Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Global*
Good Company
to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Globally*
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As an essential service, the plumber's merchant Williams & Co was able to keep its branches open during the pandemic with PPE, screens and hand sanitiser swiftly introduced to keep staff and customers safe. About half the workforce was placed on furlough and office-based employees were set up with all the equipment they needed to work comfortably from home.
The trade-only supplier of plumbing and heating materials began in 1972 and now has 39 branches, predominantly across the south of England, with larger regional bases in Manchester, Milton Keynes and Bristol.
The business hopes to be Britain's leading independent merchant serving self-employed outfits which employ up to five staff. Its pledge to its workforce is to put people before profits and to treat staff members fairly, pay them well and provide support when needed – as well as all the training and resources they need to do a fantastic job.
In a time of uncertainty during the Covid-19 crisis, Williams & Co found a Best Companies pulse survey was an ideal tool to give staff a voice and the feedback helped to guide the firm to set priorities. Managers and supervisors kept their heads and central support staff provided inspiring role models during a challenging year.
My manager shares important knowledge and information with me
Good communication was crucial to help employees provide a great service over the past year in such uncertain times. One manager undertook to write regular updates for an employee who had no access to email while on furlough.
I am happy with the balance between my work and home life
Williams & Co altered its sick pay scheme so even staff members who had used up their allocated days would be paid in full for two weeks if they had to self-isolate after exposure to the Covid-19 virus. “We did not want colleagues to have to choose between following the guidance and paying the rent,” the company said.
My organisation encourages charitable activities
Branches have continued to raise money for local causes of their choice through donation boxes for a cup of coffee over the past year. Close to their communities, each branch knew just where the money was most needed in their area.
My manager shares important knowledge and information with me
Good communication was crucial to help employees provide a great service over the past year in such uncertain times. One manager undertook to write regular updates for an employee who had no access to email while on furlough.
I am happy with the balance between my work and home life
Williams & Co altered its sick pay scheme so even staff members who had used up their allocated days would be paid in full for two weeks if they had to self-isolate after exposure to the Covid-19 virus. “We did not want colleagues to have to choose between following the guidance and paying the rent,” the company said.
My organisation encourages charitable activities
Branches have continued to raise money for local causes of their choice through donation boxes for a cup of coffee over the past year. Close to their communities, each branch knew just where the money was most needed in their area.
Companies offering private health insurance to all employees.
Ray Stafford, Managing Director - Williams & Co.
If you like what you see and are interested in exploring any opportunities, please visit the organisation's careers page for more information.
