It’s an obvious thing to say but, the success of any organisation depends upon how well the workforce performs. A great place to work is usually associated with great goods or services and that is at the heart of true employee engagement. This goes beyond money - and the law. Decent wages, supportive terms and conditions of service, a healthy environment and fair reward systems are only right and proper. In addition the degree, to which employees are positively encouraged, recognised for their efforts and have the knowledge that the work they do matters, is key to engagement and fundamental to performance.
This is not ‘pink and fluffy’, but the sort of clear, refreshing good business sense that has been demonstrated by many of the highest performing organisations. Wales is rich in such organisations particularly if you consider the Sunday Times annual ‘Best Company to Work For’. Iceland Foods came first as the UK’s Best Big Company to work for in 2012, while Admiral Insurance came 6th in the Top 100 List with Credit Safe Business Solutions a new entry at 94. Wales and West Housing Association came 8th in the Top 100 Not for Profit Organisations list.
Taking our lead from the wider UK initiative Engaging for Success, started by David McLeod and Nita Clarke in 2011, the aim is to build a community of practice for Wales and help spread the message for employers and employees in every sector.
The material we have listed is a mixture of organisations; research, how to guides, case studies, papers and seminar outputs on employee engagement, which we think you will find useful.
Please get in touch if you want to share anything, require further information, want to attend any of the events we publicise or plan an event of your own.
Many Thanks,
Mary Hughes – olwenm.hughes@gmail.com
Chris Bolton – Wales Audit Office chris.bolton@wao.gov.uk