Catch up now
Giving Something Back - The extent to which employees feel their organisation has a positive impact on society
Giving Something Back focuses on the organisation’s social responsibilities. If key factors such as ‘Leadership’ and ‘My Manager’ are performing well, it can influence the improvement of all the other factors, boosting your overall engagement.
Wacoal supports local charitable initiatives and women's shelters. Redundant products are sent to Africa to support community projects that provide underwear to women who cannot afford it. It donates to organisations such as The Cowshed, which helps people in times of crisis, such as women fleeing domestic abuse.
The company offers apprenticeships to school-leavers and to increase the skill and knowledge levels of existing staff. It is increasing its investment in employee training and their learning requirements are identified from appraisals.
The company values are "passion, team and work-life balance". Staff are inspired to be passionate about what Wacoal does and believe in its products. They are encouraged to work as a team with a common goal and the culture discourages doing long days or answering emails outside working hours.
Recent staff socials have ranged from a Ukrainian cookery class to scavenger hunts, with some wine and chocolate tasting thrown in. The events were run remotely using funds ring-fenced early in the pandemic. Exercise hasn't been forgotten and a professional yoga instructor and personal trainer run classes online at lunchtime.
Daily stand-up virtual meetings allow teams to discuss the day ahead while enjoying their morning coffee. These 15-20 minute calls also provide the opportunity to start the day with a human connection and the chance to ask colleagues for advice on work issues.
An environmentally preferred purchasing policy encourages employees to be mindful of the way in which they manage their travel, purchase office equipment and stationery and manage their home office. Company offices have been equipped with energy trackers, all waste is recycled and use of recycled and non-toxic products is encouraged.
Oakland has a dedicated menopause support policy available. For managers, recognising the symptoms of the menopause is vital to treating an affected employee fairly. This policy includes installing a water cooler, providing desk fans, making rooms for rest available, allowing for more frequent breaks, quiet working spaces, and extended deadlines.
It has recently introduced personal learning budgets for its teams. This provides each employee with a £400 individual learning budget that they can choose to spend on the learning intervention that best meets their development plan. Additionally it offers internal workshops when there is a requirement for tailored training.
As part of its Oakland Gives Back scheme, it matches the amount raised for any employee taking part in charity fundraising. If at the end of the financial year the amount allocated to good causes has not been spent it asks employees to nominate small local charities close to their heart.
Looking for more information on our solutions? Let us know how we can help and the right member of our team will be in touch shortly.
