Fresh off being named in the Workplace Leaders Top 50 Class of 2024, Gavin Bradley, founder of Yo-Yo OFFICE® and champion of workplace wellness, attended the prestigious award ceremony in London.

The Workplace Leaders Top 50 Award Ceremony, held at Morden Hall in London on July 3, 2024, was a gathering of the brightest minds in the industry. This event celebrated innovators and changemakers in the Facilities Management and Workplace industries.

Let’s dive into the highlights of the event and what it means for the future of active working.

Hosted at The Workplace Event 2024, the day began with a powerful keynote speech by Stefanie Sword-Williams, founder of "F*** Being Humble." Her inspiring message encouraged attendees to embrace their achievements and set the tone for the day.

The event featured other insightful breakout sessions, including:

• The Future of Data in Workplace Strategy: Chris Moriarty and Ian Ellison from Audiem discussed the importance of adaptability and forward-thinking in modern work environments.
• Innovative Office Design: Becky Turner of Claremont Interiors shared how creative interior design can boost productivity and employee well-being.

These sessions provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of workplace strategy and design, emphasising the need for continuous innovation.

Networking, Recognition, and Commitment to Workplace Wellness

The event also provided ample opportunities for networking and learning. Gavin was thrilled to connect with various industry leaders and visionaries, exchanging ideas and gaining new perspectives. He was particularly delighted to have Warren Fitzpatrick, the Sales Director at Yo-Yo OFFICE®, accompany him, adding to the day's richness and fostering deeper professional relationships.

The day culminated in the awards ceremony, where Gavin was honoured for his significant contributions to the workplace and facilities management sectors. His work with Get Britain Standing and On Your Feet Britain has been pivotal in advancing active working practices and reducing sedentary behaviour in offices.

Q: How did you get into the workplace and FM industry?

"By accident! In 2013 whilst on a visit to a charity office in Sweden I saw a “Standing Desk” for the first time. I was intrigued that there was no narrative to my questions “What is this for?” or “Why do some use them, and others not?” Some months later I had some time, so decided to research the health risks of sedentary behaviour of office workers and realised that there was a lot of confusion and misinformation. We needed a revolution if we were going to reduce the sedentary working in offices, so hence I set up the Get Britain Standing campaign in 2014. Immediately a whirlwind of media interviews ensued. I then organised a number of Active Working Summits including Public Health England, international science experts and key stakeholders to develop the conversation and thought leadership. PHE donated some money for me to consolidate the existing evidence base with leading academics to create the first worldwide guidance recommendations, published by the British Medical Journal in 2015. I then set up Yo-Yo Desk to offer affordable sit-stand solutions, and we now have evolved into Yo-Yo OFFICE offering active and agile furniture solutions!"

Q: What does it mean to you to be recognised as a Workplace Leaders Top 50?

"I am humbled and very proud to achieve this recognition. A lot of people have supported me along the way and you really see the best in people when you run a campaign for the common good. It’s never easy and we certainly do not do this for awards, but nevertheless it is wonderful to be recognised amongst such an impressive group of talented achievers."

Q: What is your favourite part of being in the workplace industry?

"Major physical and mental health outcomes can be achieved if our workplaces become more active and less sedentary. I have loved being part of that conversation and challenging conventional beliefs about sedentary working. We all have a sense of “place” and it’s important that the workplace delivers on its responsibility to become much more active and agile, as it is where we spend 70% of our sitting time!"

Q: Five words of inspiration to the next generation?

"Workplace champions never give up!"

Gavin Bradley's recognition in the Workplace Leaders Top 50 underscores the growing importance of active working and workplace wellness. As we continue to innovate and promote healthier work environments, events like these highlight the progress made and the future potential of our industry.

Explore our range of award-winning standing desks to transform your workspace and join us in our mission to create healthier, more active working environments.