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My Company - The level of engagement employees feel with their job and organisation
My Company is what we call an ‘output’ factor, it focuses on people’s ‘love’ and ‘pride’ in working for your organisation.
Now unfortunately you can’t directly make people feel these emotions, but when all of the other seven factors are doing well, people will be far more likely to experience that love and pride ultimately improving the My Company factor as a result.
The organisation created the IHG Academy - a public:private partnership model, helping local people develop their skills and take a first step into employment. One model is sector based work academy that is delivered in partnership with JobCentrePlus and targeted towards those not in education, employment or training. The model includes a City & Guilds qualification, work experience in their hotels and an interview with the opportunity to secure employment and continued development. During 2013, 27% attendees of an IHG Academy have 'graduated' into employment in our hotels. The IHG Academy won business in the community work inspiration award for work on the academy programme across the UK&I, specifically in Leeds, for the excellent work the academy programme does in the local communities, providing learning and job opportunities. Graduates follow a robust training programme to develop their careers which is aligned to nationally recognised qualifications. Hence, the IHG Apprenticeship programme started where employees can gain an NVQ level 2 and be assessed by their line manager whilst completing daily tasks. IHG's apprenticeship scheme has been recognised at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2013. The company achieved ‘highly commended' in the ‘new employer' category for the Thames Valley Region because of their commitment to offering new apprentices and excellent career opportunities, with over 100 places offered to date. A video of candidate success stories has been produced to promote this initiative.
The organisation created the IHG Academy - a public:private partnership model, helping local people develop their skills and take a first step into employment. One model is sector based work academy that is delivered in partnership with JobCentrePlus and targeted towards those not in education, employment or training. The model includes a City & Guilds qualification, work experience in their hotels and an interview with the opportunity to secure employment and continued development. During 2013, 27% attendees of an IHG Academy have 'graduated' into employment in our hotels. The IHG Academy won business in the community work inspiration award for work on the academy programme across the UK&I, specifically in Leeds, for the excellent work the academy programme does in the local communities, providing learning and job opportunities. Graduates follow a robust training programme to develop their careers which is aligned to nationally recognised qualifications. Hence, the IHG Apprenticeship programme started where employees can gain an NVQ level 2 and be assessed by their line manager whilst completing daily tasks. IHG's apprenticeship scheme has been recognised at the National Apprenticeship Awards 2013. The company achieved ‘highly commended' in the ‘new employer' category for the Thames Valley Region because of their commitment to offering new apprentices and excellent career opportunities, with over 100 places offered to date. A video of candidate success stories has been produced to promote this initiative.
On 22nd February 2013 IHG held their annual recognition awards ceremony for the hotel employees in the UK and Ireland managed estate. This was held at the prestigious Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane and everything possible was done to ensure that our nominated employees had an evening to remember, from offering assistance with outfits, providing travel to the venue, a drinks reception followed by a gala dinner, to the awards ceremony followed by dancing to the small hours and then transport back to their pre-arranged accommodation for a well-earned rest. A variety of awards were up for grabs, including ‘engagement hotel of the year', ‘aim higher' and ‘employee of the year'. Those employees nominated to attend were chosen by their managers and colleagues, most having been an ‘employee of the month' on one or more occasion previously. The perfect end to a fantastic celebration was the delivery of an OK style magazine to all employees who attended the awards which was slipped under their door ready for the next morning, giving everyone plenty to talk about over breakfast! The build up to this event runs throughout the whole year, and really backs all of their recognition programmes, as everyone wants an invite to the annual awards night. The momentum that the awards drive through the hotels is amazing and they ensure it remains on the agenda across all properties each month.
Every last Friday of the month Inferno holds a social event called ‘Love What Could Be', which gives the chance to gather the entire agency, build morale and inspire collaborative working. These varied events are organised by their ‘Love What Could Be' committee and some are seasonal, some are festive and some are completely random. Alcohol and nibbles are always a prerequisite. In the past year, an example of these are: a summer picnic and games, a pumpkin carving competition, a cocktail making class and a “guess the baby” tea party. Though not quite a team building ‘event', a “buddy system” is introduced on an employee's first days where new staff are partnered with someone on their department who is not their line manager, who will introduce them to their new home and colleagues, beyond the initial HR tour. Inferno will also pay for the buddy to host a team lunch outside the agency. Departments also have regular ‘away days' to discuss new practices and strategy, this is held at a nice and inspiring venue (such as an art gallery meeting room) and include breakfast/lunch and down-time drinks when the day is through.
