Galway-based Boston Scientific and Merit Medical win awards for workplace wellbeing

Galway’s Boston Scientific and Merit Medical have both won awards for promoting wellbeing in the workplace from Ibec.

Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, is today celebrating National Wellbeing in the Workplace Day, with as many as 1,000 companies taking part in national events.

This day offers businesses across Ireland a unique opportunity to take part in a variety of workplace health and wellbeing activities.

It also serves as a time to realign and prioritize the support systems that contribute to employees’ social, mental and physical well-being.

The events kicked off yesterday with the annual KeepWell Lunch, hosted by Brendan Courtney, along with special guest Síle Seoige, a resident of Spidéal.

Among the companies honored were two based in Galway, with Merit Medical being recognized for Best in Class Mental Health and Boston Scientific taking the title of Overall Large Company of the Year.

As part of this year’s activity, Ibec, in collaboration with the media group Business & Finance, launched the ‘Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing’ index.

The index recognizes the top 100 companies of all sizes for their exceptional contribution to the social, mental and physical well-being of employees.

At a special event yesterday, Ibec recognized the top six companies that have excelled in key areas of their KeepWell accreditations over the past year through their best-in-class awards.

Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of National Wellbeing Day, I would like to congratulate the companies included in the top 100 index.”

“These are companies that have consistently demonstrated their strategic approach and understanding of workplace wellness.”

“Previously, the focus of workplace wellness initiatives was primarily on physical health. However, there has been a notable shift in employee expectations towards prioritizing a positive and inclusive culture, supported by empathetic leadership.”

“This evolution underlines the importance of psychological safety in reshaping workplace dynamics and redefining the criteria for effective leadership.”

“It is critical for companies to allocate resources to leadership development initiatives that emphasize empathy, active listening and vulnerability.”

“Recognizing the importance of cultivating these cultural cornerstones to foster a supportive environment can yield substantial improvements in performance and overall outcomes.”

The six companies that received the Best-in-class KeepWell awards are:

Company of the Year (SME) – Quality and Qualifications Ireland

Company of the Year (Large) – Boston Scientific Galway

Best in class mental health care – Merit Medical

Best in Class Leadership – Sanofi Waterford

Best in Class Nutrition – St. Vincent Private Hospital

Best in Class Physical Health – Bristol Myers Squibb Cruiserath Biologics