Winners announced of annual Ibec KeepWell Awards 2021

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, today announced the winners from its third annual KeepWell Awards ceremony, via a special broadcast from the Ibec offices in Dublin. The awards, presented by Brendan Courtney, recognises and celebrates those companies that are prioritising the wellbeing of their workforces while showcasing those that have achieved exceptional success with their corporate wellbeing strategies.  

Ibec Director of Membership and Sectors, Sharon Higgins, marked the awards by saying: “Since March 2020, as a society we have faced many ups and downs but the spirit of resilience, camaraderie and care, which has been a feature throughout the pandemic has truly become a core value for the companies we are recognising this afternoon.  

“Not only has Covid catalysed the focus on wellbeing within the business community, it has fuelled its progression as an integral pillar within organisational culture. 

“It is critically important that we recognise, reward and support wellbeing in the workplace and by doing this promote a greater public understanding of the links between work, health and wellbeing. Companies serious about their environmental, social and governance (ESG) agenda cannot ignore their employees’ wellbeing.  

“In the new world of work that is emerging in the post-Covid landscape, attraction and retention of talent has never been so important. Mental and physical wellbeing initiatives will increasingly become a major factor in individuals’ decision on where they work, and indeed a ‘must have’ for organisations that want to do right by their employees.”  

The winners for each KeepWell Award category were selected out of a shortlist of twenty-three companies in total. All shortlisted organisations have been accredited or reaccredited with the KeepWell Mark in 2020-21. The winners are:  
1. Best in Class Leadership Award: Coca-Cola Hellenic Ireland  
2. Best in Class Nutrition Award: Alkermes Pharma Ireland 
3. Best in Class Physical Activity Award: Boliden Tara Mines DAC 
4. Best in Class Mental Health Award: The Health Products Regulatory Authority 
5. SME Company of the Year Award: Unum Ireland Limited 
6. Large Company of the Year Award: Alexion Pharmaceuticals  
 
At the awards, Ibec was delighted to honour Niall Breslin, with an Outstanding Contribution to wellbeing award. 

Niall marked the award by saying: “Humans may be complex, but their needs aren’t. At the core of wellbeing are acceptance, understanding and compassion. The workplace has a massive influence on our society and the progress that has been made so far is commendable. However, there’s still a way to go in terms of eradicating mental health stigma and employers have a responsibility to prioritise this. Whatever wellness approach you use in your business - it has to be strategic. 

KeepWell Programme Manager, Sophie Moran, added: “Niall has dedicated a huge amount of energy and passion towards championing improved awareness around mental health. That is, mental health in all its guises and the reality of the struggles that people go through, including his own experience. We need advocates like this to continue to reduce stigma around mental health and we couldn’t be happier to present the outstanding contribution to Niall for the part he has played to date.” 

Award sponsors DeCare Dental, Mental Health First Aid Ireland, Just Eat and Good4U also extended their congratulations to all of the companies involved. 

To find out more about The KeepWell Mark and how we can support your organisation's wellness goals, visit www.thekeepwellmark.ie.