A beautiful rural setting, dogs in the offices and weekly Google-style lunches have earned content marketing agency M2 Bespoke the title of Baths Happiest Workplace.
The prestigious award was handed to the Limpley Stoke-based firm, at a special ceremony in Chippenham on Wednesday.
Judges in the contest – staged by Bristol-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA – were impressed by M2’s innovative approach to staff wellbeing as well as the peaceful surroundings of its Stokewood House HQ.
Founder Ben Hollom provides the 17 staff with a ‘Google-style’ lunch every Friday, including a barbecue when it’s sunny. All staff can work from home one day a week – not surprisingly it has low levels of sickness and absenteeism and strong employee retention.
The judges gave particular credit to the company, a global pioneer in online news and publishing, for its innovative approach to handling impromptu volumes of work by offering ‘freelance rates’ to volunteers.
In addition all staff can work from home one day a week while flexible working delivers a good work/life balance and breakfast is provided.
Now in its second year, the Happiest Workplace competition was initially launched to celebrate Wylde IA’s 20 years in the business. The company wanted to find out exactly what makes a great workplace and, therefore, happy staff. The competition is supported by Bath Business News.
The overall South West winner was national recruitment agency Rethink’s Bristol office. Judges found it an energising and bright workplace with natural daylight and a relaxed, fun atmosphere – a far cry from the traditional, high-pressure, target-driven recruitment agency approach.
The office also puts a huge emphasis on health and wellbeing, working with Bristol Mind while staff are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyle, with free fruit and breakfasts and advice on nutrition.
The office also donates 100 days a year to staff charity work – but there is also a huge social element with drinks every Friday, booze cruises, treasure hunts and dragon boat racing.
Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett said: “Yet again the quality and creativeness of the workspaces we’ve seen this year has been incredible.
“All our finalists’ workspaces are inspirational and it was extremely difficult to choose an overall winner. But Rethink Recruitment is a worthy of the title. They have created a space and company culture which nurtures the lifeblood of their company – the staff. Congratulations to Christine and the team.”
Last year’s winner, skateboard, equipment and clothing distributor Shiner, was a finalist again – this year collecting the South Gloucestershire regional title.
The family-owned firm, based on the Aztec West business park, near Bristol, is the EU’s biggest skateboard distributor. It earned the judges’ praise for creating opportunities for employees through training that results in upward movement through the organisation, so giving access to careers that some did not feel they could achieve
Bristol-based Paper Arts, which provides creatives with a place to grow their entrepreneurial ideas and to make a living from their artistic talents, collected the Social Enterprise Award. Judges praised it for promoting young artists so they can become self-sufficient from their work.
Also among the winners was Swindon-based IT and communications group Excalibur, which secured the Wiltshire title.
The awards were presented at an awards ceremony hosted by competition partner, furniture manufacturer and pioneer of the modern workplace Herman Miller at its Chippenham head office.
Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk – who was on the judging panel with Bath Business News editor Robert Buckland – said: “It’s inspiring to see the innovative ideas our finalists have implemented, not just to improve the lives of their staff, but to invest in their happiness.”
Wylde IA is an award-winning independent interior design consultancy specialising in creative design. It works directly with clients throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with external suppliers, architects and fit-out companies creating inspiring places to work, learn, rest and play.
Pictured: The M2 Bespoke team with their Happiest Workplace trophy, with, far left, Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk, second from right, Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett and, far right, Bath Business News editor Robert Buckland
