Understanding mental health challenges and recognising the potential wellbeing impacts around changes to working hours were discussed in detail at the latest British Furniture Association (BFA) HR Forum.
Hosted by Wade Springs in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, the forum welcomed guest speakers Lewis Gregory of men’s mental health charity Andy’s Man Club and Laura Kearsley of Nelsons Solicitors.
Lewis Gregory shared his personal experiences with the group and explained how Andy’s Man Club helps tackle stigma around men’s mental health, running free sessions nationwide and providing spaces where men can talk, listen and support one another.
HR Forum Vice-Chair, Kathryn Crowshaw of Peak Converters led the session. She said: “In an industry where many HR professionals are female and workforce demographics lean heavily male this kind of resource offers vital support.
“Many forum attendees shared personal reflections on how mental health has touched their lives, reinforcing the importance of continued awareness and access to support networks.
“We were really grateful to hear from Lewis, gain insight into the work of Andy’s Man Club and learn about the free resources and sessions that are available.”
The second part of the forum saw Laura Kearsley of Nelsons Solicitors guide members through the concept and practicalities of introducing annualised hours contracts.
“This was also extremely insightful, with a focus on the need to protect employees’ wellbeing while considering options that would help improve productivity and labour utilisation,” continued Kathryn.
Annualised hours can help manufacturers manage seasonal peaks and off-peak efficiency, reducing overtime and agency costs through agreements that set a total number of hours across the year rather than each week, allowing working time to align more closely with production cycles and demand fluctuations.
They also make labour costs more predictable and can benefit employees seeking stability or longer rest periods at quieter times.
However, careful planning and communication are required to adopt this approach.
Challenges include complex scheduling, risk of fatigue during busy periods, and potential disruption to work–life balance if poorly managed.
Transparent engagement with employees and unions, accurate forecasting, and strong administrative processes are key to success.
Kathryn added: “By sharing both benefits and pitfalls, the session gave members valuable insight into how this model could be applied effectively across different types of furniture manufacturing operations.
“Overall, the Forum session was really useful, bringing members together to discuss two important workplace themes – wellbeing and annualised hours – with open, thoughtful conversation around both.”
