South Yorkshire based company Distinction Doors showed they truly understand the benefits that a healthy workplace brings when they were announced as finalists in Barnsley Council’s Healthy Workplace Awards on 19th September.
In this inaugural year for the awards, the category of Best Health and Wellbeing Intervention/Initiative Award recognised those companies who have introduced interventions which have made a measurable impact and been sustained over a longer term. In the case of Distinction Doors, their formation of a five-person Health and Wellbeing Team almost two years ago proved a worthy enough reason to be shortlisted against other local businesses.
Statistically, ill health of employees leads to loss of production, higher staff turnover and absenteeism – all of which have cost implications for organisations. Reducing staff absences by just one day per year can save workplaces thousands while embedding a culture of health and wellbeing contributes to a more effective, satisfied workforce.
Given the forward-thinking attitude of Distinction Doors, it came as no surprise that later in the evening staff member Paul Hewkin was crowned the winner in the Health Champion category. Since 2017 Paul has committed himself to improving the health and wellbeing of his colleagues.
Paul explained: “When the Health and Wellbeing Team first started introducing ideas many thought it wouldn’t last and some didn’t take it very seriously. But the management team have been behind us the whole way and now everybody, whatever their shift pattern, is involved.
Once a year we measure people’s blood pressure as part of a campaign called ‘Know your Numbers’. If their reading is higher than it should be we advise them to see their GP. On Tuesdays the whole company can collect a free piece of fruit from the canteen, which also houses a table tennis and pool table for staff to use during their breaks. Through book donations, we’ve created a reading corner as well. Healthy workplaces aren’t just about getting up from your desk a bit more often, or eating a better lunch, it’s introducing a culture of change and considering every aspect of employees’ health, including their mental wellbeing.
“I was totally shocked to receive the award, and very happy. I couldn’t have don’t it without the rest of the team though, so I see it as a shared achievement.”
Distinction Doors received their first accreditation to the Workplace Wellbeing Charter in May 2017 and are now in the process of working towards the next step on the healthy workplace ladder.
