The Best Companies ‘Special Award’ for Wellbeing is given to one organisation in each size category annually to reflect a creative approach – or particularly good application of initiatives – to positively impact all aspects of their employees’ health.
We shortlist for the award using the information you provide us about your people and culture in your cultural insights when you undertake a survey. We ask questions relating to the initiatives or policies in place that relate to ‘Wellbeing’, which allows us to identify those showing a genuine commitment to embedding good practice and policies in this area.
Shortlisted companies’ answers are anonymised and reviewed by an independent judging panel, who select the winning organisation in each category.
Winners are then revealed during an annual ceremony each November, in conjunction with the publication of the final League Table of the Best Companies to Work For each year.
The winners of the Wellbeing Special Award in 2022 demonstrated that honesty, communication, and care were the things that resonated with their employees the most.
In the small category, winners Daemon Solutions Group put together a wellbeing plan, which is reviewed and progressed in bi-weekly meetings to ensure the are hitting every milestone in their action plan. They work with specialist wellbeing providers Vitality and Unum to offer sessions on progressive wellbeing behaviours. They take time to acknowledge and share practices that work for our colleagues to promote a variety of wellness benefits.
For Journey Further, winners in the mid-sized category, they take a values-led approach to wellbeing and challenge themselves to always be open and together. By integrating the value of culture, they encourage open communications around wellbeing topics and promote work-life balance, mental health, drop-in clinics, private medical care, 24/7 access to HR as well as a number of other initiatives aimed at improving their employees lives.
In the big category, Softwire is leading the way by providing its employees with incredible health and life insurance. This insurance isn't just limited to the employees but is extended to their partners and children under the age of 21. Softwire has also provided its staff with access to professional therapy sessions to help them with any issues they maybe facing outside of work.
For Admiral, winners in the large category, supporting colleague wellbeing in the workplace is fundamental to their culture and the success of their colleagues. They launched an initiative to train all HR Executives and wellbeing personnel to become qualified Mental Aid First aiders and there is an "I Need Help" button on the intranet where confidential support is provided the same day. This is in addition to other successful initiatives they have integrated, from meditation classes to their Parental Leave Coaching programme.
In 2021 Camelot UK showed its compassion for parents juggling caring responsibilities, by allocating them an additional 15 days’ paid leave. It also ran classes for parents at the end of the working day, with the specific aim of helping them to switch off. The firm allows employees to claim up to £1,000 off gym memberships, including online classes and everyone can access virtual appointments with GPs, counsellors, physiotherapists – and get life, money, and wellbeing support.
In 2020, Equilibrium Asset Management showed their commitment to four pillars of health – namely physical, mental, financial, and social. They implemented initiatives in each of the four areas to support their employees – with additions to the office including guided meditation, bi-weekly yoga, wealth management training and collaborative events and social spaces for games and competitions in the office.
Being awarded the Special Award for Wellbeing shows that you not only care about your employees, but also the community and environment around them.
How employees feel about stress, pressure at work and life balance is one of the eight key factors of engagement – meaning that going the extra mile in this area can have a positive impact on their overall health and happiness, as well as job satisfaction and retention.
It’s a unique opportunity to gain recognition as a responsible employer, as well as an accolade that can help you stand out against the competition. As a winner in your size category, you’ll receive marketing and publicity from Best Companies, as well as the opportunity to discuss your achievement during one of our live events.
Want to find out more about our other Special Awards, the winners and what goes into winning them...
Best Improver
Special Award
Best Leader
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Giving Something Back
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Learning & Development
Special Award
Wellbeing Special Award