Giving staff time off to do charity work, an emphasis on their health and wellbeing – plus lots of social events – have earned Rethink Recruitment’s Bristol office the title of the South West’s Happiest Workplace.
The prestigious award was presented to the firm at a special ceremony yesterday after it beat off strong challenges from a wide range of businesses from across the region.
Judges in the contest – staged by Bristol-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA – were impressed by Rethink’s innovative approach in an industry not usually associated with employee wellbeing and happiness.
National recruitment agency Rethink has invested heavily in its Bristol office since relocating to Wine Street to create 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.
But it has also put a huge emphasis on health and wellbeing, driven by regional manager Christine Christodoulou. The office works with Bristol Mind to put wellbeing at the heart of the business and staff are encouraged to adopt healthier 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.
Christine Christodoulou said: “We are so proud of our company culture and wonderful workspace and this award really recognises how the emphasis on wellbeing, fun and work-life balance as well as the design, layout and amenities of our workspace contribute to our team’s happiness and productivity.”
Now in its second year, the Happiest Workplace competition was initially launched to celebrate Wylde IA’s 20 years in the business. The company wanted to find out exactly what makes a great workplace and, therefore, happy staff. The competition is supported by Bristol Business News.
Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett said: “Yet again the quality and creativeness of the workspaces we’ve seen this year has been incredible.
“All our finalists’ workspaces are inspirational and it was extremely difficult to choose an overall winner. But Rethink Recruitment is a worthy of the title. They have created a space and company culture which nurtures the lifeblood of their company – the staff. Congratulations to Christine and the team.”
Last year’s winner, Aztec West-based skateboard, equipment and clothing distributor Shiner, was a finalist again – this year collecting the South Gloucestershire regional title.
The family-owned firm, the EU’s biggest skateboard distributor, earned the judges’ praise for creating opportunities for employees through training that results in upward movement through the organisation, so giving access to careers that some did not feel they could achieve
It also has a supportive culture and invests in promoting an active lifestyle. All staff get a skatewear clothing allowance and it also boasts its own skatepark and BBQ area for staff get-togethers.
Bristol-based Paper Arts, which provides creatives with a place to grow their entrepreneurial ideas and to make a living from their artistic talents, collected the Social Enterprise Award.
For the past two years the grassroots organisation has run a gallery, shop and co-working space for artists in Merchants Street, Broadmead, and also developed inspiring arts-based projects in the community.
Judges praised it for promoting young artists so they can become self-sufficient from their work.
They said its studios had an energy and warmth that set a high benchmark for all workplaces and nurtures users of the hub spaces while its supportive and engaging founder and CEO, Simone Kidner inspired the team with an innovative and creative spirit.
Also among the winners were Swindon-based IT and communications group Excalibur, which won the Wiltshire award, and content marketing agency M2 Bespoke, which secured the Bath title.
The awards were presented at an awards ceremony hosted by competition partner, furniture manufacturer and pioneer of the modern workplace Herman Miller at its Chippenham head office.
Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk – who was on the judging panel with Bristol Business News editor Robert Buckland – said: “It’s inspiring to see the innovative ideas our finalists have implemented, not just to improve the lives of their staff, but to invest in their happiness.”
Wylde IA is an award-winning independent interior design consultancy specialising in creative design. It works directly with clients throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with external suppliers, architects and fit-out companies creating inspiring places to work, learn, rest and play.
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
