Grainne Donegan
Health and Wellbeing Engagement Group Lead and Manager, QA Laboratory Operations, Bristol Myers Squibb
Gabriela Rebreanu
Associate Director, Occupational Health, Europe, Bristol Myers Squibb
Companies that are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, integrity and accountability can do so by putting employee wellbeing at the forefront of their endeavours.
When a company takes a holistic approach to employee wellbeing, the results are both empowering and powerful. This commitment has earned biopharma company Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) the prestigious Ibec KeepWell Mark accreditation, a recognition of its robust mental, physical and social health resources and initiatives.
Wellbeing boosts productivity and workplace culture
Health and wellbeing policies are not just beneficial for employees; they also drive business and wider team success. “A healthy and engaged workforce is more productive,” explains Grainne Donegan, Health and Wellbeing Engagement Group Lead and Manager, QA Laboratory Operations. “Employee wellbeing directly contributes to our overall performance. It will improve our workplace culture, drive innovation and growth and increase employee satisfaction.”
For example, the company runs mental health educational programmes to help managers recognise when an employee may need support and care. Its Employee Assistance Programme offers support for stress management and confidential counselling services for employees and families; its Mental Health Allies programme is run by volunteer employees who are certified in Mental Health First Aid to support and direct colleagues as needed. “We want to champion a cultural shift around mental health,” says Gabriela Rebreanu, Associate Director, Occupational Health, Europe. “That means de-stigmatising and normalising the conversation around it.”
Managers lead by example through
modelling healthy behaviours and
promoting a ‘speak up’ culture.
Comprehensive employee health support
To support employees’ physical health, BMS’s facility at Cruiserath includes an onsite gym with personal trainer-led fitness classes, yoga sessions and many sport clubs. “We also have an Occupational Health Team, which offers preventative services such as health screenings, sleep awareness, skin and bowel cancer screening and health stations, giving employees an easily accessible support to address unhealthy behaviours,” adds Rebreanu.
“Plus, our Health and Wellbeing Team runs self-care programmes and invites guest speakers to address employees on various wellbeing topics.” This involves collaborating with food vendors to create healthy menu options that meet the needs of both shift and day workers. Finally, for social health, several of BMS’s People and Business Resource Groups in Ireland offer everything from team-building exercises to volunteering and community engagement.
Managers should lead by example
Naturally, any successful employee health and wellbeing strategy has to start from the top. “Managers lead by example through modelling healthy behaviours and promoting a ‘speak up’ culture,” says Rebreanu. “They also support wellbeing initiatives through awareness, advocacy and integration into work practices, such as our popular flexible working policy. We’re fully committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, integrity and accountability — employee wellbeing is at the forefront of that.”
NO-IE-2400109 | November 2024
