Cygnet Law, a leading Redcar-based legal firm, has been awarded a coveted Bronze Better Health at Work Award.
The firm worked hard throughout 2015 to secure the independent accreditation under a scheme supported by the NHS, which recognises and celebrates the commitment of organisations that are improving the health of their employees.
Cygnet Law received acknowledgement for taking part in three main health awareness campaigns and healthy activities during the year.
These included ‘Healthy Eating’ as part of National Heart Month and British Heart Foundation Day when staff all showed their support by wearing red – and advice leaflets were put on display.
Employees also took part in a ‘Climb Everest’ challenge where when they climbed a total of 58,174 steps which is comparable to scaling the 8,448m height of the mountain.
To complete the challenge, each member of staff taking part had to climb the reception stairs six times every weekday during a month.
As climbing stairs burns around a fifth of a calorie per step that meant the employees burnt more than 11,000 calories between them.
Peter Medd, a Director of Cygnet Law, which specialises in family law, mental health, conveyancing and wills and probate, said: “Staff are every firm’s lifeblood and healthy and productive employees are important to the success of a business.
“I am proud to say that the ethos of ‘caring about our workers’ wellbeing is embedded within the company so we are delighted to receive independent validation of the Bronze award for our efforts to foster a healthier workplace.
“These awards are enormously important for all employers and really help to focus the mind on what’s important in the modern-day workplace.”
At the start of the Better Health at Work campaign, staff completed a health needs assessment and some of the subsequent initiatives were based on the results of the survey.
Other initiatives included a memo sent to all members of staff offering support for anyone requiring advice about mental health and explaining who they should contact.
A Quality Procedures Manual also sets out the firm’s policy in relation to staff mental wellbeing.
In addition, information leaflets were available in relation to cancer and alcohol awareness.
Also all staff are given a Display Screen Equipment (DSE) work station assessment at the start of their employment to ensure that they adhere to the ideal seated position.
Peter Medd added: “As well as having an impact on staff morale and sickness levels, the initiatives put in place will benefit our employees’ general welfare and quality of life outside work.
“We intend to continue the focus on nurturing a health orientated workplace and hope to secure further Better Health at Work awards in the future.”
For more information about the Better Health at Work Awards, visit: http://www.betterhealthatworkne.org.