About Kohler Mira Ltd

Each member of the Executive lives up the values of the business, specifically as leading examples of the four core competencies: Build Trust, Drive Continuous Improvement, Set High Standards of Performance and Focus on the End Customer. One such way is through quarterly cross-site Speed Mentoring, where associates have bite-size mentoring sessions with multiple Executive members. All Executive members take part in ‘back to the floor’ sessions, where they spend time in a different department learning about how that department works, as well as building relationships with associates across the different sites. Examples include an Executive member spending a day on the road with a Field Service Engineer and building shower products on the manufacturing lines. Liz ensures that she is present and visible within the business. From the simple walk around the business to her open door policy, all of this demonstrates her commitment to her associates and hearing their feedback. For those who aren’t based on-site or would prefer not to speak face-to-face, Liz has a designated email address, which associates can use to communicate directly with her. Liz caters for those associates who prefer more informal one-on-one time with “Lunch with Liz” sessions, as this acts as a chance to speak about anything, from a business idea to a personal development question.

At Kohler, each associate is given a paid volunteer day which they can use either as an individual or a team. Previous examples include the Marketing department spending the day at the National Star College redecorating a Sports Hall and the Operations Team helping at the Butterfly Garden. Every year, Kohler associates nominate a charity to support and the business doubles any funds raised. Throughout 2016 many sponsored events have taken place, including a head shave, sponsored walks and a Skydive. As a final fundraising engagement activity for the year, a 4-week long fundraising interdepartmental competition is held in aid of Stand up to Cancer. This provides a great opportunity to increase internal engagement as well as the profile of individual departments, with events including a charity golf day, star prize raffle and a sponsored cycle challenge. 

Kohler’s recognition scheme is based on three areas. The first is a peer-to-peer recognition scheme, which allows the company’s associates to reward colleagues based on them going above and beyond their daily remit. The awards, or ‘Bravos’, are based on Kohler’s key competencies: Build Trust, Drive Continuous Improvement, Set High Standards of Performance and Focus on the End Customer. The recipient of the Bravo receives a letter from the MD, including the personal recommendation, a framed certificate and gift vouchers. The second is the company’s Management Recognition Programme. This encourages Managers to recognise associates in line with their personal preferences. Finally, Kohler’s Long Service scheme recognises those who have been within the business for over five years, with increased levels of recognition the longer the employee has been with the business. As part of this scheme, Kohler celebrates associates with over 21 years of service in the 21 club. This recognises both current and ex-employees through a range of activities and events throughout the year. The 21 club has monthly meetings and an annual get together for all members, another reflection of how Kohler recognises its associates.