“My motivation to become an ESG Change Champion came from my Senior Leader Higher Apprenticeship course,” she says. “It highlighted the importance of sustainability and responsible leadership, and made me think about how I could apply that in practice.” For Reyhan, that meant focusing on something very tangible: employee well-being.
A space where people can pause
One of the most visible outcomes of that focus is the wellness room. “Last year, we created a wellness room for employees who, for whatever reason, need a moment to themselves,” Reyhan explains. The room is used in different ways: by mothers who need a private space to pump, by colleagues stepping out after busy lab hours, and by employees who simply need a quiet moment to recharge. In a fast-paced operational environment, creating space for pause is not always obvious. And that’s exactly why it matters.
Supporting each other through mental first aiders
The wellness room is only one part of a broader approach to well-being within the team. Another key initiative is the introduction of mental first aiders: trained colleagues who are there to listen and support others when needed. “Our mental first aiders are employees who have received special training. We started these trainings a few years ago,” Reyhan says.
These initiatives have helped create a more open and supportive culture within the organisation. “I find it remarkable, and a real sign of trust, that employees feel safe enough to open up to a colleague,” she explains. That sense of openness has also encouraged employees to take initiative themselves.
“The spin-off is that we now regularly organise themed days around well-being topics, suggested by employees,” Reyhan says. “One example was Pie & Patter, this focused on men’s mental health and created space for open, informal conversations. More recently, the initiative looked at women’s well-being after pregnancy and returning to work, combined with a donation drive for families in need organised by the mental first aiders.”
For Reyhan, this level of involvement is exactly what matters. “The mental first aiders and the wellness room show how strong the involvement is within Normec. Well-being is truly a shared effort.” It’s this shared responsibility that turns well-being from an idea into something people actively contribute to every day.
Reyhan’s approach shows that ESG is not only about environmental improvements. It’s also about creating a workplace where people feel supported and safe. Some simple ways to apply this mindset in your own environment:
What can you take away?
-
1.
Create space for people
Sometimes impact starts with something as simple as a quiet room or a moment to pause.
-
2.
Make support accessible
Having trained colleagues who can listen makes a real difference.
-
3.
Encourage open conversations
Talking about well-being helps normalise it.
-
4.
Listen to your team
The most relevant initiatives often come from employees themselves.
-
5.
Build trust step by step
A safe culture is not created overnight, but through consistent actions.
A different perspective on sustainability
Reyhan’s story highlights an important insight: sustainability is not only about what we reduce, it’s also about what we create. A supportive environment, a culture of trust, a workplace where people can be themselves. Because in the end, a sustainable organisation is one where people can thrive together.