Swindon’s go-ahead firms are being encouraged to follow in the tracks of skateboard distributor Shiner and show the benefits of creating a great workplace culture.
Bristol-based Shiner collected the top prize in last year’s inaugural South West Happiest Workplace competition, attributing its success to being “laid back with no egos”.
The third-generation family firm, which employs 65 people, has developed a unique culture. Most employees are skateboarding enthusiasts, with new recruits often attracted to jobs at the firm because they are fans of its products, which also include apparel under its own brand and the Heely roller shoe brand. 
Staff get a clothing allowance and discounts on products as well as a quarterly bonus scheme.
Shiner beat off strong challenges from Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep animators Aardman and magazine publisher Immediate Media to win the award, the brainchild of Bristol-based workplace and interior design consultancy Wylde Interior Architecture.
It wanted to show what separates a happy from a humdrum workplace and how this impacts on key areas for a business such as staff recruitment and retention, reputation and productivity.
Last year’s contest attracted more than 300 entrants from around Bristol and Bath area and has this year been widened to include Swindon, Wiltshire and the whole of the South West.
The awards will put the spotlight on organisations that go the extra mile to make their staff’s working lives happier.
This year Wylde has joined forces with Herman Miller, the Chippenham-based furniture manufacturer and pioneer of the modern workplace. The competition is being supported by Swindon News, whose editor Robert Buckland will sit on the judging panel with Herman Miller workplace specialist Bertie Van Wyk. 
The winner will receive a stunning Herman Miller height adjustable desk with monitor arm and beautiful Sayl desk chair. Sayl office chairs will also go to the nine runners up.
Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson – who presented Shiner with last year’s award – said: “Having a happy working environment is both great for employees and key for the productivity and success of a business.
“I would strongly encourage employers to support this important competition and prized accolade.”
Wylde director Maxine Bennett added: “Our Happiest Workplace competition has flagged up all kinds of reasons why staff are happy at work. Company ethos, respect and social activities rank alongside beautifully designed, creative spaces.
“These two aspects of working life tend to run hand in hand to provide the (almost) perfect formula for a content and productive workforce.”
Wylde IA is an award-winning independent interior design consultancy, trading for almost 20 years. The company specialises in creative design, working directly with clients throughout the UK and Europe in partnership with external suppliers, architects and fit-out companies to create inspiring places.
Interested companies can find more information at www.wyldeia.co.uk They can also follow the contest at @Wyldelife and #wyldehappyoffice
