By Steve Wiles, cabinet member for Public Health and Protection
Workplace wellbeing is becoming more important than ever, and here in Suffolk, many employers are recognising just how vital it is to support the health of their staff.
The Good Health @ Work Awards Programme is helping organisations of all sizes take a more thoughtful and long-term approach to employee wellbeing.
Fully funded by Suffolk County Council and open to all local employers, the programme offers a clear structure to help build healthier, more supportive working environments.
It’s not about quick wins or box-ticking; it’s about making steady, meaningful improvements that benefit both people and the organisations they work for.
The award is more than just a certificate.
It offers businesses a chance to reflect on what they’re doing well and where they can improve, supporting real progress over time.
For organisations of all sizes, it provides a helpful structure to build health and wellbeing into everyday working life in a way that feels achievable and lasting.
With practical tools, clear guidance, and support, employers are better equipped to create workplaces where staff feel supported and able to do their best.
One organisation that’s embraced this approach is Orwell Housing Association, which recently achieved the Gold Good Health @ Work Award.
Already known for its positive and inclusive culture, Orwell saw the programme as an opportunity to reassess where they were and plan for the future.
Michelle Harrison, director of people and culture, said: "Even just taking part gave us clear insight into our strengths, and where we could enhance the work we’re doing."
The process helped Orwell refresh its Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy and update internal guidance.
While many staff-led initiatives were already in place, the award encouraged a stronger focus on early intervention, particularly around stress, alongside a clearer stance on tackling discrimination.
It also reinforced the value of continuing to support staff ideas and feedback as a key part of their approach.
Smaller businesses are also seeing the benefits.
Jonathan Fussell Photography is a great example of how even very small teams can take meaningful steps towards improving workplace wellbeing.
Jonathan recently completed mental health first aider training and introduced a wellbeing portal for both his employees and the wider community.
These actions have already helped boost morale and create a more open, supportive atmosphere at work.
Sam Donovan, director of BNA IT Solutions, also shared how taking part in the programme gave him space to reflect on his own wellbeing and how he supports others.
"It gave me a new perspective," he said.
"It encouraged me to think differently about my role, and how I could take practical steps to improve things for myself and the people I work with."
What all of these experiences show is that improving workplace wellbeing doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to happen all at once.
With the right support, even small changes can make a big difference.
The Good Health @ Work Award is helping more employers across Suffolk take that first step.
It offers a supportive, practical way to strengthen workplace culture and ensure that health and wellbeing are part of everyday working life, not just an afterthought.
If your organisation is looking to make a positive, lasting change, this programme is a great place to start.
To find out more, visit: https://www.healthysuffolk.org.uk/current-campaigns/good-health-at-work-programme
