Five firms are battling it out to earn the coveted title of Bristol’s happiest workplace. Animation studio Aardman, publisher Immediate Media, distribution firm Shiner, recruitment group Opus and digital media pioneers Sift Media are today named as the shortlist in the first contest of its kind in Bristol.
Launched by Montpelier-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA, the competition sets out to champion those firms that put the happiness of their employees at the heart of their workplace. 
Wylde has been inundated with entries for its Happiest Workplace 2015 since it launched late last year. Director Maxine Bennett, pictured, said: “We’ve had a fantastic selection of different organisations enter including several big name companies that are real Bristol institutions.
“We’re delighted companies have engaged with our competition and the response pays testament to the fact the South West is a hotbed of happy, creative teams. Seeing as it is International Day of Happiness, it only seems right that we announce the shortlist today.”
The Happiest Workplace 2015 was launched to celebrate Wylde IA’s 18 years in the business. The company wanted to find out exactly what makes a great workplace and, therefore, happy staff.
Maxine continued: “This competition has flagged up all kinds of reasons why staff are happy at work. Company ethos, respect and social activities rank alongside beautifully designed, creative spaces. These two aspects of working life tend to run hand in hand to provide the (almost) perfect formula for a content and productive workforce.”
Members of the judging panel, which includes Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson and Bristol Business News editor Robert Buckland, will now visit the shortlisted companies in the next couple of weeks ahead of making their final decision.
The winner of Wylde IA’s Happiest Workplace 2015 competition will be announced towards the end of April.
A snapshot of all shortlisted entries can be found at www.wyldeia.co.uk
Wylde IA is an award-winning independent interior design consultancy. Launched 18 years ago, it 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.
