Bristol’s happiest workplaces

Yoga sessions, volunteering schemes, a staff skate park and flexible hours have helped Bristol businesses secure the title of the happiest places to work.

Triodos Bank, bespoke software developers Ghyston, skateboard distributors Shiner and HR consultants PES have beaten a record number of entries to be recognised as top employers in the South West.

With an emphasis on people and productivity rather than ‘presenteeism’, the annual Happiest Workplace competition, run by award-winning interior design consultancy Wylde IA, seeks the best workplaces in the region – nominated by employees themselves.

Husband and wife team Ric and Emily Hill pictured with the judging panel

“We’re so thrilled to have won the award, which is really a testament to the whole team,” said Ghyston managing director Ric Hill.

“At Ghyston, it’s a joint responsibility to enjoy our work and have fun with our colleagues, and I’m so proud to lead an organisation which takes that seriously.”

The Colston Tower-based company won the small business award for the warm, welcoming feel of the offices and allowing employees to work from home as often as they like, with an emphasis on productivity rather than hours worked.

Staff also get to make use of a ‘morale budget’ for organised events and activities.

Ghyston employee, Jake McKenna, said: “I nominated Ghyston because of the fantastic work environment, wonderful people, and commitment to staff development.

“All of my colleagues always say that they’ve never worked anywhere that treats its staff as well as Ghyston, and this is certainly true for me as well.”

Triodos Bank puts the emphasis on a healthy office environment

Triodos Bank secured the award for the best medium to large business, with regular yoga and meditation sessions, flexible working and volunteering schemes among the initiatives that impressed judges.

“At Triodos we have found that designing rewarding jobs, developing skills and providing a healthy office environment are key to a happy workplace,” said the bank’s head of HR Gorse Burrett.

“Triodos are very fortunate to have a great mix of talented and passionate people. Our day-to-day operations are clearly enabling positive social and environmental change which gives us all a boost and makes us proud to work here.”

Shiner, the overall winners of the 2015 Happiest Workplace award, won this year’s medium/large South Gloucestershire category.

Staff at the Aztec West-based company can make use of their own skate park and table tennis tables as the company’s MD puts an emphasis on employee happiness than business growth.

PES won the small business title for South Gloucestershire, with a ‘Thanksbox’ to reward employees for going the extra mile, free fruit, talks on nutrition, hydration and financial well-being and yoga, an on-site gym, team games and a voluntary health screening programme.

The awards ceremony was hosted at Hartham Park, a business park and co-working space recently refurbished by Wylde IA.

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