Press Release: Tuesday 14 April 2026
Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy congratulates workplaces involved in the first phase of the Healthy Workplace Programme
The Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD has today welcomed 23 workplaces to the Department of Health to receive their Healthy Workplace Award.
The workplaces have completed the process of becoming a Healthy Workplace over the last 15 months as part of the first phase of Healthy Workplace Programme, an element of the implementation of the Healthy Workplace Framework.
The Healthy Ireland – Healthy Workplace recognition is a national mark of distinction awarded to organisations that have demonstrated a strategic and evidence-informed commitment to employee health and wellbeing.
Pictured: Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Jennifer Murnane O’Connor TD presenting at today’s awards.
Minister Murnane O’Connor said:
“I know the importance of creating healthy environments and it is widely acknowledged that workplaces are ideal settings for promoting employee health and wellbeing.
“We all spend a significant part of our life in the workplace and while being employed is a protective factor for wellbeing, we all need the skills and supports to deal with everyday challenges, and the stresses of work and family life”.
This recognition celebrates employers who have embedded the principles of Ireland’s Healthy Workplace Framework and participated in the Healthy Workplace Programme 2024 – 2026 which comprises five key pillars, namely: leadership, assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
It signals that these organisations are not only investing in its people but also contributing to Ireland’s wider public health and sustainability goals.
The Minister also said:
“I would like to acknowledge the leadership and commitment demonstrated by many senior managers and the significant work that was undertaken by workplaces in following the steps to become healthy workplaces and overcoming the challenges they encountered along the way.”
This phase of delivery has seen a range of small and medium organisations representing the public, private and voluntary sectors who demonstrated that implementing and engaging with employee wellbeing is not only possible but is essential to ensure the success and sustainability of all organisations.