AN awards programme that encourages employers to create happier, healthier workplaces is celebrating its 100th award.
Four years after the launch of the Wellbeing at Work (WAW) programme, East Sussex County Council’s public heath team have reached the milestone, handing Rathfinny Wine Estate its silver award.
The Alfriston-based business is one of 60 organisations registered on the programme to received one or more awards. Seven businesses have achieved the top accolade, which recognises workplaces that have embedded health and wellbeing into their culture and act as a role model for other employers.
Celebrating the company’s success, Katy Lee, HR and Wellbeing Manager at Rathfinny Wine Estate, said: “Employees have become more increasingly involved and are able to use their initiative to suggest and develop wellbeing activities, such as group walks around the estate.”
WAW helps employers to create and deliver a health and wellbeing survey, the results of which highlight priority areas for support, including mental health, musculoskeletal health, and workplace culture and leadership.
Many participating organisations report significant positive changes for their staff — from improved mental wellbeing and reduced stress to better physical health and stronger team morale.
Darrel Gale, the county council’s Director of Public Health, said: “Reaching the 100th Wellbeing at Work award is a significant milestone for East Sussex. Congratulations to Rathfinny Wine Estate on its success and to all the organisations that have worked so hard to improve wellbeing as part of WAW.
“By supporting employers to put health and wellbeing at the heart of their business, we are helping to improve the workplace for thousands of people. This benefits not only employees, but their families and communities and makes a real difference to health and wellbeing across the county.”
As well as large organisations like Wealden District Council and Servomex Group Ltd, the programme is also benefitting small businesses across the county – those that employ between two and 49 members of staff.
Saffrons Park Nursery in Eastbourne achieved its bronze award in 2024 and is working towards silver.
Liz Jupp, the company’s Wellbeing Manager said: “Working in early years education is very demanding both physically and emotionally and with ever increasing demands on our team, we decided to review the way in which we offer them support.
“We have been able to access some fantastic training opportunities through the Wellbeing at Work programme, which have enabled us to involve and equip others within our team to play their part in building a wider understanding of the many different elements that contribute to wellbeing.”
The programme is free to join and open to all businesses with one or more employees. Organisations can work through the award levels at their own pace, with access to expert advice, training, and a library of resources.
A Workplace Wellbeing event will take place on Thursday, December 4 from 10am at the Welcome Building in Compton Street, Eastbourne.
The free event features expert speakers and offers employers a chance to network and to get practical insights to support workplace health and productivity.
Employers interested in attending the event, or finding out more about the initiative can find out more by visiting The Centre For Wellbeing At Work East Sussex – East Sussex Wellbeing At Work.
To date, seven organisations have reached the Gold Award standard, demonstrating a sustained commitment to supporting their staff:
- Servomex Group Ltd
- Affinity Select Insurance Services Ltd
- Havens Community Hub
- Wealden District Council
- Dawson Hart Solicitors Limited
- St Wilfrid’s Hospice
- Ridgeview Wine Estate
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