi-structured interviews, about their working relationships with service-users and colleagues. Data was analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis. Six interconnected themes emerged: The essence of good relationships; a trusting relationship as the vehicle for meeting service-users' needs; belonging to the support team; the organisational context of relationships; the social context of relationships; 'a fine balancing act'. The findings provide insights into staff wellbeing, indicating that developing supportive, trusting relationships with both service-users and colleagues, plays an important role in delivering effective care. Potential implications for service providers are discussed.