Inferno have a traditional ‘royal mail' post box which sits in the lobby and invites everyone to help themselves to an ‘I'd love it if' card on reception to post any suggestions or gripe, anonymously or not. They strongly believe that listening is the very basic method of being available and approachable. There is an informal and relaxed atmosphere within the open plan building and staff are encouraged to have opinions, which are heard and addressed. Company updates are held on the last Thursday of every month and are a relaxed forum over a beer or glass of wine (sometimes even champagne) for discussions to ensure staff can see that needs are being addressed. Regular departmental away-days provide an opportunity for ideas to be shared outside the office environment, in an inspiring setting to encourage new thinking and perspective. It is not usual for teams to come back from these with an entirely new and more effective approach for their departments.
Every last Friday of the month Inferno holds a social event called ‘Love What Could Be', which gives the chance to gather the entire agency, build morale and inspire collaborative working. These varied events are organised by their ‘Love What Could Be' committee and some are seasonal, some are festive and some are completely random. Alcohol and nibbles are always a prerequisite. In the past year, an example of these are: a summer picnic and games, a pumpkin carving competition, a cocktail making class and a “guess the baby” tea party. Though not quite a team building ‘event', a “buddy system” is introduced on an employee's first days where new staff are partnered with someone on their department who is not their line manager, who will introduce them to their new home and colleagues, beyond the initial HR tour. Inferno will also pay for the buddy to host a team lunch outside the agency. Departments also have regular ‘away days' to discuss new practices and strategy, this is held at a nice and inspiring venue (such as an art gallery meeting room) and include breakfast/lunch and down-time drinks when the day is through.
Impact's vision is to be a great place to work, to be the best experiential learning provider on the planet and to be a model of sustainable enterprise. Being benchmarked in the marketplace as a Best Company to Work For is positive proof that they are working effectively together to make their vision reality and they are all incredibly proud of this achievement. At Impact they love to celebrate success. They have been lucky enough to be placed in the Times Top 100 List since 2005 and have attended every awards dinner. They know that their people are key to making Impact the best company to work for (even if we aren't placed number one!) To say thank you to their people they offer a number of places at the dinner to the entire organisation. They have awarded places to people who are nominated by colleagues for outstanding work, or simply by putting names in the hat. This approach is very popular with their employees as it recognises that their people have all paid a part in our success.
Due to the nature of their business many of their people work away from home, so to balance this, Impact extend social event invitations to partners/families wherever possible. Employees organise all social events, with time for organising and attending daytime events, given during work hours. In so many words they can't tell you all about their Christmas Party, the Impact Kids Christmas Party, complete with a visit from their Santa/CEO!, weekly Friday lunches, Silver Screw award or the End of Financial Year lunch but they can tell you about their Family Fun Day and Quadrathlon, reflecting the fun and inclusiveness of their social events. Their summer event is scheduled in the school holidays and they close the office for the afternoon to maximise attendance. Activities include bouncy castle, traditional games, crafts, a homemade piñata, canoeing and speedboat rides. Their CEO cooks a BBQ lunch and Impact Aid, their internal fundraising team, hosted a Great Impact Bake Off to raise money for their chosen charities. Their Quadrathlon is a four-part triathlon, including a lake-swim, cross-country run, mountain bike and canoe course. The course was designed and marshalled by their staff within their own hotel grounds. The competition was not just about fastest times, but also about the best fancy-dress outfits. Whilst there are small cash prizes the ultimate goal is personal glory!
Due to the nature of their business many of their people work away from home, so to balance this, Impact extend social event invitations to partners/families wherever possible. Employees organise all social events, with time for organising and attending daytime events, given during work hours. In so many words they can't tell you all about their Christmas Party, the Impact Kids Christmas Party, complete with a visit from their Santa/CEO!, weekly Friday lunches, Silver Screw award or the End of Financial Year lunch but they can tell you about their Family Fun Day and Quadrathlon, reflecting the fun and inclusiveness of their social events. Their summer event is scheduled in the school holidays and they close the office for the afternoon to maximise attendance. Activities include bouncy castle, traditional games, crafts, a homemade piñata, canoeing and speedboat rides. Their CEO cooks a BBQ lunch and Impact Aid, their internal fundraising team, hosted a Great Impact Bake Off to raise money for their chosen charities. Their Quadrathlon is a four-part triathlon, including a lake-swim, cross-country run, mountain bike and canoe course. The course was designed and marshalled by their staff within their own hotel grounds. The competition was not just about fastest times, but also about the best fancy-dress outfits. Whilst there are small cash prizes the ultimate goal is personal glory!
