Smells like team spirit

Northern Ireland firm takes flexible working to the next level

A media firm in Northern Ireland has built an in-house yoga studio in its offices as part of a programme to keep staff fit and well.

PR, social and creative agency, Clearbox (clearboxcommunications.com), built the dedicated yoga space following a £50k investment in employee wellness this year. Its plans also include mental health and wellbeing initiatives, plus individual counselling packages.

The new yoga studio, which boasts full-length landscape wall art created by local artist, Stephen Whalley, doubles as a meditation room and provides a quiet space where staff can practice meditation or take some time away, as and when required.

“We believe happy people create great work,” says Anna Morris, the firm’s head of excellence.

Other health-promoting behaviours have also been incorporated into the office overhaul such as ergonomically-designed workspaces filled with natural light, an outdoor workspace, healthy snacks and filtered water, work from anywhere days and inspiration days.

The firm’s emphasis on wellness is clearly paying off.

Established in 2013, Clearbox was awarded Best New PR Agency in the UK at the PRCA Awards in London in 2015. It works with big brands such as Amazon, Sony Mobile and Universal Pictures, with offices in Belfast and Yorkshire.

“People worldwide are taking steps to change the way they live, work and think so it’s important for us to create an environment that supports our team’s health and wellbeing, both in and outside of the office,” says Morris.