Creating Healthier Workplaces in the West Midlands
With around 650 employers already enrolled, the Thrive at Work scheme, led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is making a quiet but impactful impact on how businesses approach wellbeing. With large employers to small family run firms, organisations are receiving tailored support, online toolkits and access to health focused training and webinars.
The initiative supports businesses in achieving accredited milestones, Foundation, Bronze, Silver and Gold demonstrating their commitment to creating safe, supportive working environments.
“When people feel well and supported, they thrive and so do the businesses they work for,” said Mayor Richard Parker.
A Proven Return on People
Mental health related issues account for the largest single cause of workplace absence in the UK, costing employers an estimated £56 billion a year (Deloitte, 2022). But businesses enrolled in Thrive at Work are reporting measurable change…from reduced absenteeism and staff turnover to improved morale and retention.
This is more than just a tick box exercise. It’s a culture shift…one where people come first.
Local Examples, Real Impact
DENSO, an automotive firm in Coventry, became the first employer to reach Gold accreditation. Since then, three more organisations have followed in their footsteps. Twelve employers have achieved Silver, 68 Bronze, and over 150 have achieved the Foundation level.
Family run business Howells Glazing Ltd, with just 35 employees in Cradley Heath, joined the scheme and saw immediate change.
“We didn’t really have procedures in place to deal with the issues that came up… Thrive at Work helped us open up conversations we’d never had before,” said Debbie Willets, Thrive at Work Lead at Howells.
After conducting anonymous health surveys, the business overhauled its mental health policy. The result? Improved staff confidence, increased community engagement, and a more supportive company culture.
How the Scheme Works
When a business signs up, it’s assigned a dedicated wellbeing assessor…a trained expert who works with the organisation’s lead to track goals and progress using a simple online portal. The portal also offers:
- A free digital wellbeing toolkit
- On demand webinars and resources
- Structured support toward formal accreditation
- A system to measure impact and gather staff feedback
This practical framework helps employers embed real, lasting changes while strengthening their team from within.
Action for the Region
Mayor Parker’s message is clear: “If we want to build a region that’s fairer, healthier, and more productive, practical steps like Thrive at Work are how we get there.”
iSE understands for sustainable business success, health and wellbeing of staff go hand in hand. Including employees with structured wellbeing support is an investment in the long-term health of people, businesses and the wider economy.