Does your business go the extra mile when it comes to ensuring the well-being of its staff?
We all know work can be good for us and gives us meaning, purpose and an income. But bad work costs businesses money. Stress is now the biggest cause of sickness absence from the workplace with the cost of mental ill health to employers estimated at £25.9 billion and rising.
Investing in your employees’ health and mental well-being can help businesses improve staff retention, increase job satisfaction and improve morale.
The Best Workplace Award in the 2012 Lambeth Business Awards, organised by South London Business, will reward employers who value and engage with their staff and recognise that success in business is linked to the well-being of the workforce.
This year’s winners, architects Stride Treglown, were honoured for their efforts to encourage health and well-being, development and good working practices within its Lambeth office and its plans to continue investment in the development of working practices in the future.
The company, which has offices across the UK, has introduced initiatives including flexible working, flexi-days, a consultation forum for staff to air ideas and concerns as well as a cycle to work scheme.
As a result it has seen staff turnover fall, leading to reduced recruitment costs, and also recorded lower staff absence rates.
Ray Williamson, Divisional Director at Stride Treglown, said winning the 2011 Best Workplace Award would help the company raise its profile in Lambeth.
Ruth Wallis, Director of Public Health at NHS Lambeth, said: “We are sponsoring the Best Workplace category because we want to reward businesses in the borough who value their workforce and have made the important link between success in business and investment in their staff’s well-being. We hope this will encourage others to follow their lead.”
Businesses entering the category will also receive support from NHS Lambeth, which has set up a free online resource to help advise on how you can improve your workplace and staff well-being.
Run by South London Business (SLB) with the support of Lambeth Council and headline sponsor Barclays, the awards will recognise forward-looking and innovative firms and individuals who have demonstrated commitment and determination to promote their businesses.
Several other top businesses, including Veolia Environmental Services and London South Bank University, are also backing the Awards, which are now in their fifth year.
The Awards are open to all businesses based in the borough of Lambeth and will culminate in a gala dinner and awards ceremony in March next year.
Ross Feeney, South London Business’ Director of Business Support, said: “There continues to be a huge wealth of success stories among Lambeth’s businesses, including many new start-ups establishing themselves in the borough as well as some amazing business development and growth. This is a testament to the drive, determination and entrepreneurship of Lambeth’s business leaders and it is these qualities that the Awards allow us to celebrate.”
