Interior design consultancy Wylde IA has launched the third annual Happiest Workplace competition to showcase the region’s innovative workspaces.
Staff in cheerful offices and workspaces across the South West are being urged to share what makes them so special as the contest gets underway again.
Bristol-based Wylde IA came up with the idea for the awards to mark its 18th anniversary. This year’s competition is expected to be the most popular yet – entries have increased 100% year on year and for 2017 entries are being accepted from a wider region spanning Bristol, Bath, Somerset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and South Wales.
Supported by Creative Business News and its sister titles, the awards have also this year received backing from seating company Boss Design, carpet manufacturers Milliken, interior products company Vescom and iconic lamp manufacturer Anglepoise – all have donated prizes for the lucky winner.
Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett said: “We’re so excited to see what this year’s entrants have in store for us. The South West is a hotbed of creativity and judging from the past two years we’re in for a real treat!
“Our Happiest Workplace competition highlights a huge variety of different workspaces, all with completely different reasons why staff are happy at work. Some focus on beautifully designed, creative spaces whilst others pay more attention to company ethos, respect and social activities. But all care about the wellbeing of their staff which is refreshing to see.”
The overall South West winner was national recruitment agency Rethink’s Bristol office. Judges found it an energising and bright workplace with natural daylight and a relaxed, fun atmosphere – a far cry from the traditional, high-pressure, target-driven recruitment agency approach.
The office also puts a huge emphasis on health and wellbeing, working with Bristol Mind while staff are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle, with free fruit and breakfasts and advice on nutrition.
The office also donates 100 days a year to staff charity work – but there is also a huge social element with drinks every Friday, booze cruises, treasure hunts and dragon boat racing.
Rethink regional manager Christine Christodoulou said: “We were absolutely delighted to win the Happiest Workplace 2016 competition. We work extremely hard to create an environment and culture which focuses on wellbeing and, as a result, have seen an increase in our productivity as well as all round happiness.”
Wylde IA is an award-winning independent interior design consultancy celebrating 21 years in the business this year. The company specialises in creative design, working directly with clients throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with external suppliers, architects and fit-out companies to create inspiring places.
To enter the Happiest Workplace 2017 go to www.wyldeia.co.uk. Twitter: @Wyldelife #wyldehappyoffice
Pictured, below: Rethink Recruitment’s Christine Christodoulou accepts the Happiest Workplace overall winner trophy from Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett, along with team members and, far left, Bristol Business News editor Robert Buckland and, far right, Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk
