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.

 

Our commitment to mental health and wellbeing

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.

A culture of psychological safety

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

  • Empowering through leadership

    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.

    • Managing Well Programme: Over 350 managers have completed this training, which helps leaders understand their influence on team wellbeing and develop skills for compassionate conversations. Sessions run quarterly to ensure ongoing development.
       
    • Leading Well Pilot: Designed specifically for senior leaders, this programme builds on our commitment to wellbeing at every level.
       
    • Menopause Awareness: Our partnership with Henpicked has raised awareness of menopause in the workplace, earning Hays Menopause Friendly Accreditation in June 2025.


    We believe that when leaders are empowered, everyone benefits.

     

  • Mental health first aiders (MHFA)

    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: 

    • 97% of MHFAs report improved knowledge
    • 86% feel more confident supporting others
    • 99% would recommend the training
    • Over 60% have completed additional mental health training
    • All MHFAs complete an annual declaration to remain active


    Our volunteers play a vital role in building a culture where everyone feels supported and able to seek help when needed.

  • Inclusive and holistic support

    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.

    • Sonder - offering 24/7 medical, mental health and safety support service:
      56% of colleagues have activated Sonder, with 86% saying it made them feel better and 76% reporting it helped avoid time off work. 67% noted improved productivity.
       
    • FinWELL - specialist in financial wellbeing support:
      Our collaboration extends to customers through events such as International Women’s Day sessions on financial empowerment. We’re launching the FinWELL Academy Learning Hub in FY26 to further support 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.

Measuring our impact

 

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:                                                                                                                                                                                                                         

  • CCLA Mental Health Index

    Consistent improvement since 2022 – advancing from Tier 3 to Tier 2 and recognised as a top improver.

  • Sickness Absence

    10% reduction in days lost to sickness in FY25, with 27% of absence related to mental health.

  • Engagement

    Sonder app activation rose from 40% to 56%, surpassing our 50% target and reflecting strong colleague engagement.

  

How we demonstrate our governance & accountability

  • Tom Way, our CEO

    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.

  • DEI Team & Networks

    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.

  • Regional People & Culture Teams

    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.

  • Line Managers

    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.

  • All Colleagues

    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.

  • Discover workplace wellbeing insights

    Find out how wellbeing is influencing talent attraction, retention, and performance, and what steps organisations can take to support their people more effectively.

    Access our wellbeing guide now

Leadership commitment: driving our strategic priorities forward



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.

Tom Way, CEO, UK&I

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.

- Tom Way, CEO, Hays UK&I

Looking ahead: FY26 goals

 

 

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.
 

 

 

MHFA network

MHFA leadership
Sustain 100 active MHFAs and continue development Deliver a leadership-focused MHFA cohort
 
 

Manager training

CCLA index

Ensure all new managers access Managing Well Continue improving score
 
 

Sonder engagement

Financial wellbeing
Maintain activation at or above 50% Launch FinWELL Academy Learning Hub
 
 
 

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.

Work for us