IGD provides a freshly prepared two course lunch which is fully subsidised. This is a great benefit to all staff and is a great opportunity to encourage healthy eating. During the year different campaigns have been run highlighting the value of low salt diets, 5 a day and diets low in saturated fats. These activities are run in conjunction with careful menu planning demonstrating different food choices. During saturated fat awareness week all colleagues were offered the opportunity to have their blood pressure checked.
IGD have several charity days throughout the year which they support e.g. Children in Need, Red Nose, Eve Appeal, Macmillan Appeal, Jeans for Genes, Alzheimer's Society. Money is raised through dress down days, cake sales and raffles and IGD will match the sum collected on the day. To date in 2013 they have raised over £2,000.
IGD have several charity days throughout the year which they support e.g. Children in Need, Red Nose, Eve Appeal, Macmillan Appeal, Jeans for Genes, Alzheimer's Society. Money is raised through dress down days, cake sales and raffles and IGD will match the sum collected on the day. To date in 2013 they have raised over £2,000.
Hospice Isle of Man views learning and development as a vital part of its service provision. A life – limiting illness affects the body, the mind, the spirit, the social wellbeing, the family, and the care team. They strive to improve the skills, knowledge and attitudes of staff in all of these areas through the commitment to the theory of lifelong learning for all and work to continuously improve the quality of the services they provide. As well as providing courses internally for their staff and volunteers, they aspire to fulfil palliative care learning needs of those working in other health care settings. All staff have appraisals and this is an opportunity for them to identify training needs. Nursing staff have been supported to undertake degree qualification so that they have same qualification as new graduate nurses. This gives them the opportunity to apply for more senior positions when they arise. Everyone is actively encouraged to attend training in-house and elsewhere, they run communication skills courses, workshops related to palliative care and feedback sessions from international conferences as well as bespoke management training and mindfulness courses. This year staff have completed certificate in education, leadership and management courses, masters, counselling courses, advanced symptom management courses, palliative care conferences as well as fundraising and volunteering conferences in the UK.
Hospice Isle of Man views learning and development as a vital part of its service provision. A life – limiting illness affects the body, the mind, the spirit, the social wellbeing, the family, and the care team. They strive to improve the skills, knowledge and attitudes of staff in all of these areas through the commitment to the theory of lifelong learning for all and work to continuously improve the quality of the services they provide. As well as providing courses internally for their staff and volunteers, they aspire to fulfil palliative care learning needs of those working in other health care settings. All staff have appraisals and this is an opportunity for them to identify training needs. Nursing staff have been supported to undertake degree qualification so that they have same qualification as new graduate nurses. This gives them the opportunity to apply for more senior positions when they arise. Everyone is actively encouraged to attend training in-house and elsewhere, they run communication skills courses, workshops related to palliative care and feedback sessions from international conferences as well as bespoke management training and mindfulness courses. This year staff have completed certificate in education, leadership and management courses, masters, counselling courses, advanced symptom management courses, palliative care conferences as well as fundraising and volunteering conferences in the UK.
Offer training, organise regular updates, regular one to one meetings. Attend educational events and provide teaching. They also carry out appraisals. Debriefing sessions are offered. One to one counselling is available and access to complementary therapies. During Children's Hospice week managers work closely with clinical teams to ensure that communication and planning all events include everyone involved so that e.g. corporate supporters alreday working with fundraising are not approached seperately and that any advertising was conveying the Hospice message.
Managers are given simple to use performance setting template and guidelines to take their teams through. Each of the leadership team go through the business objectives at the start of the year to enable them to intergrate them into their planning for the year. Managers attend regular leadership away days to understand where the business is going and what is needed to get there. Each business area and region have their own deciaded HR teams that work with them through out the year to plan. Some departments have quartlerly people surveys to sense check where they are in terms of plans. With the help of the HR team managers are given guidelines and help to conduct team plans, including succession planning. The exec have set out their stall in terms of what they expect from their management team and have worked together to bring it to life.
