A Wiltshire construction company has been praised for its focus on people and wellbeing.
Beard has retained its Investors in People (IIP) Gold accreditation, placing it among the top 12 per cent of IIP-accredited construction firms.
The company also holds Gold status under the ‘We Invest in Wellbeing’ framework, reflecting its high standards in supporting employee health.
Neil Sherreard, deputy chairman of Beard, said: "We’re extremely proud of the spaces and projects that we deliver at Beard, but our people are the ones making it happen, so it’s incredibly important we can recognise and celebrate them and their successes.
"We’ve made strong progress since the last We Invest in People assessment in 2023, particularly in our learning and development offering and our approach to wellbeing, which we’re pleased to see highlighted.
"There is always more we can do though and we aren’t standing still.
"We’ll take the report’s recommendations and feedback from our colleagues forward to continue to be better tomorrow than we are today."
The IIP report commended Beard for its values-driven leadership and supportive workplace culture.
Cath Parish, Investors in People and Wellbeing practitioner, said: "The values of ‘Friendly, Efficient and Committed’ are cemented in the company ethos.
"The wellbeing of staff is taken seriously and seen as an integral part of Beard’s culture.
"Everyone interviewed agreed Beard is a ‘Great Place to Work’."
The report noted Beard’s low staff turnover rate of 5.9 per cent, compared to 8.9 per cent in 2023.
New employees said the company’s reputation or personal recommendations had encouraged them to apply, and many stated their expectations "had been surpassed."
Beard has held the ‘We Invest in People’ accreditation since 2011 and first achieved Gold status in the wellbeing category in 2022.
The company’s wellbeing efforts include an away day in woodland at Wrington Warren during Mental Health Awareness Week.
More than 70 colleagues from Beard’s five regional offices took part in team-building activities such as paintballing, archery, axe throwing, and a treasure hunt.
Other offices marked the week in their own ways.
The Swindon office held a ‘wear it green’ day, while staff in Bristol organised a sports day and walking competition.
In Southampton, Beard employees completed an 18-mile sponsored walk in support of Naomi House & Jacksplace, raising funds for Naomi House & Jacksplace.
Share