A competition has been launched to find Bath’s happiest workplace – and staff working for the city’s forward-looking employers are being urged to enter.
The contest is being staged by workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde IA , which wants to know exactly what sets some of Bath’s offices apart from its humdrum, boring and run of the mill workplaces. 
Great workspaces attract and retain great staff – and that feeds through into higher quality work and less absenteeism.
But is it all about air hockey tables in reception, AstroTurf in the lift and inflatable ‘break out igloos’ or is there more to it than that?
This high-profile competition will recognise and reward those organisations that go the extra mile to make their staff’s working lives happier – and showcase them as examples for other less-enlightened workplaces to aspire to.
Anyone working in a happy workplace can enter their organisation.
The competition is being supported by Bath Business News, whose editor Robert Buckland will sit on the judging panel.
Bristol-based Wylde IA has been active in the Bath area since it launched 18 years ago and is responsible for the cutting-edge interiors at law firm Thrings’ Queen Square office, accountants Baker Tilly's Bath office and at the Royal High School, Bath.
Wylde IA director Maxine Bennett said: “The UK economy is on the up, companies are employing once again and attention is turning to working environments and how best to use the space they have to inspire employees.
“We want to uncover the most innovative workplaces in the South West and look at how these amazing spaces encourage productivity and thinking.
“This is a competition with a serious message. Wylde IA are experts in workplace design. We help organisations create better working environments for their people.”
But does a productive workplace have to be uber-cool and cutting edge? Wylde IA also wants to find out if company culture and ethos have as much impact on productivity as the interiors, fixtures and fittings of the office.
Also on the judging panel will be Mayor of Bristol and former president of the Royal Institute of British Architects George Ferguson. He said: “The South West is such a great place to work, it will be a challenge to find the happiest workplace – I’m sure there are many potential winners.
“It has long been known that there is a direct correlation between happiness in the workplace and productivity. I hope this competition will open up the eyes of employers and our local, talented workforce to the great variety and quality of workplaces in our region.”
Organisations can enter the Wylde Workplace competition by logging on to www.wyldeia.co.uk and completing an entry form. The closing date is February 28, 2015.
The winner will receive a desk makeover and a plaque to proudly display in the office. Entrants are also encouraged to tweet pictures of their desks and work spaces @WyldeLife using the hashtag #wyldehappyoffice.
Wydle IA launched its Happiest Workplace 2015 competition at a Wylde Wonderland-themed party recently at Bristol’s Avery Wine Vaults.
Wylde IA Happiest Workplace 2015 competition FAQs
What kind of workplace can be nominated?
The competition is open to office workers in the commercial or public sector, including services, finance, education and technology.
How will the winner be selected?
From the entries we receive we will shortlist a minimum of five. Those shortlisted will be contacted by the judges for an interview and visit to the premises – provided we can get permission from the employer.
Who are the judges?
George Ferguson CBE Mayor of Bristol
Rob Buckland Bristol and Bath Business News
Tracey Wylde Founder Wylde IA
Maxine Bennett Director Wylde IA
Peter Clucas Director Clucas Communications
What are the prizes?
The individual winner will receive a ‘workplace makeover’ – a collection of cool items for you that will look great and make you even happier!!
The winning company will receive a plaque for its reception area.
Who could win?
Any employee in the Bristol and Bath region. We are looking for the company that goes the extra mile for its employees. This might be by:
- Having great interiors and furniture
- Allowing staff to work in a variety of work settings: home, cafes, breakout spaces, desks
- Trusting staff to do a good day’s work
- Clear communication throughout the organisation – top to bottom
- Energised managers who make a difference to the wellbeing of the office
How do I enter?
You can nominate your workplace for this award. All you have to do is rate your workplace and then tell us in no more than 200 words why you think your workplace should win.
The competition is open now and entries should be made by February 28, 2015
The winner will be announced on Wylde IA’s website on March 31, 2015
For more information, an entry form and terms and conditions go to www.wyldeia.co.uk
