Shepherds Friendly

We’re a mutual society providing financial security to members unable to work due to sickness or injury.

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Shepherds Friendly Society applies its policy of being clear and fair to its workforce as well as its 100,000 members, in the belief that having happy customers starts with happy staff.

The business, based in Cheadle, was founded in 1826 to provide financial security to members unable to work because of injury or illness. Today it offers straightforward savings and insurance products for adults and children.

Shepherds Friendly has always had a close-knit team and senior leaders were determined not to let that change when the pandemic started. A social committee and channel were set up to keep employees engaged through regular activities such as a Friday social. Daily activities included virtual lunch clubs, which helped to combat loneliness for staff living alone.

Senior leaders joined virtual team meetings to hear how things were going. They sent surprise parcels containing treats and little thank yous to staff. Everyone was sent a box of goodies to enjoy during an online afternoon tea with the board.

Despite lockdown, the friendly society continued its fundraising for the Seashell Trust, a local charity that provides education and care for young people with complex special education needs.

At the 2020 staff conference, Shepherds' management asked for ideas that would improve the business and the lives of staff. One suggestion led to the creation of the Everyday Star recognition scheme, which takes place quarterly and offers gift vouchers as prizes. Staff vote on nominations in four categories: exceptional colleague, creative and innovative colleague, member-focused colleague and most entertaining colleague.

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Shepherds Friendly

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Wellbeing

94% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

A group was set up for parents during the pandemic so they could share ideas on home-schooling and keeping their youngsters entertained. Letters and sweets were sent to the children, thanking them for supporting their parents while they worked from home.

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Fair Deal

79% of staff agreed

I feel I receive fair pay for the responsibilities I have in my job

The mutual's employee rewards include performance-related bonuses and pay rises, extra holiday on birthdays and instant recognition awards. Sometimes staff do something that deserves an immediate response, so managers are able to offer on-the-spot rewards such as chocolates and gift vouchers.

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Giving Something Back

96% of staff agreed

This organisation has a strong social conscience

Shepherds is working on making the business kinder to the environment. Initiatives include ordering fruit from a company that promises to plant a tree for every basket purchased. The number of letters sent out last year was 14,000 fewer than in 2019, thanks to digitised communications.

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Wellbeing

94% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

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Wellbeing

Best Practice

Fair Deal

79% of staff agreed

I feel I receive fair pay for the responsibilities I have in my job

See and search more examples of

Fair Deal

Best Practice

Wellbeing

94% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

See and search more examples of

Wellbeing

Best Practice

Organisation established in

1826

Total number of UK employees

Number of UK locations

Employee average age

50% : 50%

Male : Female employee ratio

47%

Employees earning £35k+

Employee turnover (voluntary)

Featured Quote

We’re absolutely thrilled that the positive and supportive working culture we have created at Shepherds Friendly, alongside all the hard work we do to make sure staff are happy, is recognised by our team. Our engagement strategy has focused on ensuring that our staff are motivated and feel valued which leads to exceptional customer service. So, we are committed to ensuring that our team members are engaged and fulfilled in their careers. Of course, this remained a priority when working remotely due to COVID-19. The result has been an engaged, close-knit and passionate workforce and, ultimately, satisfied customers. This 3-star accreditation means so much to all of us, especially given everything that has been going on in the world over the past 12 months. It has already inspired us to start thinking about what else we can achieve."

Nasrin Hossain, Culture Director - Shepherds Friendly Society

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