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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Wellbeing at Hays
Building a culture where every voice is valued and wellbeing is a shared priority.
Our approach to DEI & Wellbeing
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing are integral to everything we do - shaping a better future for ourselves, our colleagues, and our customers. We’re building a culture that empowers people to be bold, curious, and collaborative, where every voice is valued, every person is included, and wellbeing is a shared priority.
Mental health is a cornerstone of our wellbeing strategy and a vital part of our inclusive culture. We believe that inclusion is essential to wellbeing, and wellbeing is essential to performance. That’s why our approach is embedded across our business, aligning with our DEI goals and broader strategic priorities.
We’re committed to enabling colleagues to thrive by supporting their physical, mental, social, and financial wellbeing. Our commitment is built on the principles of ‘good work’ autonomy, fair pay, purpose, growth, and a healthy work-life balance. We actively enable wellbeing through the way we work every day.
We are striving to create a psychologically safe environment where it’s okay to talk about mental health, free from judgement or stigma. Wellbeing is a shared responsibility, and we all play a part in creating a workplace where people feel supported, valued, and able to bring their authentic selves to work.
Our “Work With Me Passport” helps remove barriers by supporting open conversations about disability, neurodivergence, mental health, and other health challenges. It records agreed workplace adjustments, so colleagues don’t need to repeat their story if their role or manager changes.
Advancing Wellbeing: Leadership, networks & partnerships
Strong leadership is at the heart of our approach to wellbeing. We give our leaders and managers the tools, training, and confidence to support mental health across Hays.
We believe that when leaders are empowered, everyone benefits.
Our MHFA network is central to our commitment to colleague wellbeing. With 100 trained colleagues across all regions, our MHFAs help normalise conversations about mental health, encourage early intervention, and provide safe, judgement-free spaces for support.
Impact at a glance:
Our volunteers play a vital role in building a culture where everyone feels supported and able to seek help when needed.
We’re committed to supporting colleagues’ wellbeing in every aspect of life. Through partnerships with experts like Sonder and FinWELL, we offer holistic support across medical, mental, and financial wellbeing.
By working with trusted partners, we help colleagues access the right support, whenever it’s needed - ensuring everyone can get help that truly makes a difference.
We’re committed to making a real difference for our colleagues and track our impact using both qualitative and quantitative data. Here’s how we’re progressing:
Sets the direction for mental health and wellbeing as a strategic priority at Hays. Tom leads by example, regularly communicating our commitment, allocating resources, and ensuring wellbeing is embedded in our business strategy. Tom’s leadership drives a culture where every colleague feels supported and valued. This commitment is reinforced by the UK&I Senior Leadership Team, ensuring alignment and accountability across the business.
Champion the integration of mental health and wellbeing into all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The team develops policies, delivers training, and leads awareness campaigns. Our networks advocate for colleagues, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard and reflected in decision-making.
Adapt wellbeing strategies to meet the needs of local teams and regions. These teams monitor the effectiveness of programmes, gather feedback, and tailor initiatives to ensure they are relevant and impactful. They also coordinate local events and support networks.
Play a vital role in creating psychologically safe environments. Managers are trained to recognise when colleagues may need support, initiate open conversations, and guide team members to appropriate resources. They implement workplace adjustments and foster a culture of trust and openness.
Share responsibility for maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and mentally healthy workplace. Every colleague is encouraged to participate in wellbeing initiatives, support one another, and contribute to a culture where everyone can thrive.
Find out how wellbeing is influencing talent attraction, retention, and performance, and what steps organisations can take to support their people more effectively.
We've generated over £1m in social value!
Download our annual Social Impact Report for a full overview of our social and environmental impact in the UK and Ireland.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Wellbeing shape everything we do. Our leadership team champions a culture where boldness, curiosity, and collaboration are encouraged, and every voice is heard.
Mental health and wellbeing are not just strategic priorities - they are the foundation of our culture at Hays. We are committed to creating an environment where every colleague feels valued, supported, and able to bring their authentic self to work.
We’re proud of the progress we’ve made on our mental health & wellbeing journey so far but there’s more to do. Take a look at our key goals for FY26 as we continue driving meaningful change.
Be part of our team
Interested in joining Hays? Become part of a diverse, inclusive team where everyone is supported to grow. Discover what a career at Hays could mean for you.
