Prioritizing Mental Well-Being at Barker Ross

As daylight time reduces and we enter the darker months of the year, it's essential to be proactive about combating Seasonal Depressive Disorder and prioritising good mental health. By implementing research-backed strategies and fostering a supportive environment, we can all work together to ensure our well-being, both in and out of the workplace. At Barker Ross, we stand by your side in this journey toward mental health and well-being. Remember, you are not alone, and there is help and support available.

If you are an employer in need of support recruiting for either a new permanent employee of a team of temporary workers or you yourself are looking for a new role, do not hesitate before getting in touch with the team here and we can discuss the numerous ways in which we are able to assist your role and mental health.

Embracing Good Mental Health in the workplace

As the days grow shorter and the nights become longer, many of us find ourselves grappling with a change in mood and energy levels. At Barker Ross, we understand the importance of good mental health in the workplace, and we're here support our clients and candidates alike both face to face and through comprehensive online platforms.

The NHS recommends;

Exercise: Regular physical activity boosts mood and energy levels. Even a brisk walk outdoors during daylight hours can make a significant difference.
Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress and reduce symptoms of depression. Apps like Headspace and Calm can be valuable tools.
Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, can support mental health. Consider consulting a nutritionist.
Social Connections: Maintaining social connections, even with the use of virtual technologies, can combat isolation and loneliness.
Professional Help: If your symptoms are severe, seeking professional help from a therapist or psychiatrist is crucial. This is a sign of strength not weakness.

Barker Ross offer bespoke plans to all of the clients that we work with in order to best support our candidates in the work place, this includes HR support and regular surgeries, surveys are sent to workers regularly to ensure that they are happy in the workplace and are receiving the relevant support they need, regular healthcare updates and information for workers to provide up to date advice and support, and some circumstances can offer access to GP services and health and wellbeing support.

For more information on how we can support you, your workers and your business please contact us now : 0800 374 905.

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Two people building strong business relationships over a cup of coffee

Your Temporary Staffing Partner Should Make Operations Easier — Not Harder

By Michelle Toulouse • February 18, 2026

For many industrial and manufacturing businesses, temporary labour is essential. But when your agency isn’t delivering the right people, responding quickly, or understanding your operation, the impact shows up fast: Production delays Overtime costs Management time spent firefighting Pressure on your permanent team Temporary staffing should reduce operational stress — not add to it. The Real Challenge Employers Face Many businesses tell us the same thing when they come to Barker Ross: “We’ve tried multiple agencies.” “The people turn up, but the quality is inconsistent.” “When there’s a problem, we struggle to get it resolved quickly.” “It feels transactional, not like a partnership.” In today’s labour market — with rising wage costs and tighter margins — reliability matters more than ever. Why One Client Chose Barker Ross Before working with us, this client met with several agencies to find the right fit. Their feedback: “From the moment I met with Ellie, it was clear we were only going to use Barker Ross.” The difference wasn’t just candidate supply. It was: Honest conversations about availability and expectations Fast, efficient delivery A genuine effort to understand their operation and culture A relationship-led approach from day one Because Things Don’t Always Go to Plan Even with the best screening processes, issues can occasionally arise in any temporary workforce. What matters is the response. The client shared: “We have had some minor issues with agency staff, but she has sought to resolve these as quickly as possible.” Our approach focuses on: Immediate action Clear communication Rapid replacement when needed Ongoing performance monitoring For operations teams, that means minimal disruption and maximum continuity. The Result Today, the client benefits from: Consistent temporary staffing A dedicated account manager who understands their business Faster problem resolution Confidence in daily workforce planning Their recommendation: “I would highly recommend any company needing assistance with their staffing to consider Barker Ross.” What Makes Barker Ross Different? We focus on what operational leaders actually need: Dedicated account management Sector expertise in manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and food production Pre-screened, work-ready candidates Fast response and proactive communication Long-term partnerships, not short-term placements Because reliable staffing isn’t about filling shifts. It’s about protecting your operation. Is Your Current Agency Supporting Your Operation — or Adding Risk? If you’re experiencing: Frequent no-shows or performance issues Slow response times High management time spent resolving problems Multiple agencies but inconsistent results It may be time to review your staffing partner. "Working with Ellie has been an absolute pleasure. In the lead up to working with Barker Ross, we were looking to recruit temporary staff for our business and had met with a few different agencies to ascertain which would fit best with our ethos. From the moment I met with Ellie, it was clear we were only going to use Barker Ross. Ellie is honest, efficient and is able to deliver an excellent service. Above all, she is kind and is able to build a strong relationship with ease. We have had some minor issues with members of agency staff, but she has sought to resolve these as quickly as possible. I would highly recommend any company needing assistance with their staffing to consider Barker Ross". Let’s Talk If you’re planning ahead for 2026, managing rising labour costs, or simply want more reliable support, Barker Ross can help. Speak to us today or request a no-obligation workforce review to identify opportunities to improve reliability and reduce operational pressure.