Creating A Workplace Where People Thrive

WPR has achieved bronze Thrive at Work accreditation through an initiative that recognises businesses committed to improving team health and wellbeing.

To be awarded the bronze accreditation by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), organisations must achieve a 100% score in four key areas: enablers of health, mental health, musculoskeletal health and lifestyles.

In practice, this meant the Birmingham PR and social media agency needed to demonstrate that it has policies and procedures in place to look after the health and wellbeing of its team, while actively promoting healthy lifestyles. 

The breadth of initiatives has included training mental health first aiders, providing access to a host of resources on health and wellbeing issues, educating the team about posture and the importance of taking desk breaks, providing healthy snack options in the office, and a raft of activities designed to create a positive and supportive working environment.

Headed up by Jayne Stanion, WPR’s team wellbeing lead, WPR’s thrive committee meets weekly to plan, develop and implement a programme of events. With an emphasis on encouraging physical and mental wellbeing, the committee has organised everything from cold-water swimming and after-work rounders to music mindfulness and breathwork sessions.

Jayne said: “Achieving Thrive at Work accreditation has been a real team effort. Our leadership team has been incredibly supportive, both in terms of implementing policies that enhance people’s wellbeing and in enabling us to try out imaginative, interesting ways of promoting healthy lifestyles at WPR. The advice from WMCA, particularly Mitzi Donovan, along with the input and enthusiasm of our thrive committee, has also been invaluable.”

WPR managing director Jane Ainsworth said: “We want to help everyone in the WPR team live positive, fulfilled and happy lives at work and at home. The Thrive at Work programme has provided a useful framework through which to develop the variety of ways we can support our team. Reaching this milestone by the end of 2022 was one of our 30 Positive Impacts at 30 pledges and I’m so proud of the team for achieving the goal ahead of schedule.”

Thrive at Work currently has over 500 Midlands organisations on board, with more than 1,500 team members across the region feeling more supported in their workplace.