Ibec celebrates wellbeing with the annual KeepWell Lunch, bringing together leaders, professionals, and health advocates from across Ireland to champion workplace wellbeing. This highly anticipated event highlights the increasing importance of employee mental health, physical wellness, and overall organizational culture in a rapidly evolving work environment.
Hosted in 2025, the annual KeepWell Lunch continues to build on Ibec’s commitment to prioritizing employee wellbeing through meaningful dialogue, innovative practices, and shared experiences. From keynote speakers to wellness champions, the event creates a supportive atmosphere where organizations learn from each other, discuss trends, and find new ways to enhance their workplace wellbeing strategies.
What is the KeepWell Lunch and Why It Matters
The KeepWell Lunch is an annual wellbeing-centered event organized by Ibec, Ireland’s largest business representative group. It gathers professionals and business leaders to celebrate and explore best practices in workplace wellness.
This event is part of the broader KeepWell Mark initiative, a workplace wellbeing accreditation framework developed by Ibec. The framework provides employers with a structured model for promoting physical and mental health within the workplace. The KeepWell Lunch complements this by serving as a networking and recognition platform, giving companies a chance to showcase their achievements in employee wellbeing.
A Platform for Recognition and Inspiration
One of the event’s most cherished elements is the recognition given to organizations that have shown exceptional dedication to employee wellbeing. From SMEs to large corporations, attendees leave the event feeling inspired and armed with actionable strategies they can apply within their own organizations.
Speakers at the 2025 edition included influential figures from healthcare, HR leadership, and corporate wellness sectors, each bringing real-world insight on creating more human-centric work environments.
Highlights from the 2025 KeepWell Lunch
This year’s KeepWell Lunch was hosted in Dublin and attracted over 300 attendees from various sectors. With a renewed focus on resilience, mental health, and workplace inclusion, the event delivered a wealth of valuable information.
Keynote Insights on Modern Workplace Challenges
A major focus of this year’s discussions was the growing pressure on employees in hybrid and remote settings. Keynote speakers shared research-backed insights on the impact of prolonged screen time, digital fatigue, and the isolation that often accompanies remote work.
The event emphasized the need for flexible wellness strategies that support employees in both physical office spaces and remote settings. Participants explored new approaches, including the integration of digital wellness tools, virtual mental health support, and flexible schedules.
Interactive Panels and Case Studies
Panel sessions featured case studies from companies that have successfully implemented well-being and well-being strategies. These discussions revealed the long-term benefits of investing in employee health, from higher retention rates to improved team morale and increased productivity.
HR managers, CEOs, and health consultants discussed how simple changes—like introducing mental health days, in-office wellness rooms, or financial wellness training—can create lasting impacts.
The KeepWell Mark Framework: A Pathway to Workplace Excellence
The KeepWell Mark is more than just a certification. It acts as a strategic guide for employers aiming to build a culture rooted in employee wellbeing. By participating in this framework, companies receive expert guidance and undergo an assessment of their current well-being and well-being practices.
Core Elements of the KeepWell Mark
Leadership and Collaboration
Emphasizes the role of leadership in driving a culture of health and wellbeing across the organization.
Mental Health Support
Encourages initiatives that remove stigma, offer professional support, and promote open conversations around mental wellness.
Physical Activity and Nutrition
Promotes healthier lifestyle choices through office gyms, nutrition workshops, and activity challenges.
Health and Safety
Ensures that workplace environments are safe, accessible, and conducive to employee health.
Absence Management
Guides employers in addressing and reducing absenteeism while supporting employees in their return-to-work journey.
Smoke-Free and Substance Awareness Policies
Encourages the implementation of health policies for a smoke-free and substance-aware workplace.
Innovation and Continuous Improvement
Inspires companies to remain adaptable and forward-thinking in their wellbeing initiatives.
Growing Importance of Workplace Wellbeing in 2025
As workplace trends evolve, so do the expectations employees have of their employers. According to a recent survey by Ibec, over 72% of Irish employees now consider well-being and support as a critical factor when choosing an employer.
The rise in Mental Health Conversations
Mental health, once a taboo subject, has become a priority in boardrooms and HR departments. More employers are investing in Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), providing mental health resources, and encouraging open conversations.
Corporate Responsibility and Reputation
Companies with a clear focus on employee well-being are not only more attractive to potential hires but also enjoy stronger reputations among consumers and stakeholders. In 2025, consumers will be more socially aware and support businesses that care for their staff.
The Social and Economic Impact of the KeepWell Movement
Workplace wellbeing has far-reaching benefits that extend beyond the company walls. Healthier, happier employees contribute more meaningfully to their communities, face fewer medical issues, and are more likely to stay with their organization long-term.
Boosting National Productivity
Healthy workers are productive workers. By reducing absenteeism, increasing engagement, and minimizing turnover, companies contribute to Ireland’s broader economic goals.
Supporting Public Health Initiatives
Companies accredited by the KeepWell Mark align their internal strategies with Ireland’s national public health goals. This includes supporting campaigns around mental health awareness, healthy living, and suicide prevention.
Future Outlook for KeepWell and Corporate Wellbeing
With the success of the 2025 KeepWell Lunch, Ibec plans to expand the program with year-round workshops, webinars, and regional events. These additions aim to ensure that even smaller organizations across the country have access to expert advice and peer networking.
As younger generations enter the workforce, their values will continue to shape corporate priorities. The KeepWell program is expected to evolve to include new areas such as environmental wellness, financial literacy, and diversity-driven well-being programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the KeepWell Mark?
The KeepWell Mark is a workplace wellbeing accreditation developed by Ibec. It provides a framework to help employers assess, improve, and recognize their employee wellness strategies.
Who can participate in the KeepWell Lunch?
The KeepWell Lunch is open to Ibec members and non-members from various sectors, including HR professionals, health consultants, and business leaders. It is a space for learning, sharing, and celebrating wellness achievements.
How can a company achieve KeepWell Mark certification?
Companies must undergo a structured assessment that reviews various aspects of their well-being practices. This includes leadership support, mental health programs, physical wellness efforts, and more. Upon meeting the standards, they are awarded the KeepWell Mark.
What were some themes of the 2025 KeepWell Lunch?
Key themes included resilience in hybrid work environments, mental health support, workplace inclusion, and the integration of digital wellness tools.
Is there a fee to attend the KeepWell Lunch?
Yes, the event typically has a registration fee to cover participation, networking, and access to all speaker sessions and materials. However, Ibec members often receive discounted rates.
What are the benefits of attending the KeepWell Lunch?
Attendees gain insight into wellness best practices, hear from expert speakers, access case studies, and network with like-minded professionals who prioritize employee wellbeing.
Can small businesses participate in the KeepWell program?
Yes, the KeepWell Mark is designed to be flexible and adaptable to companies of all sizes. Small businesses are encouraged to join and access tools that fit their unique needs and budgets.
What kind of support does Ibec offer after the event?
Ibec offers ongoing support, including webinars, consultancy services, educational materials, and opportunities for peer collaboration through the KeepWell community platform.
Conclusion
Ibec’s annual KeepWell Lunch continues to be a vital platform for promoting workplace wellness in Ireland. By uniting leaders and experts in one space, it fosters a culture of care, respect, and continuous improvement. As well-being remains central to business success in 2025 and beyond, the KeepWell initiative stands as a shining example of what is possible when organizations prioritize people.
