Pharmacist Support has launched Embracing a Workplace Wellbeing Culture, an award-winning course aimed at helping managers, supervisors and future leaders build healthier, more supportive working environments. Open to pharmacymanagers, newly qualified professionals and those aspiring to leadership roles, the programme promotes a renewed approach to workplace wellbeing across the sector.
The course was developed in response to concerning findings from annual workforce wellbeing surveys carried out in partnership with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), which highlight persistent levels of burnout, stress and workplace pressure within the profession.
Moving beyond traditional approaches that focus solely on individual resilience, Pharmacist Support is championing the role of organisational change in improving wellbeing. The course offers evidence based insights that can be implemented immediately, alongside practical strategies to support effective team management and cultivate a positive workplace culture. Real world examples and case studies are included throughout, ensuring the content reflects the everyday realities faced in pharmacy practice.
For Silpha Shah, a pharmacy leader who completed the course, the programme provided valuable insight into supporting colleagues, particularly in modern workplaces where teams may be remote or geographically dispersed.
“I was excited to start this course, as we have increased the number of employees in our organisation and I wanted to ensure we are doing everything we can to look after people’s wellbeing” she said.
“We all work remotely and some of my colleagues predominantly work from home. It’s important that, as a leader, I can recognise if there is a shift in someone’s wellbeing, which isn’t as easy when you don’t see people regularly face to face. I was hoping this course would give me the tools to helpand support the wellbeing of individuals in my team.
“What I found different is that it also delves into understanding mental health better (and isn’t afraid to do so). Many traditional leadership trainingcourses cover various theories and how to implement them. This course focuses on how to create a wellbeing culture in the workplace: with the current climate and pressures we are working under in all sectors of pharmacy, this is very much needed,” she added.
At its core, the programme reinforces a simple but powerful idea: workplace wellbeing is not just about productivity or performance, but about how peoplefeel at work. Pharmacist Support continues to champion the importance of creating healthy workplace wellbeing cultures across the profession.
Early feedback points to a strong impact, with 90 percent of participants reporting improvements in their knowledge or approach to building resilience,both personally and within their teams.
Melissa Cochrane, Wellbeing Development Senior Manager at Pharmacist Support, emphasised the accessibility of the course and reinforced the importance of leadership in shaping workplace culture: “Our course is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing participants up to six months to complete it so you can balance your work, study and personal commitments.
“We recognise that wellbeing in pharmacy must go beyond individual resilience; it is strengthened by supportive workplace practices led by managers and employers. While our pharmacy family can access individual support through our Wellbeing Service, we are equally committed to equipping leaders with the tools and confidence to foster healthier, more supportive working environments.
“As part of our continued commitment to proactive wellbeing support, later this year we’ll also be launching our new Essential Eight wellbeing framework - eight core elements focused on helping individuals build healthier habits and lead more fulfilling lives. Backed by practical guidance and accessibleresources, the Essential Eight is designed to help people make meaningful, lasting changes that positively support both wellbeing and overall quality of life. We can’t wait to share this with you and to hear about the difference it makes.”
For those looking to strengthen their leadership skills while helping to shape healthier workplaces across pharmacy, the next step is clear.
Take a practical step toward building healthier pharmacy workplaces: Pharmacist Support is a well-established, independent and trusted charity supporting pharmacists and their families, former pharmacists, trainee pharmacists and pharmacy students. We provide a wide variety of free and confidential support services, including Information and Enquiries, Specialist Advice, Financial Assistance, Addiction Support, Counselling and Peer Support, and the Wardley Wellbeing Service. For further information visit pharmacistsupport.org. email info@pharmacistsupport.org or call 0808 168 2233.
