thebigword was honoured to welcome Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, to our Head Office for the official opening of our brand-new Wellbeing Room, a dedicated space designed to support the health, wellbeing, and inclusivity of our employees.
This event provided a fantastic opportunity to showcase our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive, and accessible workplace. The Lord Mayor was joined by Mark Rice, Global Managing Director of Interpreting at thebigword, to cut the ribbon, marking the launch of this important initiative. Her visit underscores the significance of corporate responsibility in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
A Space for Wellbeing and Inclusion
At thebigword, we recognise the importance of fostering a work environment that prioritises mental health, accessibility, and employee support. Our Wellbeing Room has been designed to provide a safe and calming space where employees can take time to recharge. Additionally, our newly appointed Wellbeing Champions will use the space to host a variety of wellness activities throughout the year. Alongside our Wellbeing Room sit our recently refurbished Zen Den a dedicated space for prayer, spirituality & mediation, and a new Focus room, a quiet space for concentration during busy times.
During the opening, the Lord Mayor engaged with employees, discussing the impact of this initiative and the wider importance of workplace inclusivity. We also took the opportunity to highlight our critical role in providing essential language services to government departments, public sector organisations, and businesses worldwide – ensuring effective communication for diverse communities. As a trusted language services provider to government institutions, we take great pride in breaking down language barriers and supporting public sector initiatives.
Lord Mayor of Leeds, Abigail Marshall Katung, commented: “It was a pleasure to visit thebigword and officially open their new wellbeing area. Prioritising mental health and wellbeing in the workplace is essential, and it is inspiring to see a company take meaningful action to support its employees. The addition of spaces like the wellbeing area, the Zen Den, and the Focus Room demonstrates a strong commitment to inclusion, diversity, and care for staff.
What stood out most was seeing staff from diverse backgrounds and races all working happily together, it truly felt like a little United Nations. Initiatives like these help create a healthier, more supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. Well done to thebigword team for leading the way in fostering a workplace culture that values both mental and physical wellbeing.”
Mark Rice, Global Managing Director of Interpreting at thebigword, said: “We were truly honoured to welcome the Lord Mayor of Leeds to our Head Office. It was a privilege to showcase the incredible work we do and introduce some of our brilliant team members. As a trusted language services provider, serving the public is at the heart of everything we do.
This visit was a proud moment for our employees, as they had the opportunity to demonstrate the real impact of their work in breaking down language barriers and ensuring accessibility for all. We are delighted that the Lord Mayor could join us for the grand opening of our Wellbeing Room, experiencing first-hand how we are fostering an inclusive and supportive workplace for our employees while also learning more about the communities we serve.”
Strengthening Our Commitment to Accessibility
The launch of our Wellbeing Room is just one step in our broader mission to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a company that works extensively with interpreters, translators, and accessibility specialists, we recognise the vital role of creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This initiative aligns with our core values of innovation, inclusivity, and excellence, ensuring that thebigword remains a leader in both language services and workplace wellbeing.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the Lord Mayor for joining us on this special occasion and for recognising thebigword’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and accessible workplace. Her visit reinforces the importance of businesses taking proactive steps to support employee wellbeing and inclusivity.
