At Iconsys, looking after people isn't seen as an extra benefit, it's simply part of how the business operates.
With 83 employees working across engineering, automation and technology, the company has built a culture that puts wellbeing at the heart of the workplace. From Wellbeing Champions and Mental Health First Aiders to charity fundraising and employee support programmes, the focus is on creating an environment where people feel supported, connected and able to do their best work.
That commitment was further reinforced through the company's signing of the Shropshire Chamber Mental Health & Wellbeing Charter, reflecting its ongoing dedication to promoting positive mental health, reducing stigma and ensuring colleagues have access to the support they need.
We spoke to Milissa Chesters, Head of People & Culture at Iconsys, about the company's wellbeing journey and why supporting people continues to be a key part of its success.
A Wellbeing Journey Rooted in People
Wellbeing has been a focus at Iconsys for many years, but the company's efforts gained real momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic.
As businesses adapted to new ways of working, Iconsys took the opportunity to strengthen the support available to employees and explore how wellbeing impacts performance in the workplace.
As Milissa explains:
"Mental health and wellbeing has been a priority for Iconsys before I joined the business actually."
One key step was becoming one of the first organisations to join the Derby Mental Health Productivity Pilot, which explored the relationship between wellbeing and productivity.
"We signed up, we were one of the first to sign up for the Derby mental health productivity pilot to look at how mental health and physical health links to productivity within business."
Since then, the company has continued to build on that work, introducing a range of initiatives designed to support colleagues both inside and outside of work.
Making Wellbeing Part of the Culture
For Milissa, one of the biggest reasons the programme has been successful is the commitment shown by the leadership team.
Managing Director Nick Darrell has championed wellbeing across the business, helping to ensure it is woven into company culture rather than treated as a standalone initiative.
Earlier this year, Iconsys welcomed representatives from Shropshire Chamber of Commerce to its Technology Hub to formally sign the Shropshire Chamber Mental Health & Wellbeing Charter. The Charter sits alongside the company's own wellbeing initiatives, including its internal Wellbeing Charter, Mental Health First Aiders, wellbeing resources and network of Wellbeing Champions.
Milissa said:
"We recognise the importance of it and more so our MD recognises the importance of it."
That commitment is reflected in the company's wider business strategy.
"The key objectives that sit underneath people and culture, where we talk about creating an environment where people can thrive, is increasing employee engagement and wellbeing. So you can see that wellbeing is number one there."
Bringing Wellbeing and Community Together
Many of Iconsys' wellbeing activities are built around bringing people together.
Whether through fundraising, volunteering opportunities or team challenges, the company regularly encourages employees to connect with one another while supporting causes that matter to them.
One recent example was a company-wide bikeathon that raised £1,000 for Midlands Air Ambulance. Employees took part wherever they were working, making it an inclusive activity that supported physical wellbeing while raising money for charity.
Milissa believes that combination is particularly powerful.
"We find that that is kind of a magical mix for us."
"If you can bring all of that together, people then feel more connected to the business."
Empowering Employees to Support One Another
A big part of the Iconsys approach is its network of Wellbeing Champions.
The business currently has six volunteers from across the organisation who help raise awareness, encourage conversations around wellbeing and provide an approachable point of contact for colleagues.
The fact that employees actively put themselves forward for these roles says a lot about the culture the business has created and the value people place on supporting one another.
Making Support Easy to Access
Alongside its people-focused initiatives, Iconsys has created a dedicated Wellbeing Hub, giving employees easy access to information, guidance and support.
The hub includes details of wellbeing champions, health and wellbeing resources, employee assistance programmes and wellbeing campaigns, ensuring support is available whenever it is needed.
The company also continues to promote activities that encourage connection and healthy lifestyles, helping employees stay engaged whether they are working in the office, on-site or remotely.
Tackling Stigma and Encouraging Conversations
Like many businesses operating in the engineering sector, Iconsys recognises that conversations around mental health do not always come easily.
Milissa believes progress is being made, but there is still work to do.
"Sometimes people feel very uncomfortable about talking about how they feel."
By encouraging open conversations and making support visible, the company is helping to create an environment where people feel more comfortable asking for help when they need it.
The Business Benefits of Wellbeing
For Iconsys, investing in wellbeing is not just the right thing to do, it also delivers clear business benefits.
The company has achieved a 95% employee retention rate and continues to see strong engagement through its work with Best Companies.
Milissa believes wellbeing plays an important role in helping people perform at their best.
"We see wellbeing very much as an enabler, so if people feel well, if people are in a good place, then they'll bring their best selves to work and be more productive."
As expectations around workplace wellbeing continue to grow, the company's commitment is also proving increasingly important to customers, partners and prospective employees.
Looking Ahead
By continuing to invest in its people and champion initiatives such as the Shropshire Chamber Mental Health & Wellbeing Charter, Iconsys is creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued and able to thrive.
Mental Healthand Wellbeing