With nominations now open for the 2026 Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards, we’re continuing our Winners Interview Series, where we sit down with past recipients to explore what winning has meant to them — personally, professionally — and to learn more about the strategies that earned them recognition.
In this edition, Wellity’s James Sharples chats with Gemma Burgess, Seannah Calladine, and Amanda McCarthy from Mott MacDonald, winners of the Best Wellbeing in the Workplace Strategy: Large Company award in 2025.
What stood out immediately was their focus on data. Since around 2021–22, each wellbeing initiative has to be backed by internal data before it’s launched. This approach ensures relevance and impact, for example, using employee assistance programme insights to inform highly targeted, meaningful campaigns that directly respond to colleague needs.
They also emphasise a holistic and inclusive strategy. Rather than defaulting to broad, one-size-fits-all solutions, the team crafts bespoke approaches for at-risk or specific groups, making sure that every activity empowers people to bring their best selves to work.
Diving deeper into data revealed something important: while short-term sickness absence may rise (as people take recuperative leave), long-term absence drops — a clear sign of proactive care and a psychologically safe culture that prevents burnout before it starts.
Winning the award, says Mott MacDonald, was "fantastic affirmation." It gave them a moment to celebrate, raised the visibility of their work internally and externally, sparked renewed stakeholder engagement, and strengthened their “wellbeing thermostat” — setting the tone that it's OK to talk about wellbeing and seek support in their organisation.
Holding that recognition has made them even more committed to continuous improvement. In a rapidly evolving workplace landscape, they know wellbeing needs change too - and proactive, responsive strategies are vital.
Their advice to aspiring nominees? Build a full story with measurable outcomes. Be bold, allow for iteration, and don’t underestimate the power of being recognised.
As Amanda puts it: “Recognition isn’t about ego - it’s about visibility, encouragement and opening doors.”
You can watch the full interview below.
If their story has inspired you, now’s the time to shine a spotlight on the people, teams and initiatives making a real difference to workplace wellbeing!
Nominations close 26th September 2026.