University College Cork gains employee wellbeing accreditation

University College Cork
Image credit: UCC

University College Cork (UCC) has been awarded Ireland’s national workplace wellbeing accreditation, the KeepWell Mark, in recognition of a commitment to employee wellbeing for its 3,000 staff.

The KeepWell Mark is delivered by Irish business lobby group Ibec. Employers are benchmarked against eight recognised standards across workplace health, safety and wellbeing, and are also audited via on-site visits and assessments.

The accreditation also considers an organisation’s action plans around wellbeing themes, and provides a personalised report with recommendations on employers’ corporate wellbeing strategy alongside their certificate.

UCC was recognised for its strategic 2017-2022 plan, which was designed to improve induction processes, wellbeing and professional development. UCC also provides a wide range of classes, workshops and initiatives, available for all employees. This includes samba and art relief classes, yoga and mindfulness sessions and workshops on stress management, personal finance and sleep. Employees are also able to participate in staff-led physical activity classes and can undergo regular health checks.

The university, which was awarded its accreditation in July 2018, is currently developing a second staff wellbeing plan.

Sylvia Curran, staff wellbeing and development advisor at UCC, said: “We are committed to enhancing staff health and wellbeing and have taken the responsibility for the planning, design and delivery of an appropriate organisational staff wellbeing plan, to ensure these needs are addressed.

“All these activities and initiatives are developed with the primary focus on the health and wellbeing of our people. I am extremely proud that the long-term commitment UCC has invested in staff health and wellbeing is being formally recognised through this prestigious national award.”