SME WellBusiness Charter
Commit To Building A Healthy Workplace
The SME WellBusiness Charter enables SMEs to publicly commit to building a healthy workplace through a free self-guided programme. Developed by Chambers Ireland in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the Charter provides Chamber members with a quick, simple and practical way for SMES to access step-by-step guidance, tools and training to help build a healthier workplace.
Why It Matters
Chambers Ireland is committed to supporting the long-term success and competitiveness of Irish businesses. Central to that success is the recognition that people are an organisation’s most valuable asset. Workplace health and wellbeing is no longer a ‘nice to have’ – it is a strategic business advantage that drives: employee retention, reduced absenteeism and increased productivity. By signing the SME WellBusiness Charter, your business can make a public statement that the health of your employees is a priority – demonstrating leadership to both your workforce and your wider community.
The Business Case
Investing in workplace health and wellbeing delivers a strong return—while doing nothing comes at a cost. Inaction can lead to turnover, absenteeism, and presenteeism, but prevention pays—strategies such as culture change and raising mental health awareness can return up to £6.30 for every £1 spent.
£5,379
The annual cost of poor mental health per employee in the finance industry – Deloitte
£4.70
The average return on investment for every £1 invested in employee mental health – Deloitte
1.84 %
Higher annualised return for companies with strong workplace wellbeing compared to the S&P 500 – University of Oxford
How It Works
By signing the Charter, you commit to following four simple steps based on the Healthy Irelands Healthy Workplace Framework:
1. Commit – demonstrate leadership by signing the Charter and appointing a Wellbeing Champion.
2. Consult – understand your employees’ needs using our employee survey template.
3. Create – Develop and implement your annual wellbeing plan using our tools and resources.
4. Continue – review progress, celebrate achievements and refine your approach each year.
All step-by-step guidance and supporting resources are available through the exclusive portal and is free to join for all members of an affiliated Chamber.
.
What Is A Healthy Workplace?
A healthy workplace culture is at the heart of the SME WellBusiness Charter. It focuses on everyday behaviours and the the wider work environment that impact employee health and wellbeing. The Charter is built around four key areas:
1. Supporting individual health
2. Designing good work
3. Promoting positive team dynamics
4. Embedding wellbeing into strategy
These four areas form the basis of your employee survey, helping you target initiatives that matters most to employees and maximise the effectiveness of your wellbeing initiatives.
What You Get As A Charter Signatory
Signing the SME WellBusiness Charter is a public commitment, backed by practical step-by-step support. Charter signatories receive:
Public Charter & Recognition
Sign the Charter publicly and gain national recognition through Chambers Ireland website and enter our annual SBI awards.
Practical Resources
Free access to step-by-step guidance in an exclusive members portal.
Training Opportunities
Access a blend of online and in-person training for leaders, managers and employees.
Talks & Events
Join in-person and online events where you can learn, ask questions and network.
Latest News & Insights
Receive newsletter and LinkedIn updates with the latest news, ideas, and insights.
Peer Support
Opportunities to connect with fellow members to share advice and support.
How to Get Started
1. Register Your Organisation
Register your organisation below to get started with the SME Wellbusiness Charter. Anyone in your business can sign up to begin the journey.
2. Access The Exclusive Resource Portal
You’ll receive a welcome email with a link to the exclusive resource portal, where you can quickly and easily follow our simple four step framework, with guidance, toolkits and training.
3. Become a Verified Charter Signatory
Once your leadership has signed the Charter in Step 1, submit their details to become a verified signatory — allowing your organisation’s logo to be displayed on the website. You will also be eligible to enter our specialised SME WellBusiness Charter category at our annual SBI awards.
