Permaban achieves Investors in People Health & Wellbeing Award

Lee Mill-based manufacturer Permaban is celebrating achieving the Investors In People Health & Wellbeing Award.

The Award recognises companies with a strong culture of staff welfare which is espoused by management and staff alike.

Founded in 1983, Permaban now employs 39 staff drawn mainly from Plymouth and South Devon. It manufactures metal joints which are used in the construction of industrial concrete floors worldwide.

The formal Award assessment was undertaken on 24th May. Permaban was required to demonstrate that it holds policies to promote the physical and mental wellbeing of staff, and that these are understood and embraced by all.

These cover issues such as work-life balance, fairness and equality, continuous improvement, staff motivation, recognition and reward, and stress management.

Staff are also encouraged to support each other through strong teamwork.

Many staff also take part in out-of-work activities together, such as local charity and community events.

Health and wellbeing is visibly emphasised throughout the Permaban factory through posters and is regularly communicated at staff meetings and through a staff newsletter.

The benefits of workplace health and wellbeing are numerous and many leading organisations now recognise that staff welfare is key to reducing absenteeism and staff turnover, while increasing productivity and quality. Staff also benefit from a greater sense of achievement, belonging and recognition.

“We have long been committed to developing a workplace that supports staff wellbeing and that encourages staff to support each other,” comments Managing Director Andrew Keen.

“Achieving this Award is recognition that Permaban is a great place to work, where staff are valued and can enjoy job satisfaction and career development.”

Permaban HR Manager Gill Rea co-ordinated the assessment process, in conjunction with Operations Manager Andy Coles and Group Communications Manager Eve Brennan. “We recognise that health and wellbeing goes much further than just ‘employee perks’ – although we provide some of those too,” Gill commented.

“Many of our team have suggested and implemented ideas that have helped to make Permaban the place it is. Everyone has been very supportive throughout the assessment process and the employee feedback we have received has been excellent.”