Chambers Ireland Launch SME WellBusiness Charter
New initiative supports SMEs in building healthier workplaces
Monday 24th November 2025
Minister Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, TD with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy, today launched a new initiative from Chambers Ireland– the SME WellBusiness Charter. Developed in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the Charter is a free, self-guided programme available to all members of affiliated Chambers to help them build a healthy workplace.
Based on the principles of the Healthy Workplace Framework, the Charter is designed for SMEs and provides a dedicated online platform with practical guidance, tools, and training to help businesses embed effective wellbeing practices across their workplace.
The Charter aims to grow engagement with health and wellbeing in businesses, making it a strategic business advantage rather than a “nice to have.” By embedding wellbeing into everyday practice, businesses can realise tangible benefits, including improved retention, engagement, and enhanced performance.
In launching the programme in Carlow today, Minister Murnane O’Connor stated:
“It is a real pleasure to be here today to launch the Chambers Ireland SME Wellbeing Charter, a free, self-guided programme designed to support Chamber members in creating healthier more productive workplaces.
Developed in partnership with Healthy Ireland, the Charter provides practical tools, training and guidance to help make a healthy workplace a strategic advantage for both people and business performance. Our vision is one where everyone can enjoy good physical and mental health, and where wellbeing is valued and supported at every level of society.”
Speaking at the launch of the programme, Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland said:
“We are delighted to partner with Healthy Ireland to develop the SME WellBusiness Charter. Our research shows that many SMEs face barriers such as limited time, knowledge, and budget when it comes to implementing wellbeing initiatives. The Charter addresses these challenges by offering a practical, flexible framework to help businesses embed health and wellbeing into their culture and strategy—turning it into a real strategic business advantage. By creating a healthy workplace, SMEs can strengthen their teams, improve retention, and contribute to a more resilient and sustainable economy.”
ENDS
For More Information:
Contact Gillian Bane, Chambers Ireland, on 087 102 0150 or email gillian.bane@chambers.ie
Affiliated Chamber members can sign up for the programme on the Chambers Ireland website.
Photo Caption:
Photo 1:
From L to R are; John Hurley, Chief Executive of Kilkenny Chamber; Gillian Bane, Healthy Workplace Co-ordinator in Chambers Ireland; Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy; Ian Talbot, Chief Executive of Chambers Ireland; Norah Ryan, President of Carlow Chamber; Ingrid Doyle of the Department of Health.
About Chambers Ireland:
Chambers Ireland is the voice of business throughout Ireland, with 36 member chambers across every major city, town and region of the island. Aligning our strategic priorities with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, our aim is to make places better to live, work and do business.
Chambers Ireland were selected by the Government as a National Champion of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in 2023-2024 and subsequently appointed as SDG Ambassador in 2024.