Benenden Health is a mutual providing private medical cover for more than 800,000 members – regular hard-working people who all pay the same monthly fee. The same inclusive philosophy applies to the staff, every one of whom is considered an important member of the team.

After the pandemic started, the chief executive brought together the whole organisation each fortnight with a call, which provided updates on business performance and Benenden's response to Covid-19.

A group of wellbeing champions was set up, with volunteers from across the staff. These were the ears and eyes of the company during the pandemic, allowing it to respond quickly to the changing wellbeing needs of the workforce.

York-based Benenden is focused on providing a great place to work where its 300-plus employees can be at their best and build their careers. Seven managers are studying for management degrees through Benenden University, a joint programme with York St John University. Upskilling programmes delivered during the pandemic included a sales refresher for the B2B and B2C teams.

To maintain the community culture the workforce enjoys in the office, a social timeline was created on the intranet. Staff were encouraged to share stories and photos. Some wrote blogs about lockdown life, with each update eagerly anticipated!

The company also strives to care for the environment. Initiatives have included replacing paper notebooks with reusable whiteboards and removing plastic cups from vending machines. Rather than going to landfill, Benenden's waste is incinerated, helping to produce energy to power local homes.