By Business & Finance 
Pictured (L-R): Sarah McSharry, Account Manager – KeepWell Mark at Ibec, and Dr Brian Pennie, winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing Award.
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, marked National Workplace Wellbeing Day yesterday with the annual KeepWell Awards. The event also saw the Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing index announced.
National Workplace Wellbeing Day
With up to 1,000 companies participating in National Workplace Wellbeing Day annually, the day provides a unique opportunity for businesses across Ireland to celebrate with a range of health and wellbeing activities in the workplace. It also offers a moment to rebalance and refocus on the supports that will benefit employees’ social, mental, and physical wellbeing. This focus is more important than ever: recent research published by Ibec shows 69% of Irish workers say their attitude to workplace wellness has become more important in the past 2–3 years, while 28% have noticed increased investment and focus by their employer.
The team at DeCare celebrate their Company of the Year (SME) win at the Ibec KeepWell Awards 2025.
As part of this year’s activity, Ibec has launched the ‘Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing’ index in association with the Business & Finance media group. The index recognises the top 100 businesses of all sizes for their exceptional contribution to employees’ social, mental, and physical wellbeing.
Each of the companies selected have improved their performance in supporting employee mental health and wellbeing and their commitment to fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture.
Bon Secours Health System celebrate their Best in Class Leadership win at the Ibec KeepWell Awards 2025.
Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: “I would like to offer congratulations to the companies included in the top 100 index. These are companies that have consistently demonstrated their strategic approach to and understanding of wellbeing in the workplace. We are now operating in a post-COVID work environment, where discussions on the future of hybrid work and the role of DE&I initiatives continue to shape workplace wellness.
“What remains clear is the vital role of workplace wellness in supporting employees and fostering an environment where they can thrive. This research underscores that workplace wellness has never been more important. Companies must continue to invest in it, while staying agile to meet the evolving needs of their workforce.”
The top 100 list includes a diverse range of companies from sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and public services – all of whom are outstanding in their commitment to instilling a best practice approach to the pillars of the KeepWell Mark.
KeepWell Awards
Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, marked National Workplace Wellbeing Day yesterday with the annual KeepWell Awards.
The shortlisted companies for the KeepWell Awards, in recognition of their exceptional success in improving corporate wellness strategies, is available here.
Seven companies accredited with The KeepWell Mark were selected as the winners of this year’s KeepWell Awards.
The team from Boston Scientific Cork celebrate their Company of the Year (Large) win at the Ibec KeepWell Awards 2025.
The awards, presented by Brendan Courtney, recognised and celebrated those companies that are prioritising the wellbeing of their workforces while showcasing those that have achieved exceptional success with their corporate wellbeing strategies.
Paula Cain, Executive Director, Commercial Services, Ibec, speaks to attendees.
Paula Cain, Executive Director, Commercial Services, Ibec, said it had been “a progressive year” for wellness initiatives, noting that Ibec had launched a new KeepWell framework.
“Leaders need more support to implement wellness initiatives more effectively”, she said.
Clare McKenna, broadcaster and journalist, also spoke. She noted that the focus on perfectionism prevents you from living life to the fullest.
Winners
Company of the Year (Large): Boston Scientific Cork
Company of the Year (SME): DeCare
Best in Class Mental Health: Milford Care Centre
Best in Class Leadership: Bon Secours Health System
Best in Class Talent Support & Development: HEAnet & EduCampus
Best in Class Nutrition & Physical Health: Alexion
Best in Class Inclusion & Belonging: Central Bank of Ireland
Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing
The ‘Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing‘ was presented to Dr Brian Pennie who, as a speaker, author, and educator, has empowered countless individuals to reframe their struggles and embrace change. Through his work, he has not only dedicated his career to improving mental health and wellbeing, but has also shared his own powerful story with remarkable courage, honesty, and hope.
Dr Brian Pennie, winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Wellbeing award.
His unwavering commitment to supporting others in their mental health journeys has left a profound and lasting impact across Ireland and beyond.
“If I went back 15 years ago, I was in the depths of heroin addiction. Now to be here today and feel like I belong is an amazing thing”, Dr Pennie said.
“There’s an appetite in the world to help people”.
With compassion and evidence-based insight, his voice continues to challenge stigma and lead meaningful conversations at the forefront of wellbeing.
READ MORE
Top 100 Companies Leading In Wellbeing 2025｜Business & Finance in partnership with Ibec
