THE BOOTs STORY began in 1849, when Jesse Boot took over a small pharmacy in the heart of Nottingham. Today there are 2,926 Boots branches and, in spite of its size, the company is still an employer of choice, having retained 31% of its 64,258 staff for 10 years or more. How has Boots maintained engagement? Staff feel there is clear potential for growth, as illustrated by Alex Gourley, the chief executive, who started out as a Saturday assistant. Branch managers bring the best out of their individual teams and fair, individually-tailored remuneration is part of the equation. According to our survey, employees give Boots a 70% positive score for the experience they gain at work being valuable in the future. They feel colleagues are fun to work with (79%) and believe managers talk openly and honestly with them (75%). Most staff work on a part-time basis and about 64% earn less than £15,000. Nevertheless, all of them can take advantage of a range of benefits, including occupational health and employee programmes, life assurance and staff discounts. Store workers who deliver exceptional service can also influence their year-end bonus, with top performers doubling the average amount received. Toolkits guide colleagues through a 12-18-month journey where they can engage in debate, deepen their commitment to work and hold each other accountable. Every quarter, further kits are sent out with guides, exercises and materials for team-development days. Workers agree that colleagues care about each other (74%) and go out of their way to help one another (76%). In addition to two formal reviews a year, managers have frequent one-to-ones with their staff and can reward them with a scratchcard that offers a range of prizes, from a free coffee to £50 worth of Boots Advantage points. Staff feel that managers take an active interest in their wellbeing (70%) and regularly express their appreciation (72%). Boots offers staff almost every training method available and development is accessible to all thanks to an online facility, iCan. People agree their jobs are good for personal growth (73%).
