About Updata Infrastructure UK Ltd

This year Updata Infrastructure introduced the Employee Assistance programme which offers a helpline where employees can speak to an experienced counsellor, legal representative or qualified nurse 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. This provides around the clock advice and counselling on matters such as, emotional issues, bereavement, relationships, health concerns, healthy living advice, alcohol/quit smoking advice, debt/money matters and landlord/tenant disputes. Employees also receive access to the Worklife Solutions website where you can gain access to help on a number of topics including: relationships, family, home, bereavement, finances, sickness, disability, retirement, change, workplace conflict, working as an expatriate, work-life balance, stress, nutrition, smoking, drinking, ill health, physical health and healthy heart. The Healthy Living website includes an online health coach, Heath Matters E-Zine and information on an extensive range of health related topics. Employees can set personal fitness goals and track their progress online. Finally, employees can take an online assessment, generating their own ‘Q’ score, understanding the impact that their lifestyle is having on their health. There is also an area for line managers providing management tools and advice. In addition to this, the company have launched an income protection scheme, the policy will provide 65% of base salary until the age of 65 should an employee become medically incapable of performing their duties. This takes the stress and worry out of any long term sickness situations for the employee.

In December 2012 , Updata Infrastructure restructured their ground floor to incorporate a larger and improved staff room area. During planning, they took this as the perfect opportunity to ask the employees their opinion as to what they would like to be provided within the new area. They conducted an online survey in August 2012 asking for their opinions regarding the new facilities and the environment. They had a high response rate to this survey. In August, HR conducted a follow up survey with four employees who were TUPE’d into the company in March. The results were very pleasing and comments very positive; this survey was optional and all employees chose to take part. They have TUPE'd further staff this year and plan to repeat the survey for new transfers. The company periodically hosts off site management days. These are attended by the board, senior management and line managers. There is a specific slot provided for on the agenda for raising problems they wish to bring to the attention of senior management. Openness and honestly is encouraged with a heavy focus on providing solutions and moving forward. These sessions have been very successful to date.

At Updata Infrastructure, their employees are appraised annually. Bonuses and pay rises directly relate to performance throughout the past year. They value each employee’s individual contribution and aspire to reward on individual efforts and achievements, showing recognition and appreciation. At Christmas, a flat rate bonus is issued to all employees. The company works hard to provide a comprehensive benefits package. The company also likes to abide by the principle of ‘work hard, play hard’ and they budget for periodic team nights and two company parties a year funded by the company to show their appreciation. In January for their 10th anniversary, the whole company and their partners attended an overnight spa retreat including dinner and dance. This year, they launched their first photography competition with 12 finalists seeing their photos printed in a 2014 calendar and a star prize of an iPad mini! In the quarterly managing director’s newsletter they recognise and thank individuals and teams who have gone the extra mile. Individual teams also have their own methods of rewarding performance with trophies and voucher rewards. Nominations are made by both managers and team members. The final item comes without a price tag, they encourage all line managers to reward staff with a simple ‘Thank You’ when they perform well or go above and beyond their duties. It’s a simple way to provide an immediate reward and recognition and in their opinion, just good manners!