Ten Borough businesses awarded for improving health and wellbeing of workforce

Ten businesses in the Borough have been commended for their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of their employees.

The Better Health at Work (BHAW) award is aimed at promoting a healthy and happy workforce which is more efficient and productive, reducing absenteeism and improving staff retention.

A diverse range of businesses are engaged with the regional award scheme, from the commercial, public and voluntary sectors.

And despite the challenges of Covid-19 local workplaces found inventive ways to improve their employees' wellbeing - like Sabic who created a quiet room for staff just to 'get away from it all' for a bit if they were feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council was also awarded BHAW Ambassador status, after being nominated by Middlesbrough Borough Council.

The BHAW assessors said the Council "genuinely cares about the welfare of employees" and continues "to try to make the workplace a positive place".

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said:  "These awards recognise the hard work of all our Health Advocates across our Borough who have worked to deliver innovative and engaging campaigns to improve the health and wellbeing of their colleagues and the workforce. They, in turn, can also take these healthy messages home to their families.

"As a big local employer it is important that we lead by example, and I am delighted that Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council was awarded Ambassador status which recognises our long-term commitment and outstanding practice around the health and wellbeing of all our staff."

The successful businesses and organisations in full:

• Outwood Academy, Bishopsgarth (Bronze Standard)
• Suez TeesValley (Gold Standard)
• TK Access Solutions Ltd (Gold Standard)
• Education Training Collective (Continuing Excellence Standard)
• Clipper Logistics Plc (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
• Department for Work & Pensions (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
• Navigator Terminals North East (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
• North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust  (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
• Sabic (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
• Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (Maintaining Excellence Standard and Ambassador status)

Suez TeesValley also picked up the 'Special Recognition' award for its work put in to achieve the Gold Standard, and Suez employee Emma Short was awarded Health Advocate of the Year.

In total, there are currently 23 businesses and organisations actively engaged in the award scheme at all levels with more expressing their interest.

Any employers, small or large, interested in getting involved can find out more at the Better Health at Work Award website.

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