INDUSTRY UPDATE THE KBSA COLUMN
Wellbeing and Mental Health in the KBB Industry
together leaders from across the KBB industry to talk about the current state of workplace wellbeing and what needs to be done.
T
Kbsa independent retailers stronger with one voice
T
he last few months have proved challenging for independent kitchen retailers but as the government
begins to ease the lockdown, one thing has become clear, retailers that have come together as members of the Kbsa have benefited from the power of being part of a team and a stronger voice in our industry. With the situation continuingly changing and the ambiguity of the
information and guidance available, seeing the way ahead has not always been straightforward. Feedback from our members has shown that they have found the benefits of working together and sharing information to be invaluable. Significantly the efforts of the Kbsa in challenging the government and
trading standards to clarify the guidelines on what kinds of retail outlets could open resulted in members in England feeling confident that they could open their showrooms from 14 May. The Kbsa also encouraged members to write to local MPs, which helped give a clearer picture. The Kbsa is now working with those members that wish to open, to help them with the necessary health and safety requirements to make sure opening is safe. As members choose to open at different times, they are able to share their experiences via the members’ Facebook page and weekly Zoom meetings. Resources and briefings on HR and health & safety issues continue to
be issued by the Kbsa’s business partner Croner with recent papers covering post-pandemic considerations in the workplace. The Kbsa remains committed to working on members’ behalf, we do
not have any magic answers as to how and when the industry will recover, or how strong or fragile it will be, or whether there will be a surge in sales when this is all over. What we do know is that it has never been more important to be part of a stronger unified voice, to come together and make a difference.
Through these virtual roundtable events, it was found that there is work
to be done on a cultural and collaboration level to highlight the connection between profitability and wellbeing. Industry insiders shared what their companies are doing and areas they know needed focus. It was agreed that to make progress as an industry there needed to be collaboration. The BiKBBi
have already officially partnered with Stress Matters to spread this important message to their members. Education through associations was seen as the first step and highlighting to business leaders the ease and value of implementing more positive policies.
Freelance installers were seen as the most vulnerable group currently
and options on how to best support them were discussed. Stress Matters are now looking to set-up a network of wellbeing
ambassadors in the industry, provide practical support and work with industry to activate a support line for the most vulnerable. If you have insights to share or
would like to find out more, the team at Stress Matters would love to hear from you, please reach out to
james@stressmatters.org.uk
o coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week, workplace wellbeing company Stress Matters brought
More details are available from The KBSA
www.kbsa.org.uk or call 01623 818808
26 BKU JUNE 2020
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