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When Burnout Goes Too Far: A Story of Stroke, Work and Recovery | Steve Smith

In this powerful lived experience piece, Steve shares how a culture of long hours and constant pressure led to a life‑changing stroke - and the communication challenges that followed. Through his journey with aphasia, he highlights the reality many employees face when returning to work after stroke, and why greater understanding of communication disability is essential. With practical, simple steps employers can take, this blog encourages organisations across Greater Manchester to build more inclusive, supportive workplaces where everyone has the confidence to contribute and recover.

 

All the winners from the Greater Manchester Good Employment Awards 2026

Engines of Progress: Why a Good Employment Culture is the Ultimate Power Source | Sarah Clarke | Good Employment Awards 2026

A thought-provoking reflection from the Good Employment Awards, exploring how communication, connection and culture act as the driving forces behind organisational progress. Drawing on insights from employers and leaders across Greater Manchester, this piece highlights why good employment is essential to building resilient, productive and people-focused workplaces - and how culture can turn intention into meaningful action.

 

Manchester skyline

9 New Members Strengthen the Good Employment Movement | May 2026

 

We’re proud to welcome nine new Members to the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter - employers who are putting good employment into practice. Spanning a range of sectors, they’re strengthening a growing movement committed to fair pay, secure work and positive workplace cultures. Discover who’s joined and how they’re helping raise the bar for employment standards across Greater Manchester.

 

People working in an office room happily with good wellbeing and management practice

The Manager Who Changed Everything (And Probably Didn’t Even Know It)

In this guest blog for the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter, Jillian Simpson reflects on the manager who quietly changed the course of her working life — and what that experience tells us about good management today.

Through a personal story rooted in early working life, this piece explores how everyday management behaviours shape confidence, wellbeing and long‑term attachment to work. It’s a reminder that good employment isn’t just set out in policies, but experienced through relationships — and that better management should be the standard, not a matter of chance.

Audience sat listening to a speaker, engaged.

The Finish Line We’ve Lost: A Practical Guide to Tackling Workplace Stress | City Wellbeing Series
As we mark Stress Awareness Month this April, many organisations are exploring practical ways to support healthier, more connected teams. In this guest blog, Nick Rusling introduces the idea of “finish line thinking” — a simple, evidence‑based approach that helps employees pause, reset, and acknowledge moments of completion throughout the workday. He explains how small, intentional pauses and shared milestones can reduce pressure, strengthen connection, and create healthier patterns of working. With the Greater Manchester Wellbeing Series offering collective moments to aim for, this piece encourages employers to embed everyday practices that genuinely support wellbeing and foster a more resilient workplace culture.
Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter Plaques on a table

The Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter: a Strategic Imperative for the North West

Good employment is now a strategic priority for every organisation in the North West. In this blog, Neal Chamberlain FCIPD explores why the region’s economic success depends not only on growth and investment, but on the quality of work we create. He highlights how the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter provides a practical framework for fair pay, inclusion, skills development and employee voice — and why aligning around shared standards is essential for long‑term regional prosperity.

 

People sat talking in an office. An LGBT flag is draped from the ceiling.

From Inclusion to Infrastructure: Why Good Mental Health is essential in the Workplace | Queerwell
In this guest blog for LGBT+ History Month, Tim Spoor MBE, CEO of Queerwell, explores why LGBTQIA+ employees continue to face higher levels of stress and burnout — even in organisations committed to inclusion. He explains how workplace design, not identity, drives disparities, and outlines practical steps employers can take to build psychologically safe, preventative, and equitable systems. A must‑read for employers serious about wellbeing, retention, and meaningful inclusion.

 

A group of people conversing with each other around a computer

How To Coach Your Team | Catherine Stothart
Discover why a coaching mindset is essential for modern managers. Leadership expert Catherine Stothart shares practical tips to overcome barriers, avoid common pitfalls, and harness the power of the GROW model—helping your team thrive in a hybrid workplace.

 

Ian MacArthur and Carol Halford Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter

Reflecting on 2025: Another Landmark Year for the Good Employment Charter
Discover the highlights of 2025 for the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter. From national recognition and the Employment Rights Bill to the launch of the Bee Neuroinclusive Code of Practice and Good Employment Week, explore how we’ve championed good work and shaped the future of employment.