In a vibrant gathering that highlights the growing emphasis on workplace well-being, Ibec hosted its annual KeepWell Lunch. This inspiring event champions the importance of employee health and mental wellness across Ireland. The lunch, a cornerstone of Ibec’s KeepWell program, brought together industry leaders, HR professionals, and wellness advocates to discuss best practices and recognize outstanding achievements in employee well-being.
This annual event is not just a celebration it serves as a crucial platform for businesses to align on the future of healthy work environments. With Ibec at the forefront of corporate well-being initiatives, the KeepWell Lunch underscores the vital role of organizational support in fostering long-term employee satisfaction, engagement, and performance.
Ibec’s Commitment to Workplace Wellness
Championing a Culture of Health
Ibec has long recognized that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce. Through the KeepWell Mark accreditation, Ibec offers a structured framework that helps businesses benchmark and enhance their well-being practices. This initiative is part of Ibec’s broader mission to build a better, more sustainable work culture across Ireland.
How the KeepWell Program Supports Companies
The KeepWell program provides a seven-step framework that includes mental health, healthy eating, physical activity, absence management, smoke-free efforts, and leadership. Ibec guides organizations in integrating these elements into their workplace policies to improve staff morale and reduce absenteeism.
Highlights from the KeepWell Lunch 2025
Recognition of Excellence in Well-being
This year’s KeepWell Lunch recognized companies that demonstrated exceptional commitment to employee health. Ibec presented several awards, celebrating organizations that went above and beyond in promoting wellness in their workplaces.
Keynote Speakers and Expert Panels
The event featured thought-provoking keynotes from health professionals, HR leaders, and motivational speakers. Discussions ranged from mental health awareness to the importance of leadership in fostering well-being, aligning with Ibec’s holistic approach to workplace health.
Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Attendees at the KeepWell Lunch were given ample opportunity to network and form partnerships. Ibec emphasizes the importance of shared learning, and the lunch served as a perfect venue for exchanging innovative ideas and successful strategies.
The Role of Leadership in Driving Wellness
Empowering Leaders to Prioritize Health
One of the core messages of the KeepWell Lunch was the pivotal role leadership plays in promoting a wellness culture. Ibec supports companies by providing leadership training that equips managers to actively support team well-being.
Creating a Top-Down Well-being Strategy
Ibec advises that workplace wellness must start at the top. When leaders visibly support wellness initiatives, employees are more likely to participate and benefit from them. This approach ensures long-term cultural transformation.
Mental Health as a Key Focus Area
Addressing the Mental Health Crisis
With the increase in workplace stress and mental health challenges, Ibec has prioritized mental health support within its KeepWell framework. The KeepWell Lunch included discussions on reducing stigma, enhancing resources, and building supportive environments.
Tools and Resources Shared at the Event
Ibec introduced new tools, including mental health toolkits, resilience-building workshops, and access to employee assistance programs (EAPs), to help companies implement effective mental health strategies.
Physical Health and Nutrition at Work
Promoting Active Lifestyles
Ibec’s KeepWell program encourages employers to promote physical activity through workplace gyms, subsidized fitness classes, and walking meetings. These initiatives were showcased during the lunch as effective strategies for enhancing energy and productivity.
Importance of Nutrition in the Workplace
Several speakers emphasized how nutrition affects energy levels and mental clarity. Ibec guides on implementing healthy food options in cafeterias and organizing nutritional education sessions.
Small Businesses Embracing the KeepWell Mark
Tailored Support for SMEs
Ibec has extended its support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), recognizing their unique challenges. During the lunch, several SMEs shared success stories about how the KeepWell framework helped them transform employee morale.
Financial and Practical Resources
Ibec offers scalable resources, from e-learning modules to personalized consultations, ensuring even the smallest businesses can benefit from well-being programs without overextending their budgets.
Measuring the Impact of Well-being Initiatives
Demonstrating ROI of Wellness Investments
Ibec helps companies measure the return on investment (ROI) from well-being programs. Through surveys, health data, and employee feedback, businesses can track improvements in engagement, retention, and productivity.
Benchmarking with Industry Peers
At the KeepWell Lunch, Ibec unveiled a new benchmarking tool allowing companies to compare their well-being performance against similar organizations, fostering continuous improvement and accountability.
Future Trends in Workplace Wellness
Embracing Hybrid Work Models
With hybrid and remote work becoming the norm, Ibec is actively researching and adapting wellness strategies to these evolving workplace models. Future KeepWell events will focus on digital wellness and virtual engagement.
Technology and Wellness Integration
The event also highlighted the role of technology in employee well-being. From wearable fitness trackers to AI-driven wellness apps, Ibec is guiding businesses to incorporate tech responsibly to boost employee health.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ibec KeepWell Lunch?
The Ibec KeepWell Lunch is an annual event celebrating corporate well-being. It brings together leaders to recognize achievements and share best practices.
What is the KeepWell Mark by Ibec?
The KeepWell Mark is a certification offered by Ibec that helps businesses benchmark and improve their workplace wellness strategies through a structured framework.
Who can attend the KeepWell Lunch?
HR professionals, company leaders, wellness coordinators, and anyone interested in employee well-being can attend the Ibec KeepWell Lunch.
How does Ibec support SMEs in wellness?
Ibec provides tailored support for SMEs, including scalable tools, expert guidance, and flexible wellness frameworks to accommodate smaller budgets and teams.
What wellness topics are covered by Ibec?
Through its KeepWell framework, Ibec addresses mental and physical health, nutrition, leadership, absence management, and workplace culture.
Is the KeepWell Mark only for large corporations?
No, the KeepWell Mark is suitable for businesses of all sizes. Ibec ensures accessibility and relevance for both large companies and small enterprises.
How can a company apply for the KeepWell Mark?
Companies can apply through Ibec’s official website. Ibec provides support throughout the application, self-assessment, and audit processes.
What benefits do companies gain from Ibec wellness initiatives?
Companies report improved employee engagement, reduced absenteeism, better staff retention, and enhanced company reputation through Ibec’s wellness initiatives.
Conclusion
The Ibec KeepWell Lunch is more than an annual gathering it is a testament to the growing recognition of wellness as a cornerstone of business success. Ibec continues to lead the charge, inspiring Irish companies to prioritize the health and happiness of their teams through practical, impactful strategies that work.