We've has taken yet another Gold award – this time for its unwavering dedication to improving staff health and wellbeing.  Following a rigorous assessment in 2020, we're delighted to have received a glowing Gold Award in the Cornwall Healthy Workplace Awards 2021, recognising a whole range of in-house initiatives including, Sleep Hygiene Training, Life Leave and a Mental Health First Aiders programme. 

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Healthy Workplace Award is a county standard of good practice and a quality mark of health and wellbeing in the workplace. The aim of the award is to act as a toolkit to encourage all employers to think about different ways to improve the health and wellbeing of their team members. 

We achieved a considerably high score against all nine of the criteria from health and safety and musculoskeletal health to balanced eating. The award judges particularly highlighted our creation of a new Health and Wellbeing Week and the continual support, care and commitment given to the team throughout the Coronavirus crisis.

Like many businesses, the recent pandemic has had a profound impact on us with production having to decrease significantly during various stages of lockdown while pubs were forced to close. The majority of the team were furloughed, but we remained committed to keeping in regular contact with the team through weekly updates with a clear focus on health and wellbeing.

Our team members were also encouraged to participate in the “Brewery to Beyond” physical activity challenge of completing 1,000km in 60 days and to share their photos of fun activities or happenings during their time on furlough. Sharp’s has also trained up some 12 Mental Health First Aiders in the last year so there are now 14 in total across the business who are very proactive in supporting individuals during all hours.

A “Moments that Matter” programme has seen the introduction of ‘Life Leave’ - providing ten days’ leave per year for staff to use instead of using their holiday entitlement for things like moving house and ‘Summer Hours’ which enables staff to work more flexibly over the summer months to enjoy the warmer weather and our beautiful surroundings.

‘Free Fruit Friday’ was introduced during the Health and Wellbeing Week.  All company managers have completed ‘Making Every Contact Count’ training enabling them to support their staff more effectively and shift workers have taken sleep hygiene training courses to help them develop healthier habits and routines.

Our Junior HR Business Partner, Nina Griggs said, “We are absolutely delighted to have won this Gold award for our continued dedication to the wellbeing of our team, especially given the challenges of the past twelve months. Wellbeing is so important at the best of times, and can be really fragile, particularly during these unprecedented times. Our team is the lifeblood of the company and we’re always considering creative and innovative ways in which we can elevate employees’ quality of life. The feedback from the work we have done has been phenomenal, the changes have really made a difference to peoples’ lives, which is wonderful. It is fantastic to be recognised for this.”

Amy Bromfield, Assessor at Cornwall Healthy Workplace said, “Yet another fantastic year for Sharp’s Brewery! It is obvious how valued the staff are by the company that is continually going above and beyond to protect their livelihoods and wellbeing. Sharp’s is such a creative and inspiring organisation with so much passion to improve the lives of their people from all levels and through everything they do. Their commitment to the Healthy Workplace programme is evident through the ever-expanding range of support, initiatives and activities provided and the want to develop and increase this further. What is also really impressive and inspiring is the organisation’s willingness to share ideas and best practice with the Healthy Workplace team and other organisations. We look forward to hearing about another successful and exciting year ahead. Well done Sharp’s and please keep doing what you’re doing!”