Benenden Hospital has demonstrated its commitment to staff support and development by retaining its Investors in People Health and Wellbeing Award.
IIP assessor Andy Moreland met 32 employees for “IIP Chats” and found that staff across the hospital had considered that its commitment to health and wellbeing had increased since its last award three years ago.
In his report, Mr Moreland said: “Physical wellbeing and social wellbeing were the strongest aspects of health and wellbeing within the hospital and people felt that there had been a significant move forward in raising awareness around psychological wellbeing this year.”
A new incentive of staff self-referral for physiotherapy, as part of their free membership of Benenden Health, was found to be the stand-out feature.
Staff described how the speed of response for an appointment, the support provided and the follow-up exercises made a significant difference to their health and reduced absence from work. Comments included:
“Health and wellbeing is totally supported by the leaders, they come to the events going on and get involved.”
In addition to the Health & Wellbeing Award, the hospital was assessed against the IIP Standard’s leading indicators and was found to have moved from “established” to “advanced” in empowering and involving people.
The hospital maintained its advanced status for the themes of “leading and inspiring people” and “living the organisation’s values and behaviours”.
Another staff member said: “The values here relate to the work you do, people work together really well. People are willing to help, it’s like a family.”
Director of Human Resources & Organisational Development Michelle Anderson said: “Achieving the IIP Health and Wellbeing award for the second time is something our organisation should be truly proud of.
“It clearly demonstrates how dedicated we are to supporting our staff with their wellbeing at work and how much we value their contribution to our organisation.”
Benenden Hospital achieved its first Investors in People Award in 1999, the Health and Wellbeing Award in 2015 and the Silver Award last year.
Published on 13 December 2018