Managers are given simple to use performance setting template and guidelines to take their teams through. Each of the leadership team go through the business objectives at the start of the year to enable them to intergrate them into their planning for the year. Managers attend regular leadership away days to understand where the business is going and what is needed to get there. Each business area and region have their own deciaded HR teams that work with them through out the year to plan. Some departments have quartlerly people surveys to sense check where they are in terms of plans. With the help of the HR team managers are given guidelines and help to conduct team plans, including succession planning. The exec have set out their stall in terms of what they expect from their management team and have worked together to bring it to life.
Wellbeing in Homebase is part of their core beliefs system, they place high value on the work the wellbeing team do to ensure the golden thread of wellbeing continues through the business. Their dedicated wellbeing and support leadership group, focus on developing new and existing programmes to engage their colleagues, including free flu injections in the contact centre this winter. They also have working parties for charitable giving, volunteering and talent and skills in the community, as Homebase have recognised that involvement in activities across these three other areas has a significant impact on the wider wellbeing of colleagues, in addition to the practical financial and physical package of benefits they provide. Their approach therefore is to promote and communicate opportunities for colleagues to get involved in one or more of these areas. This kind of involvement helps colleagues develop personally, gives them a feeling of pride about working for Homebase. It also improves team morale and generally helps to create a better sense of wellbeing in the workplace and in their personal lives. The biggest goal is to recruit 30,000 Dementia Friends from across the business who will benefit from an awareness raising session to develop a better understanding of people with dementia, as part of their partnership with the Alzheimer's Society. Homebase know many of their colleagues have family members with Dementia and want as many of their colleagues to be able to support each other, but it will also be a valuable and transferable skill for their families futures.
Hifx provide incentive linked pay schemes to all employees regardless of job function. Management and support services staff are eligible for a quarterly bonus that is a % of their annual basic salary.Each employee is linked to the performance of the company (or their dept) financial results (top line and/or bottom line) as well as key customer metrics such as NPS (net promoter score - driving customer excellence). Employees are paid against a blend of company metrics dependant on their role. For some involved in IT/technology and payment processing this will be STP (straight-through processing) element of bonus pay (for driving automation and efficient payment services). They then pay some functions (e.g. sales, marketing and management) on customer conversions. Some of the senior management are paid against staff survey results (e.g. senior directors and HR director and HR team). They then pay an element of people's bonus pay linked to personal / team performance (e.g. progress against actions). By having a universal framework for how they pay bonuses, they ensure that everyone from board level to the post-room is aligned to the same objectives and focused on customer service excellence. In addition to bonus/incentive pay, they also recognise star performers (or those people that go beyond the call of duty) and regularly organise fun activities such as go-karting, nights out, trips to special places (e.g. Maclaren racing Head office). Hifx also provide high performers with awards known at HiFX as "ITNs" (interesting to note) with recognition awards given for exceptional behaviour.
The CEO at Hifx 'walks the floor' every day and takes time to speak to staff and understand how they are getting on within their roles and what challenges they may currently be facing. The CEO, personally leads each staff communciation presentation and takes sigificant time to prepare for these presentations. Their CEO presents in an open/honest manner that is not sugar coated in 'management speak'. He allows people to ask questions without fear and takes time to answer all questions raised, Ensuring any questions not answered in the meeting are answered ASAP after presentations.
The CEO at Hifx 'walks the floor' every day and takes time to speak to staff and understand how they are getting on within their roles and what challenges they may currently be facing. The CEO, personally leads each staff communciation presentation and takes sigificant time to prepare for these presentations. Their CEO presents in an open/honest manner that is not sugar coated in 'management speak'. He allows people to ask questions without fear and takes time to answer all questions raised, Ensuring any questions not answered in the meeting are answered ASAP after presentations.
Harrier LLC have over the past 2 years delivered a 95% reduction in landfill waste and whilst this has increased employment through the management of the project it has also saved the business over 100k and has been recognised in a recent national award by DS Smith .
Harrier created a voucher system for outstanding achievements; this includes the "Employee of the month awards" and is delivered with all staff in attendance on a monthly basis; this not only includes the EOM but any other voucher awards made for special one off acheivements. This is then presented on the notice boards, intranet and newsletter.
Harrier created a voucher system for outstanding achievements; this includes the "Employee of the month awards" and is delivered with all staff in attendance on a monthly basis; this not only includes the EOM but any other voucher awards made for special one off acheivements. This is then presented on the notice boards, intranet and newsletter.
