How Balfour Beatty cares for its colleagues
It’s the people of Balfour Beatty, in every role, who help build and support the infrastructure the UK depends on. Behind every one of those people are lives filled with managing day to day responsibilities and emotions. Should they feel the need for a little extra support, they need never look far.
For more than a decade, Balfour Beatty’s partnership with CiC Wellbeing has offered compassionate, professional support that helps its people feel understood and reassured – to take time to pause in a busy world. It’s a core part of Balfour Beatty’s Zero Harm commitment – a promise that every colleague’s health, safety and wellbeing comes first.
Constructing a caring culture
“Protecting our workforce sits at the heart of our commitment to Zero Harm,” says Rob Cheeseman, Balfour Beatty’s UK Head of Health.
“Our dedication to health and safety is deeply rooted in our culture and our partnership with CiC Wellbeing plays an important part in helping us live that promise every day.
“Every single employee deserves to feel safe, supported and able to reach out without stigma or hesitation. By giving colleagues a safe place to talk, practical tools to manage life’s pressures and support whenever they may need it, CiC Wellbeing strengthens the care we want every person to feel.”
That belief underpins the work of Balfour Beatty’s central health team, which oversees every aspect of health and wellbeing for 13,500 colleagues across 14 business divisions. With a total workforce approaching 40,000 including subcontractors, being proactive about preventing and eliminating health risks is an absolute priority.
Working closely with CiC Wellbeing, the team promotes both the preventative and reactive support available through the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Confidence in the service has grown significantly, with usage of EAP services almost tripling to 13% since its inception in 2014.
“Calling the EAP helpline isn’t necessarily a step into counselling; sometimes you just need to talk. CiC Wellbeing gives our people that consistent, confidential and professional space,” adds Rob.
Rob Cheeseman, UK Head of Health
Support that feels personal
CiC Wellbeing partnership with Balfour Beatty has grown into a comprehensive suite of wellbeing support:
- Preventative help through the Ele platform offers thousands of practical videos and resources.
- Monthly webinars, planned six months ahead, explore topics that matter to real lives – from financial wellbeing and loneliness to menopause and gambling.
- 24/7 reactive support is available through a confidential helpline staffed by trained clinicians, offering immediate reassurance.
- Further therapeutic care is available where needed, ensuring colleagues can continue their wellbeing journey with professional counselling.
Every element is designed to help people look after themselves – not just in moments of crisis, but every day.
Stronger together
“CiC Wellbeing has become a partner, not merely a provider,” ends Rob. “They listen, adapt and help us shape support that genuinely resonates with our people.”
Together, Balfour Beatty and CiC Wellbeing are creating a culture where wellbeing is woven into everyday working life. It’s a vital part of the company’s Zero Harm commitment, and a powerful reminder that care is something to build, every single day.
