Express & Star Business Awards 2025: Meet the finalists - Employee Wellness Excellence Award

The Employee Wellness Excellence award, sponsored by MNA Digital, aims to celebrate businesses taking positive action to promote wellness among staff. 

Judges will be looking at what actions firms have taken to promote health and wellbeing, the positive impact this has had on the company and future benefits, the uniqueness of the strategy and testimonials from staff.

Jenks & Cattell

Jenks & Cattell Engineering in Wednesfield prioritises employee wellness through a variety of initiatives as the company recognises "the wellbeing of their team directly influences productivity, engagement, and overall success".

The firm provides mental health support, including confidential counselling and trained mental health first aiders - and physical wellbeing is addressed with annual health and hearing checks, partnerships for free eye tests and discounted glasses, and private healthcare offering financial assistance for medical expenses.

Fitness opportunities include weekly team sports, mountain walks, and a Cycle2Work Scheme. The company also plans to partner with local gyms for discounted memberships. 

Ergonomic workstations and flexible working hours aim to reduce physical strain and stress and long-serving employees are rewarded with badges and extra time off.

Team building activities, social activities and charitable opportunities also help to foster community and support. Financial support offered includes pay increases, bonuses and branded uniforms to save money on clothes. 

The firm also puts a focus on health awareness and communication with site signage, monthly updates and wellness weeks.

The initiatives have led to increased productivity, lower absenteeism, reduced staff turnover and a more engaged team - the company says.

A spokesperson said: "Jenks & Cattell Engineering’s health and wellbeing strategy sets them apart from other companies in the industry, as their approach integrates both physical and mental health and recognition that their team is the best asset of the business."

Higgs LLP

Bosses at Higgs LLP say they are committed to creating a workplace culture that prioritises the health and well-being of its people and it demonstrates this through various employee wellness initiatives.

The company, based at Waterfront Business Park, Brierley Hill, offers private medical insurance with confidential access to a mental health pathway, mental health workshops and mindfulness sessions. 

Flexible working options, including hybrid arrangements, and discounted gym memberships are available and healthy snacks provided in the office. Higgs LLP also provides generous paid time off, a health and wellbeing day, and the option to purchase holiday to help with work life balance.

The company celebrates employee achievements, fosters mentorship and peer support, and encourages breaks and outdoor time, including organised wellbeing walks. They also support financial well-being with planning workshops and competitive salaries.

Their strategy is characterised by a top-down approach with dedicated resources, a Wellness Passport for confidential health information sharing, a Wellness Team of Mental Health First Aiders, and optional Wellness Mentors. A recent wellbeing audit was conducted to identify gaps to better inform any future initiatives.

The positive impacts include improved retention rates (90 per cent), revenue growth (13 per cent), increased diversity, reduced mental health treatment costs, and high employee satisfaction reflected in Glassdoor and Review Solicitors ratings. They have also received accolades like the Silver Investors in People Accreditation and award short-listings.  

Coinadrink Limited

Bosses at Walsall-based Coinadrink Limited say they place the health and wellbeing of employees at the heart of the business.

For more than six decades, the family-run firm has worked to foster a supportive, inclusive and family-oriented culture that encourages personal and professional growth.

A spokesperson for the company said: "With 78 employees, we pride ourselves on offering a workplace where staff feel valued, cared for, and truly part of the Coinadrink family."

Coinadrink became a Real Living Wage employer in 2023 to help staff manage the rising cost of living. It also offers an interest-free loan scheme to assist with unexpected financial challenges - enabling staff to access the financial support they need without the worry of high-interest rates.

In late 2023, Coinadrink partnered with BHSF, a health and wellbeing provider, to provide comprehensive health and wellbeing services, including 24/7 confidential counselling, mental health support, priority GP access, and discounts on dental, eye care, gym memberships and everyday shopping.

Workplace policies are designed to promote work-life balance, offering flexible working options like working from home and adjusted hours - and the business closes at 3pm on Fridays to allow everyone to start their weekend early.

Team-building activities, like a 2024 social event at Flight Club in Birmingham, encourage social connections and Coinadrink supports charitable initiatives chosen by employees, including Dementia UK, St Giles Hospice, and Endometriosis UK.A Coinadrink spokesperson said: "Our long-standing commitment to employee wellbeing is what sets us apart and is a key reason why many of our staff have been with us for decades."