Sausage and burger maker HECK! is taking its commitment to employee wellbeing to the next level in 2025 with a range of new incentives aimed at keeping staff happy and healthy. Building on the success of its free health checks introduced last November, the Bedale-based company is introducing a host of initiatives to further support its team at the head office and factory.
Following a positive response to the launch of its free workplace health checks last year, spearheaded by co-founder Jamie Keeble, HECK! is now rolling out even more health and wellness-focused programmes. These include a revamped canteen menu with healthier food choices and a dedicated wellness area for employees to use during their breaks.
The health check programme, called CHECK!, was launched in November 2024 and provided employees with the chance to have a free health screening. The initiative also raised over £20,000 for men’s health charity Cahonas. Jamie, who himself overcame testicular cancer 10 years ago, said the programme was an important step in improving workplace wellbeing and supporting employees with their health. Due to its success, the health screenings will become a regular feature at HECK! every year.
The initiative comes in response to research from the Work Foundation at Lancaster University, which showed that poor employee health has a detrimental effect on a company’s economic performance. In fact, two-thirds of senior business leaders (64%) believe that poor health in the workforce harms business outcomes. Jamie is committed to changing this culture at HECK! and has made employee well-being a top priority.
“We invest a significant amount of our profit back into our team and the community,” Jamie Keeble said. “During lockdown, we created a ‘walking ambassador’ to get our factory workers outside for some fresh air. Since then, we’ve introduced the H.E.C.K. Care Code, which is our comprehensive guide on our commitments to Health, Environment, Community, and Kindness.”
HECK! also promotes a strong sense of camaraderie and downtime, with a focus on work-life balance. “Everyone gets a free lunch, and we have a saying that ‘first we eat, then we talk,’” Jamie continued. “It’s great to see everyone coming together in the canteen at lunchtime across all departments. But we also want people to feel like they can take some time for themselves. That’s why we built a dog hotel so staff can bring their pets to work and spend time with them during breaks. It’s lovely to see people catching up and taking proper breaks.”
To further encourage healthy lifestyles, the company offers staff access to an allotment and greenhouse, where employees can pick fruit, vegetables, and salad to enjoy in the canteen or take home. “We really wanted to bring the green space to the office,” Jamie said. “In the summer, we often have outdoor meetings, and it’s a great way to get fresh air and have a relaxed chat.”
The perks don’t stop there. HECK! also provides a free outdoor gym and, during lockdown, converted an old railway track around the farm into a walking route for staff. “We’re always looking for new ideas to make work a better place for both physical and mental wellbeing,” Jamie added. “We also offer flexible working patterns for families.”
In addition to supporting employee health, HECK! is also dedicated to its local community. Last year, the company launched a Community Fund to support various good causes across the UK. The company has since extended this initiative by introducing a community bus, which helps take elderly people to market days and excursions. Since launching in October, the bus has taken over 250 passengers on local trips.
Founded by the Keeble family in 2013, HECK! is now the UK’s largest independent sausage maker, employing 130 people at its Bedale headquarters. The company has become known not only for its high-quality products but also for its efforts to create a positive and supportive workplace environment.
With its focus on health, well-being, and community, HECK! continues to lead by example, ensuring that its team and the wider community feel the benefits of its forward-thinking approach.
