Evidence-Based Wellbeing | Key Takeaways from 2026 KeepWell Awards

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The annual Leading in Wellbeing Lunch, held on 7 May at Dublin’s Intercontinental Hotel, recognised the organisations setting the standard for workplace wellbeing across Ireland. The event brought together 250 business leaders, with the discussion focusing on a central theme: the country's most resilient organisations treat wellbeing as a core business strategy rather than a secondary benefit.

Seven companies accredited with the KeepWell Mark – Ibec’s workplace wellbeing accreditation programme – won awards. The ceremony, presented by broadcaster and equality advocate Brendan Courtney, recognised companies prioritising employee wellbeing.

Speaking at the event, Paula Cain, Executive Director of Commercial Services at Ibec, noted that workplace wellbeing has moved from the margins of social impact into strategic decision-making. Recent Ibec research shows that 69% of employees report workplace wellness has grown in importance to them in recent years. 'Wellbeing is no longer merely a nice to have', Cain stated. 'It is now a key strategic and commercial imperative.' The initiatives championed by this year's winners provide a practical blueprint for building inclusive workplace cultures.

Best in Class: Leadership – Merit Medical

Merit Medical secured the leadership accolade by turning standard engagement survey results into team-specific action plans. Backed by management training, this approach pushed employee ownership back to the teams themselves. The strategy relies on active listening and collaboration across the entire company.

Best in Class: Nutrition & Physical Activity – Sanofi

Sanofi received the award for Nutrition & Physical Activity for integrating behavioural science principles within its 'Allwell' strategy. By implementing health-based nudges – including subsidised healthy food choices and purpose-built quiet spaces – Sanofi established a physical environment that supports long-term lifestyle changes.

Best in Class: Talent Support & Development – Woodie’s

In the Talent Support & Development category, Woodie’s altered how the organisation invests in its people. Using video-based micro-learning modules and peer-led support through SkillNet Ireland, they made continuous learning accessible. Their structured leadership frameworks – specifically the 'Leap', 'Elevate', and 'RISE' programmes – provide development pathways that facilitate career progression.

Best in Class: Inclusion & Belonging – Dalata Hotel Group

Dalata Hotel Group won the Inclusion & Belonging accolade. Dalata rolled out initiatives across its properties by using bespoke inclusion branding and survey data to standardise recruitment and workplace practices. This systematic approach ensures that underrepresented groups face consistent, fair practices.

Best in Class: Mental Health – .ie

In an effort to improve psychological safety, .ie received the mental health award after training 100% of its employees as Mental Health First Aiders. Combined with psychosocial risk assessments and targeted action plans, .ie introduced a preventative workplace culture.

Company of the Year (SMEs) – Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI)

For the SME sector, Quality & Qualifications Ireland (QQI) was named Company of the Year. QQI attained 'Excellence' across six KeepWell pillars by incorporating employee care into its corporate framework. The business introduced an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan, Mental Health First Aid training for managers, and a Wellbeing Week programme.

Company of the Year (Large) – St Patrick’s Mental Health Services

St Patrick’s Mental Health Services received the top prize in the Large Company category, reaching 'Excellence' across all eight KeepWell pillars. The judging panel highlighted their structured initiatives, which include their 'Rainbow Badge' LGBTQ+ inclusivity campaign, menopause practices, and the 'Walk in my Shoes' anti-stigma initiative.

Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing – Professor Katriona O’Sullivan

The Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing Award was presented to author, lecturer, and social justice advocate Professor Katriona O’Sullivan.

Through her memoir Poor and her leadership of the STEM Passport for Inclusion programme, O'Sullivan mentors working-class women to enter corporate and STEM careers. Her core message is that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not. This challenges employers across Ireland to rethink how they recognize and support potential in the workplace.

Congratulations to all the organisations recognised this year. These awards are testament to their exceptional dedication to embedding employee wellbeing right at the heart of their business.

To learn more about Ibec's range of workplace wellbeing solutions and take the workplace wellbeing pulse check, visit www.ibec.ie/workplacewellbeing.