Staff at Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) have been celebrating after it was announced that the authority had been named Workplace of the Year.

The prize was given to the council at the annual Get Berkshire Active awards on Friday (February 15).

Cllr John Halsall, executive member for environment, leisure and libraries at WBC, said: “We’re thrilled to have won the Get Berkshire Active Workplace of the Year. I would like to thank all of those who have worked so tirelessly across the council to improve our offer, and wellbeing amongst staff.

“The wellbeing agenda is a high priority for this council, so it’s encouraging to be recognised as an employer role modelling good practices.”

WBC offers a number of activities to staff, including morning and lunchtime yoga sessions, football games, employee walks and mindfulness sessions to reduce stress and improve wellbeing.

The authority also has a partnership with Places for People Leisure to offer lunchtime swimming sessions, and it has developed bike loans and cycle to work schemes.

The criteria for the award included promoting the importance of health and wellbeing in the workplace, taking action to encourage active lifestyles, such as installing bike racks, supporting local community sport and physical activity, celebrating engagement from staff to promote sport and physical activity, and developing physical activity programmes to encourage workplace health.

Bracknell Forest Council was the only other nominee shortlisted for the award.