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Welcome to the Better Health At Work Award portal

 

Better Health at Work Award Employer Guide

Employer Guide

The Better Health at Work Award recognises the efforts of employers in the North East and Cumbria in addressing health issues within the workplace.  The award scheme is FREE, flexible and open to all employers in participating local authority areas, regardless of size, location or type of business.

Many organisations already promote healthy lifestyles and consider the health of their employees.  This Award will recognise the achievements of these organisations and help them move forward in a structured and supported way.


For those organisations who have not considered promoting health at work, taking part in this award will help you reap the rewards of encouraging a healthy workforce.

 

Click to download the Employer guide on the left to find out more.

The Business Case

Promoting a healthy workplace has considerable benefits for employers and can lead to decreased absenteeism, increased productivity and improved performance.

The business case

Award Criteria

There are 6 levels  – Foundation, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Continuing Excellence and Maintaining Excellence, with appropriate criteria at each stage to build into an Award Portfolio.

Award criteria

Case Studies

Read about our success stories, covering a wide variety of organisations across the north east.

Case studies

Organisations are given up to a year per level, but there is flexibility for those who need it. Every employer/organisation who signs-up to participate in the Award scheme is supported by a dedicated Workplace Health Improvement Specialist.


Taking part in the Award does not affect the participant’s obligation to comply with the law, including health and safety and employment law.  It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure they are legally compliant in these matters and, therefore, the awarding body cannot be held accountable for any shortfalls in legislative compliance as a result of participation in the scheme.

We chose to participate in the award programme as it is providing us with a structured and planned schedule of events and initiatives that supports our overarching health and wellbeing strategy and objectives. It is a key strand to use providing a holistic approach to our employees’ health and wellbeing.

The award programme has provided us with key benefits including pointers in data gathering, event planning and networking opportunities. The monthly health advocate meetings are invaluable in providing information on what local support is available to enable us to build up our calendar of events and provide relevant and engaging content to our employees on a variety of health topics.

We are excited to be part of this programme and look forward to progressing through the differing levels to provide real benefit to our workforce. This will ensure we continue to put health at the heart of Hitachi.

- Hitachi Construction Machinery Ltd, Bronze

"We joined the Award to promote a healthier, happier workplace and provide our team with tools and encouragement to improve wellbeing both at work and at home. It offers a structured approach that aligns with our commitment to supporting our people.

The Award has been a great motivator, helping us focus our wellbeing efforts and create meaningful activities for staff. The advice and resources provided have been invaluable in shaping our campaigns and engaging our team in positive, lasting change".

 

- SUEZ TeesValley, Stockton, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024

We started the award in 2020 as we were keen to help improve the wellbeing of our employees, particularly post covid. One of our values is putting people first, and we felt like this was a step in the right direction to achieve this.

We now have a team of 10 passionate health advocates to help improve the wellbeing in the office. It’s a great feeling when the office looks forward to the health campaigns and want to be involved. It feels as though the work we’re doing is benefiting our employees.

- Tritility Business Energy Consultants, Sunderland

The award is a declaration of our commitment to building a healthy and happy workplace culture for every employee. Designing a positive and engaging health and wellbeing offer where health inequalities are reduced is so important to us and we know we will achieve this with the support of BHAWA.

The award process provides structure for Better Health at Work. It provides support, guidance and networking opportunities to learn and improve. The opportunity to collaborate and hear about others practice across the region is always inspiring, we always come away buzzing with ideas.

- Sunderland City Council, Sunderland

"The Award allows us to address a wide range of health topics, from mental health and stress to physical activity and nutrition and provides a structure to ensure each topic includes several initiatives each year.

These campaigns and initiatives help raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyle choices among University employees. 

BHAWA has provided a solid foundation for our Health and Wellbeing Action Plan and underpins our organisational Health and Wellbeing Strategy. Pursuing the award (Maintaining Excellence) ensures that the Health and Wellbeing of our staff remains a top priority as we share information and resources and deliver meaningful campaigns."

 

- Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024

"We loved the fact that the award has a local focus about wellbeing in the North-East. The framework it provides is exceptional.

The support and network are invaluable. You don't feel like you're starting from scratch, there's always someone with an idea of what they've tried.

The portal is great. It has a huge number of resources and it's easy to use and access. It's helped us with campaigns where we've less experience, and they're now part of our annual calendar".

 

- Karbon Homes, Newcastle, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024
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