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.
As the firm is employee-owned, all staff are entitled to an equal profit share bonus each year. Employees also get gift vouchers on milestone birthdays, weddings and for babies. At Christmas, staff can choose a voucher or donate to a food bank. And there are plenty of sweet treats and free breakfasts at quarter end.
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.
Open GI champions a blended learning approach. It believes development happens in everyday interactions, not just through formal learning. Employees are encouraged to be insightful and make the most of every opportunity. The company’s personal growth resources include webinars and podcasts, as well as a wide range of content on its learning management system.
Wellbeing initiatives have continued to take place as part of a calendar of events. There have been initiatives centring around blood pressure, grief and loss, ADHD and Mental Health Awareness Week, amongst other important issues. There have also been improvements to the wellbeing section on the company intranet.
The company hosted a "sustainability day" to raise awareness about how employees can be more eco-friendly, inside and outside work. During the event, Open GI launched its electric vehicle and hybrid car leasing scheme, through which employees can buy an EV or hybrid vehicle at a reduced price through salary sacrifice.
