The award to Chess was presented for its health and welfare policy, which seeks to improve the health and happiness of the workforce at its Alderley Edge head office. Tactics include active management of sickness absence and health promotion techniques such as free organic fruit and mineral water, bi-monthly massages, health checks and flu jabs. To date, as a result of these measures, flu-related illness at Chess has dropped by over 50%. Additionally, 87% of respondents described their working environment as good.
The aim of the award is to identify and recognise companies for their contribution to employees’ health, work and wellbeing. The awards were judged by a panel including independent HR experts from Danone Dairies, Prudential, and London Underground.
Dame Carol Black, National Director for Health and Work, said: “This is a great example of a company, which takes a fresh approach to the health and well-being of its staff. Chess has put in place measures which enable employees to benefit from improved health and well-being at the same time as helping the business to reduce the number of working days lost due to injury and ill health.
“We are delighted to receive this award,” said Anne Binnie, HR Director at Chess. “We pride ourselves on our innovation and this includes our health and welfare policy. We recognise that our people are our best asset and it is vital they stay happy and healthy. It is part of our vision to create a dynamic, hard-working, energetic place to work that inspires people to give their best. Our health and welfare policy is a key driver to achieving this vision”