Helping companies #AccelerateAction through wellbeing accreditation

Gender equity challenges permeate every facet of contemporary business, making it imperative for organisations to have a solid framework in place to build inclusive workplace cultures.

According to data from the World Economic Forum, it will take until 2158, (roughly five generations from now) to reach full gender parity. Whilst the annual International Women’s Day celebrations are a call to action for the cause, there is a perennial need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing inequity for women in the workplace.

Gender equity boosts business functions

Promoting gender equality is not just a ‘nice to have’ but a priority for businesses in the current climate. With the Irish economy boasting almost full employment, accelerating action in this space is key for employers to attract and retain talent. Equity in the workplace today extends beyond the mainstays of maternity leave and flexible working and asks that employers create environments of real psychological safety, nurturing and growth for employees.

Workplace wellbeing accreditation programme

The KeepWell Mark™ is an evidence-based workplace wellbeing accreditation from Ibec, awarded to companies who have successfully met the standards outlined in the framework, which can have a significant impact on the pace of change within an organisation. The programme empowers employers to assess current policies, systems and procedures; identify gaps in their wellbeing and equity offerings; and draw up an action plan, encompassed in an overarching health and wellbeing strategy.

Fostering workplace gender equality

Of the eight pillars of workplace wellbeing,* the leadership; talent support and development; and inclusion and belonging pillars specifically offer companies a framework to nurture and enhance gender equality and foster a culture where employees can thrive, feel valued and perform at their best. In achieving these KeepWell standards, organisations are committing to keeping diversity, equity and inclusion at the core of their policies and practices. Accredited companies reap the benefits of a more positive, inclusive and equitable culture, leading to improved employer brand reputation and staff retention. Ibec is proud to continue leading businesses to #AccelerateAction on the journey to gender equality in the workplace.

*The KeepWell pillars are (1) Leadership; (2) Mental Health; (3) Inclusion and Belonging; (4) Talent Support and Development; (5) Occupational Safety and Health; (6) Nutrition and Physical Activity; (7) Attendance  Management; and (8) Intoxicants.

To find out more about The KeepWell Mark and build your framework for workplace wellbeing, visit thekeepwellmark.ie