Benenden Health's emphasis on employee wellbeing earns Best Companies rankings
1st March 2019 by Neil Barnes
Benenden Health's focus on employee wellbeing has caused a jump in local and national Best Companies rankings
Last week’s Sunday Times Best Companies awards revealed a 17 place jump for Benenden Health in the Top 100 Not-for-Profit Companies to Work For.
The York-based healthcare provider secured 45th place in the Not-For-Profit category, which represents a great achievement in a single year following their 2018 placement at 62nd. This means they are now nationally recognised as one of the top 50 not-for-profits in the country to work for, having been ranked alongside other large UK not-for-profits, such as Great Ormond Street Children's Charity, the National Trust and Chester Zoo.
The improved placement follows a year-long programme of improved employee engagement initiatives, which resulted in the company being rated as a ‘one star’ best company to work for.
To add to the sense of achievement, we’re delighted to announce that we’ve been ranked 39th in the top 75 Best Companies to work for in Yorkshire and the Humber.
This award is for businesses of all types across the region – encompassing big, small and not-for-profit companies. Being named number 39 in the top 75 companies for our region, among such other local organisations as The Body Shop International and David Lloyd Fitness Clubs is a great accomplishment.
How Benenden Health boosted engagement
CEO Bob Andrews, said:
“The Sunday Times Best Companies Awards shine a light on some of the best companies in the UK. I am delighted that Benenden Health have ranked highly on such a prestigious list in the not-for-profit category. To secure our one star rating in the Best Companies index is an honour, but to jump up into the top 50 not-for-profits is a real coup for our team.”
“I’m also really proud that we that we’ve come 39th in the top 75 Best Companies to work for in Yorkshire and the Humber. These fantastic achievements bear testament to our colleagues, and their passion for health and wellbeing. It’s an important step on our journey as we strive to be an ‘extraordinarily engaged’ organisation with three-star accreditation.”
The Best Companies index and awards celebrates engaged workplaces and the innovative ways that businesses can support employee engagement. Benenden Health was acknowledged by Best Companies for their commitment to employee wellbeing, by offering staff physical and mental health support, as well as access to an on-site gym. The organisation’s charity work in York throughout the year was also commended.
Bob Andrews added:
“The team have worked hard on a range of employee initiatives such as bringing in a mental health first aiders scheme, a new leadership development programme, a peer-to-peer recognition scheme, and lots of great volunteering opportunities. I’ve seen first hand the really valuable impact these have had on team engagement".
The Sunday Times Best Companies Awards
On the night of the awards, colleagues from across the company were invited to accept the honour. Those attending have been recognised by Benenden Health for demonstrating a key organisational value – ‘Be Brave, Be Smart, Be Connected and Be Caring.’ Benenden Health recognises colleagues for reflecting these values to promote positive collaboration, and as a way of encouraging employee engagement.
Joanne Worden from Benenden Health’s Marketing team who attended the Awards Ceremony as a Values Award winner said:
“Benenden Health has changed so much over the last 2 years and this year’s ranking reflects the positive improvements we’ve made in our working culture. At the awards it was apparent how far we have come - lots of the initiatives which were spoken about on the night are either currently being implemented or have already been introduced. There’s lots to be proud of! I believe the changes to our values have also had a big impact - these are easy to apply to our everyday roles, and they have helped me to make better decisions.”
Nicola Bonner from Benenden Health’s Contact Centre team, said:
“I was really proud to be invited to attend the event and represent Benenden Health. After listening to the comments about other companies who won awards it was very clear that Benenden Health do most of the great things the other companies do. From my point of view the people make this a great place to work, everyone cares about each other and does their best to make Benenden Health the great organisation it is.”
Jonathan Austin, CEO & Founder of Best Companies said:
“I would like to congratulate Benenden Health on their achievement. Best Companies have been producing the Accreditation standard since 2006 to acknowledge excellence in the workplace. Organisations like Benenden Health have continued to focus on their employees and have been rewarded with an engaged workforce who tell us that this is a best company to work for.”
Benenden Health provides healthcare services for over 800,000 members across the UK. The society has sought to ensure its own employee initiatives represent best practice and in turn, to help employers promote good health and wellbeing in the workplace. If you're looking to become a Best Company, discover more about what Benenden Health can offer your business.
Visit our careers page if you would like to learn more about opportunities to grow your career at one of the best companies to work for in the region.