Managers set clear, specific and tailored objectives for employees at yearly appraisal sessions, designed to measure and assess developmental progress. Outside of formal appraisal meetings, managers continue to monitor employee progress through regular meetings and informal catch ups. This allows managers and employees to work together closely throughout the year to further tailor objectives if required, and to set new objectives if progress allows. In line with this structure, praise and recognition are given when an employee excels in order to motivate and show appreciation for their efforts and dedication in his/her role. This can range from wider visible recognition (e.g. personal mention at company meeting) to more personal commendation (e.g. in smaller department team meeting).
Hall & Partners invests in a variety of team building events throughout the year and quarterly company meetings for all. One of the most established events held each year is “Imagine Day”, a unique interactive forum for cross-company collaboration and the generation of new ideas to continue building our company strategy. Imagine Day provides a chance for everyone at Hall & Partners, no matter what their level or aspect of the business, to contribute their individual perspective. It represents the start of their planning process for each new year, helping them to identify otheir goals and priorities based on the hands-on experiences of their employees. This provides a strong focus as well as energy for developing initiatives which will support the continued success of Hall & Partners business and company culture. This year (2013), the purpose of Imagine Day was to leverage their digital expertise and encourage smarter digital thinking and behaviour across the company. The main goals of the day included: Enabling all employees to make a tangible contribution to how they develop their business around their digital offer, Working together to identify where they are now with the current scope of digital tools and behaviours, and where they want to be Prioritising their actions by plotting a road map to success By encouraging open exploration and debate both within and across teams, Imagine Day allows for the entire company to be fully immersed in the shaping and development of Hall & Partners' company vision.
Managers set clear, specific and tailored objectives for employees at yearly appraisal sessions, designed to measure and assess developmental progress. Outside of formal appraisal meetings, managers continue to monitor employee progress through regular meetings and informal catch ups. This allows managers and employees to work together closely throughout the year to further tailor objectives if required, and to set new objectives if progress allows. In line with this structure, praise and recognition are given when an employee excels in order to motivate and show appreciation for their efforts and dedication in his/her role. This can range from wider visible recognition (e.g. personal mention at company meeting) to more personal commendation (e.g. in smaller department team meeting).
The Green Room's most recent team building event took place at their last Vision Day. It involved splitting the teams in cross-functional groups and setting them a task which incorporated elements of each of their roles whilst encapsulating creativity (the focus of our business) at it's core. The aim of the session was: *Embed some of the key themes shared in the morning sessions * Encourage team members to 'think freely' and come up with initiatives that could positively impact the business * bring the teams closer together * enhance individuals' understanding of one another's roles in the business and how to work with one another's strengths to maximise results across the board * develop some competitive spirit in a fun way * Encourage teams to look at issues and opportunties for the business and come up with new solutions & initiatives The event was a complete success in terms of bringing the teams closer together and enhancing understanding and overall working relationships.
The Green Room's most recent team building event took place at their last Vision Day. It involved splitting the teams in cross-functional groups and setting them a task which incorporated elements of each of their roles whilst encapsulating creativity (the focus of our business) at it's core. The aim of the session was: *Embed some of the key themes shared in the morning sessions * Encourage team members to 'think freely' and come up with initiatives that could positively impact the business * bring the teams closer together * enhance individuals' understanding of one another's roles in the business and how to work with one another's strengths to maximise results across the board * develop some competitive spirit in a fun way * Encourage teams to look at issues and opportunties for the business and come up with new solutions & initiatives The event was a complete success in terms of bringing the teams closer together and enhancing understanding and overall working relationships.
The Green Room's most recent team building event took place at their last Vision Day. It involved splitting the teams in cross-functional groups and setting them a task which incorporated elements of each of their roles whilst encapsulating creativity (the focus of our business) at it's core. The aim of the session was: *Embed some of the key themes shared in the morning sessions * Encourage team members to 'think freely' and come up with initiatives that could positively impact the business * bring the teams closer together * enhance individuals' understanding of one another's roles in the business and how to work with one another's strengths to maximise results across the board * develop some competitive spirit in a fun way * Encourage teams to look at issues and opportunties for the business and come up with new solutions & initiatives The event was a complete success in terms of bringing the teams closer together and enhancing understanding and overall working relationships.
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