About the Award

For too long, the North East has had a reputation for being of being an ‘unhealthy’ place to live and work; unfortunately borne out by our fairly shocking life expectancy rate and high long-term sickness and disability figures.

To help combat this, a partnership project unique to the North East was created and the Better Health at Work Award was established to take health and wellbeing into the workplace.

This partnership has now been taken forward by the Northern TUC, with the support and endorsement from Public Health England.

Workplace Health is an important and integral part of the regional public health strategy and is even more relevant in these challenging times, when companies need to use every tool available to ensure their productivity and competitiveness.

With more than 400 regional employers participating in the scheme so far, as well as the very favourable findings of at least two independent evaluations, both the need for and effectiveness of the Award for all concerned is clear.

Individuals benefit from increased access to health information and interventions where they wouldn't normally - in more than one instance, workplace activity generated by the Award has potentially saved lives - identifying dangerously high cholesterol levels and early stage cancers.

At the same time, employers benefit from improved morale, dramatically lower levels of absenteeism and increased productivity. There are few more apparent win-win situations.

You can download and view the Better Health at Work Award Employer Guide below, to read more on the award process, the structure of the award and find out about the role of health advocates.

Employer Guide

"Our goal was to promote a happy, healthy and engaged inclusive workforce by raising awareness, providing education and signposting employees to services and programmes whether in person or online, to help them maintain or enhance their health and wellbeing in both work and home environments.

The award enabled Nexus to gain recognition as an exceptional organisation in offering health and wellbeing support for staff and be recognised as an ambassador for other organisations in the North East".

- Nexus, Newcastle, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024

"We knew the award would give our business some structure, accountability and credibility to our health and wellbeing strategy.

The award itself helps us stay focused and the data we receive from our annual survey is invaluable in helping to shape campaigns that really matter to our workforce".

- Robson Laidler Accountants Limited, Newcastle and County Durham, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024

"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 know how important it is to feel good, physically, mentally, and emotionally, both at work and at home. The aim is to have a culture where wellbeing isn’t just encouraged, it’s part of how we work.

Through the award, we are building that culture.

The insights, support, and guidance we have received from the BHAWA team has been invaluable. They have helped shape a range of campaigns that have benefited our workforce and the establishment and from which we are seeing the positive impact already".

- HMP Frankland, County Durham, Silver Level achieved 2024

"Better Health at Work Award has truly transformed our workplace culture. It has inspired us to prioritise employee wellbeing; boosting morale, productivity, and engagement. The support and guidance provided is invaluable. We’re proud to champion health and wellbeing thanks to this outstanding initiative.

A highly recommended program for any forward-thinking company.

We value the recognition and support the award offers. The guidance from Grace and Craig is second to none. We've also built valuable contacts through the award, which has brought real benefits to the company and strengthened our focus on employee wellbeing".

- Walker FIltration, Sunderland, Bronze Level achieved 2024

"Our employees are our biggest asset, and we wanted to offer something that made a positive difference to their health and wellbeing.

The Award benefits businesses of any size. The structure it provides means employee wellbeing becomes embedded in your business as you work through the award levels.

Employees notice the improvements. Training and networking opportunities give great ideas for campaigns. And it is free!"

- Newcastle Carers, Newcastle, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024