Increased focus on alignment of ESG and wellbeing ahead of National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2022

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, has said that there is a growing recognition within the business community of the role that the aligning of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ambitions and wellbeing strategies can play in underpinning resilience and competitiveness of organisations. 

It comes as businesses across Ireland prepare for National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2022, taking place on April 29.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “Over the last number of years there has been a growing movement among business to consider the impact of their operations, not just in terms of maximising returns but in generating returns in a way which balances environmental, social and governance goals. Catalysed by Covid disruptions, public awareness of the importance of good workplace mental health and wellbeing continues to grow. Indeed, in recent Ibec research, almost half of respondent had wellbeing as a top five priority. 

“These shifts toward embracing ESG goals are driven not just by doing good but also by good business sense. Those organisations who embed a culture of wellbeing that prioritise measures that support the mental and physical wellness of their workforce, are the same ones who are more effective at ensuring the attraction and retention of employees. 

“National Workplace Wellbeing Day affords an opportunity to organisations across Ireland to showcase the steps that they have taken to support their staff in their wellbeing. The day can also raise awareness for those organisations who are yet to initiate their wellbeing journeys and we are encouraging all companies large and small to take part whatever way they can.”

This year to mark National Workplace Wellbeing Day, Ibec is proud to be announcing The Happy Pear founders, Dave and Steve Flynn as official Ambassadors. They marked the launch by stating: “Our philosophy speaks to the power of individuals to change their lives and their communities including workplace for the better, Ibec’s focus on collective wellbeing resonates with us and for that reason we are proud to partner with them.

“Without happy and healthy employees no business strategy is viable. Our mission is to help you gain more energy, more focus, feel healthier and happier. Tiny changes can generate a massive positive impact on both an individual and their community, including the workplace. For this reason, we believe our partnership with Ibec is the perfect fit. Together, our focus is collective wellbeing, health and happiness to bring the best out of employees in their workplace.”

National Workplace Wellbeing Day is the only national day in the EU specifically dedicated by business to shining a spotlight on employee health and wellbeing, with up to 1,000 companies participating annually. Ibec is calling on businesses all over Ireland, large and small, to register and mark the day by hosting a range of health and wellbeing activities in their workplace, either virtually or in person. Sample activities for National Workplace Wellbeing Day 2022 include:

• Online/in-person meditation and mindfulness practice
• Online/in-person guided fitness sessions
• Virtual/hybrid connect sessions including team lunches, water cooler or coffee break moments
• Online/in-person briefings and live Q&A sessions with wellbeing practitioners
• Internal competitions (baking, healthiest dish, share your workstation, fitness related. etc.)
• Access to medical, counselling and nutrition advice
• Lunchtime 5K - encourage your staff to share a photo of their walk at lunch, and share a collage with us on twitter by using #WorkWell22

To participate:

• Get your business listed as a participating organisation by signing up today at www.wellbeingday.ie 
• Follow us on twitter @WellbeingDayIrl 
• Showcase your activities on social media using the hashtag #WorkWell22