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The one where we’re up for a national award

May 15, 2019  |  Daphne Metland

I can’t say how delighted I am that the hard work of my team has been shortlisted for a prestigious Association for Online Publishing (AOP) award.

Thrive is up for an Employer Excellence gong in the 2019 AOP Digital Publishing Awards. We’re joined on the shortlist by the Telegraph, Raconteur and Incisive Media.

The Employer Excellence category is a brand new one for 2019, to celebrate those who promote talent, diversity, and employee wellbeing, and recognise those who consistently deliver in the face of continual change. This in itself is a reassuring demonstration of how far employers have come in focusing on the health and wellbeing of their staff.

With one in six working age adults in the UK experiencing poor mental health at any given time, chances are someone in your organisation is struggling. Workplaces are increasingly realising that they have a valuable and vital role in supporting individuals at times of crisis or poor mental health.

As a behaviour change agency that specialises in health communications, Thrive is passionate about the wellbeing of its team, and I’m very proud that we’re leading by example.

Promoting positive mental health is a top priority for us. From in-house mental health workshops and events to training up two employees as Mental Health First Aiders, we’re changing the conversation in our workplace by talking more openly about mental health.

We’ve appointed two Royal Society for Public Health-qualified Health and Wellbeing Champions, who listen to staff suggestions and plan wellbeing events and projects throughout the year.

By following the five ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Be active, Take notice, Learn and Give) we’re focusing on building resilience, as well as helping staff who need extra support from time to time. Volunteering with local charities and sponsored Walk to Work days have encouraged physical activity while helping out a great local cause.

We’ve made a huge effort to listen to the needs of the team and introduced lots of new initiatives to improve the happiness and welfare of staff, from providing flexible lunchtimes and fruit Mondays to massage and yoga taster sessions.

The Digital Publishing Awards Employer Excellence winner will be chosen by a panel of industry experts and senior publishing executives at Old Billingsgate, London on Thursday 27th June.

Richard Reeves, Managing Director at AOP, said: “It’s important we recognise the talent, creativity, and innovation that continues to prevail across our industry and take the time to thank every team member that contributes to the wider success of their organisation.

“As always I’m excited to applaud the hardworking, talented individuals and teams which make up this dynamic industry.”

But, whether we win or not, we’re not stopping with our efforts to nurture the wellbeing of our team, with our Health and Wellbeing champions planning lots more for this year and beyond.

We don’t just look after our own staff, we can help yours too. To find out about our expertise in health and behaviour changegive us a shout.