From mental health advocacy to inclusive workplace strategies, this year’s Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards spotlight the individuals and organisations transforming employee wellbeing across the UK.
The awards ceremony took place on 19 March at Grosvenor House in Central London, bringing together leaders, advocates and organisations committed to advancing workplace wellbeing across the UK.
Recognising excellence across a wide range of categories, the awards celebrate individuals, teams, networks and organisations making a meaningful difference to employee wellbeing and workplace culture. The evening highlighted innovation, dedication and the growing importance of wellbeing as a strategic priority across UK workplaces.
This focus comes at a critical time. Research highlighted by Fair Play Talks shows that organisations embedding inclusive workplace practices see significantly higher productivity, stronger retention and improved employee wellbeing.
At the same time, challenges remain. Separate findings show that only around half of employees feel psychologically supported at work, underlining the need for continued progress in workplace wellbeing initiatives.
Hosted by Matt Johnson, the ceremony served as a powerful celebration of progress and impact within the wellbeing space.
LEADING VOICES IN WORKPLACE WELLBEING
Guests were inspired by thought-provoking talks from leading voices in workplace wellbeing. “As we congratulate the brilliant employees, individuals and companies this evening, let us also remember that our work is far from done,” shared Niki Dowdall, Co-Founder of The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards. “The journey towards creating truly supportive and nurturing work environments is ongoing and requires the sustained commitment of every individual and organisation present here today.”
Sadie Restorick, Co-founder of The Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, added: “When I was very young my mum told me something that has stayed with me my whole life. She said, ‘Never complain about the darkness. Light a candle.’ And I think that is exactly what so many people in this room do. You light candles.”
Guest speaker Mike Pyman of The Eikon Charity highlighted the importance of safe and supportive environments: “Every child, every young person deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported. So, we create spaces for them where they can be themselves and talk about their thoughts and feelings.”
CELEBRATING 2026’S WORKPLACE WELLBEING CHAMPIONS
This year’s Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards winners, by category are:
- Excellence in Male Health Advocacy: Jamie Lloyd Pain Relief Clinic
- Excellence in Female Health Advocacy: L&Q Female Health Initiatives
- Diversity & Belonging Team of the Year: giffgaff & Bentley
- Most Flexible Workplace: HubGem
- Employee Network of the Year: Dreams
- LGBTQIA+ Changemaker of the Year: Daisy Reeves, BCLP
- Neurodiversity Advocate of the Year: Amber Bloxham, Octopus Energy
- Wellbeing Service Provider of the Year: Kuutch Ltd
- Personal Wellbeing Provider of the Year: Amani Kaite Ltd
- Highly Commended: Dr Kate Jenkins Ltd
- Best Wellbeing in the Workplace Strategy (SME): Mental Health Foundation
- Best Wellbeing in the Workplace Strategy (Large Company): The Access Group
- Wellbeing Excellence in Emergency Services: City of London Corporation
- Wellbeing Leader of the Year: Dr Danielle Eaton, GTR
- Mental Health Advocate of the Year: Sian Musial, Just Mortgages
- Highly Commended: Deborah Chidera Arikibe, Youth Aspire Connect Organisation
- Most Inspiring HR Champion of the Year: Antoinette Farrell-Jones, Birmingham Airport
- Highly Commended: Fiorela Carmona, Kraft Heinz
- Most Inspiring Employee of the Year: Luke Mears, Sony Interactive Entertainment
- Excellence in Workplace Risk Management: Cadent
- Breaking the Silence Award: Kim Uzzell, The Financial Wellbeing Academy
- Best Physical Wellbeing Initiative: Beyondly
- Best Mental Wellbeing Initiative: Deutsche Bank
- Wellbeing App/Platform of the Year: Everymind at Work
- Excellence in Employee Engagement: Visiting Angels UK
- Wellbeing Team of the Year (SME): YourNorth
- Wellbeing Team of the Year (Large Company): E.ON UK
- Lifetime Impact in Workplace Wellbeing:
* Emily Pearson, Wellbeing Lead Academy
* Paul Dorrington, South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust & Phoenix Works
WHY WORKPLACE WELLBEING MATTERS MORE THAN EVER
The importance of workplace wellbeing is increasingly backed by data. According to industry insights, companies that prioritise inclusion and employee wellbeing not only create healthier cultures but also outperform peers in productivity and talent retention.
However, a gap still exists between ambition and employee experience. While many organisations have wellbeing strategies in place, employees continue to call for greater psychological safety, flexibility and authentic inclusion in their day-to-day work environments.
These findings reinforce the significance of initiatives like the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, which spotlight best practice and drive accountability across the sector. As organisations across the UK continue to evolve, the 2026 awards highlight a clear shift: workplace wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” – it is central to business success, employee engagement and long-term sustainability.
This year’s winners are not only leading within their organisations but are helping to redefine what modern, inclusive and supportive workplaces should look like.
Click here to register interest for next year’s awards.
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