Smurfit Kappa’s strong emphasis on health and wellbeing shines through

Smurfit Kappa, a leader in paper-based packaging plant based in Lurgan, Co Armagh, has staff of 165 working over three shifts.

As a company they recognise the challenges to break down barriers within a traditionally male industry and that a happy and healthy diverse workforce drives the success of their company, with a strong mantra of ‘Creating the Future Together’.

Their company continuously invests in their best assets – their human capital – the Smurfit Kappa Lurgan family.

Over the last year there has been a significant change within their company – mostly with wellbeing, physical and mental health – of all our employees on and off site. Their sublime efforts in this area helped secure the Best Wellbeing in the Workplace Strategy (Medium) award.

Over the course of the last three years they adopted a new hybrid working policy which was enhanced during covid for their office staff.

All members of the Smurfit Kappa family have access to emergency leave, fiexi hours to support them in whatever emergency may arise, discounted gym membership and private health insurance.

They have a dedicated wellbeing committee and health champions who create and drive initiatives as well as fully trained mental health first aiders and physical first aiders throughout all shifts.

As their team grows, the wellbeing team launched, ‘It’s Time to Talk’, a monthly interview with a colleague on their life outside of work. This has helped everyone with conversation starting points and to feel like they know their colleagues on a personal level. In their submission, the company outlined the positive steps they’ve made.

“The wellbeing team have worked tirelessly over the last year on a wellbeing room that will be used as ‘The Hub’ of information for all employees.

“There has been a significant change in the company to safeguard and nurture the wellbeing, physical and mental health of all its employees across all shifts on and off site. Among new initiatives is ‘Time to Talk’, a monthly interview with a colleague on their life outside work.”

“This newly designed room allows our people to access information on any health or personal issues, wellbeing books, book swap, quiet zone, mindfulness area, community notice board and an inspirational corner – where daily positive affirmations are posted by employees.

“The rooms use is never ending as is our wellbeing efforts.”