Interest accumulates in bank's health and well‐being program

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe a major bank's health and well‐being program, which has won a Business in the Community award for being among the best examples of business as a force for good. Design/methodology/approach – Provides the reasons for the program, the form it takes and the benefits it has brought to both the bank and its employees. Findings – Explains that the benefits of the scheme include grater employee engagement, better managerial health assessments, improved work‐life balance and a reduction in the costs associated with employees' ill health – particularly mental health. In addition, there have been numerous examples of employees contributing to their communities by combining fund‐raising with physical activity. Practical implications – Reveals that internal and external stakeholders have been closely involved in the program from day one, that several internal‐communication mechanisms have played an important part in generating interest in the scheme, and that the bank's deputy chief executive is a major sponsor of the program, which has helped to increase perceptions of its importance. Social implications – The paper details the many social benefits of the health and well‐being program, including those that flow from employees becoming involved in community projects. Originality/value – The paper demonstrates that responsible enterprise can have a positive impact on society and people without losing focus on the business.