Seven companies accredited with the KeepWell Mark, Ibec’s workplace wellbeing accreditation programme, have been selected as the winners of this year’s KeepWell Awards. The awards recognise and celebrate those companies that are prioritising the wellbeing of their workforces.
“High-performing companies understand that people are the centre of their business, and they must look after them to help them remain happy, healthy and productive,” says Ibec KeepWell account manager Sarah McSharry. “The KeepWell Mark provides a framework, accreditation and awards that showcase all their hard work in this area. It also allows companies to identify gaps in knowledge such as menopause education, and support groups for caregivers and those with hidden disabilities. As well as that, the KeepWell Mark allows companies to measure their progress over time against the standards and allows them to spot any areas that need attention or policies and procedures that need to be updated to protect their employees in the future.”
The winners of the Ibec KeepWell Awards for 2025 are: company of the year (large) – Boston Scientific Cork; company of the year (SME) – DeCare; best in class mental health – Milford Care Centre; best in class leadership – Bon Secours Health System; best in class talent support and development – HEAnet and EduCampus; best in class Nutrition and Physical Health – Alexion; and best in class inclusion and belonging – Central Bank of Ireland.
The outstanding contribution to wellbeing award was presented to Brian Pennie.
“I’m deeply honoured to receive the outstanding contribution to wellbeing award from Ibec and the KeepWell Mark,” said Dr Pennie. “I’m particularly delighted that my science-based Programme for Life was highlighted as part of this award, as it not only helped me to transform my own life, but it now provides the framework I use to help companies and schools around the world today.”
“We’re delighted to have received the best in class Ibec KeepWell Mark, large company of the year award for 2025 for our Boston Scientific facility here in Cork,” says Sinead O’Neill, vice-president of operations with Boston Scientific Cork. “This award reflects our commitment to all facets of employee wellbeing, and to receive the standard of excellence in all eight categories serves to emphasise that commitment and also ensures alignment with the Boston Scientific global wellbeing strategy.”
The SME award recognises DeCare’s ongoing commitment to all areas of workplace wellbeing, according to human resources manager Petraea Costello. “There is a great deal of energy and focus throughout the organisation creating a culture of wellbeing, and it is something to which everyone at DeCare has contributed in the last few years and will provide us with a framework for the years ahead. I think it really demonstrates that we take the health and wellbeing of our employees seriously and that it’s a top priority for us. We’ll take great motivation from the win to ensure we maintain our high standards but also strive to continuously improve.”
Niamh Dawson, workplace experience team lead with HEAnet and EduCampus, says: “Receiving this KeepWell Mark award reflects the dedication and care our teams demonstrate every day in fostering a positive and supportive work environment. We’re incredibly proud of the workplace culture we’re building together.”
Central Bank of Ireland head of human resources Simone Harney emphasises the organisation’s commitment to creating and sustaining a fulfilling workplace that prioritises the safety, health and wellbeing of staff. “We are delighted and proud to be awarded best in class for inclusion and belonging as well as being listed in the top 100 companies leading in wellbeing. We have consistently retained our KeepWell accreditation since we commenced in 2018, and we strive to continue to be a role model for our peers across Ireland.”
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Alexion site operational excellence lead Ciara McNeice points to the range of supports and facilities available to staff including a restaurant with full calorie and allergen information on display, on-site fitness classes and challenges, health checks, personalised advice and annual reimbursement for wellbeing-related expenses. “Our holistic approach aims to foster healthier choices and active living in the workplace and it’s wonderful that this has been recognised with this KeepWell award,” she said.
According to Bon Secours Hospital HR business partner Hilda Lane, the organisation’s journey of continuous improvement as part of the KeepWell Mark has been a core strand of its wellbeing strategy and workplace culture. “Across the eight pillars, we have, with the support of our exceptional people, turned the dial in relation to our wellbeing offering, which has been very well received in recent years. In the latest review, we were delighted to have achieved excellence in seven out of the eight pillars, and we look forward to enhancing our offering in the context of the KeepWell framework.”
“This recognition speaks volumes about the dedication, compassion and hard work that all our staff have put into creating a culture of care, compassion and wellbeing across the organisation,” says Milford Care Centre chief executive Mary O’Brien. “It is a testament to our collective commitment to mental health in the workplace and the positive impact we strive to make every day.”
