A stellar wellbeing programme sees Finnebrogue Artisan bring home the bacon

Finnebrogue Artisan, based in Downpatrick, is one of the UK’s leading artisan food producers.

Finnebrogue produce nitrate-free bacon, premium sausages and plant-based products from four sites, employing over 1,200 people and over the last two years their HR team have developed a People Strategy, focusing on the retention and development of their people.

One pillar of the HR strategy launched in 2021 is health and wellbeing, led by the HR manager at Finnebrogue. The aim of their health and wellbeing strategy was to focus on three areas over a two-year period.

These three areas are mental, physical and financial wellbeing, with the intention to provide an environment for employees where wellbeing was integrated into day-to-day practices and to allow staff to feel supported in all areas of their life, both inside and outside of the workplace.

This approach proved very worthwhile, and deservedly won them the Best Wellbeing in the Workplace Strategy (Large).

In early 2022, Finnebrogue launched a scheme to provide all employees with a free breakfast

and lunch option every day.

In March of the same year, 15 managers from across the business were trained as Mental Health First Aiders, and can now assist employees across the sites with any concerns or be a point of contact for general support

In May 2022 they had a Walking Month,

where employees competed in a ‘steps challenge’ to promote the benefits of walking for their physical and mental health.

These are just some of the major strides made by the firm in recent times.

“The Shack has been our most successful project to date, with employees claiming

“Outstanding initiatives are being implemented here to support colleagues. Judges were impressed with its introduction of ‘The Shack’, where all employees are entitled to a food bundle equating to roughly £25 per week. Tonight it is bringing home the bacon.”

they have seenamassive difference to their weekly food shop bill as they no longer have to purchase as many meals,” their submission statement read.

“Employees have also mentioned how Finnebrogue are going above and beyond to support their families through the cost of living crisis.”