Punch Pubs & Co has secured gold in a scheme recognising mentally healthy workplaces for the second consecutive year.
The independent pub company, which Daily Focus recently reported is playing a key part in developing an industry-first mental health first aid qualification, has been recognised in the 2023/24 Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index Awards.
Mental health charity Mind surveyed almost 19,000 employees across the 55 employers participating in the Index, running for the eighth year.
Gold means Punch, which is based in Burton upon Trent, has successfully embedded mental health policies and practices and demonstrated a long-term, in-depth commitment to employee mental health.
Punch has a volunteer-driven mental health and wellbeing ‘Push the Pineapple’ initiative which aims to encourage everyone to be themselves at work by creating an open environment where people feel comfortable speaking openly about their feelings.
The Push the Pineapple team hosts events with specialist keynote speakers and provides practical support to tackle day-to-day challenges whether they are emotional, financial or technical.
Speaking about the Gold Award win, HR Director for Punch Pubs & Co, Laura Cavendish, said: “This is a testament to our people’s commitment and dedication to ensuring our business supports our employees in the best possible way. It also reflects our commitment to creating a safe space for people to share their experiences and seek help when needed.”
The award announcement was made as Punch revealed it has acquired a town centre pub in Lincolnshire.
The White Swan in Market Rasen will form part of Punch’s leased and tenanted estate with a well-known local entrepreneur taking the helm.
Punch Pubs Operations Manager David Hill commented: “The White Swan is already an excellent pub, and we see a successful future here.”
The company has said it is continually on the lookout for more quality acquisitions, including packages and single-site opportunities that “fit well with its modern and progressive vision and growth plans.”
