MALVERN Hills District Council is in the running for a top award in recognition of its commitment to improving the health and well-being of staff.
The authority has been shortlisted as one of the finalists in the Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber Business Awards 2018 in the Health & Wellbeing in the workplace category.
They are one of five nominations in the category and will find out if they have won at a special ceremony on June 7 at Worcester Arena.
The nomination is in recognition of the considerable commitment the council has made in recent years to supporting staff to improve their health.
A dedicated physical activity and well-being officer has been recruited who runs a number of activities both with residents in the community and within the council.
They include lunchtime ping pong sessions, the midday mile walking group and knitting lessons.
There are also monthly mindfulness sessions to boost mood and combat stress as well as regular challenges such as Couch to 5k and High Intensity Training.
Incentives are also offered to encourage staff to cycle to work along with free health check-ups, flu jabs and a telephone counselling service.
For the last two years the council has run a Mental Health Awareness Week to raise awareness of issues around mental health, encourage staff to talk about the issue and signpost help available.
Coun David Watkins, portfolio holder for healthier communities on Malvern Hills District Council, said: “I’m very proud we’ve been shortlisted for this award.
“Looking after the health and well-being of our staff is not only morally right but makes good business sense too.
“By ensuring we have a happy, healthy and motivated workforce we can go on delivering high quality, good value services for our residents.”
Visit www.hwchamber.co.uk/events/awards for more information about the awards and the full list of finalists.
