In a year of hardships, many businesses have enjoyed the tangible benefits of giving, which usually offers a feeling of satisfaction and a sense of community at work. Company culture is a vital part of the heart and soul of a business, employees feel the benefits of a positive work environment and this too encourages more enthusiasm and productivity within the workforce.
High street favourite Timpsons launched a brand gesture in 2015 that caught the attention of many. The company offered to help the unemployed by introducing a brilliant new scheme that offers a free dry-cleaning service to help people look and feel their best for job interviews.
“Some people can’t afford to look smart. We want to help those people. It doesn’t matter if they’re being interviewed by us or somewhere else, it’s about helping people get back on their feet.”
This simple and worthwhile gesture is a key example of how positive company culture can generate significant positive brand sentiment and increase job satisfaction. Timpsons innovative people strategy prides itself on putting employees first, unsurprisingly Timpsons rank in the top 10 of the Sunday Times Top 100 best companies to work for.
“Our whole business is based on a culture of trust and kindness.”
Timpsons is one of the largest employers of ex-offenders in the UK, approximately 10% of the Timpson workforce is made up of people who have criminal convictions. Chief Executive James Timpson believes that offering an alternative to crime and allowing offenders to break away from the cycle can make a huge difference in society.
The scheme has become a huge success with other companies such as Greggs following in Timpson's footsteps and setting up training schemes for ex-offenders. “Prison employees are loyal, honest, and buy into our company culture because nobody else gives them a chance.” Ex-offenders are employed based on trust and valued on who they are throughout their employment.
A huge part of the Timpsons business’ success is down to the owner and CEO James Timpsons whose ethos is: “If you treat people well, it is blindingly obvious that they will do a good job.”
So how can businesses learn from Timpson’s approach?
Timpsons sets an important example to all businesses, that genuinely caring about your employees and building a company culture of trust and kindness results in happy and motivated employees. “A business with a strong and positive company culture will be consistent in treating colleagues and customers with honesty and respect and they, in turn, will be proud to be associated with the company values.” James Timpson, CEO, Timpsons.
Ensuring you have a positive company culture is vital to a productive and collaborative workplace, It’s a well-known fact people like to feel valued at work. By recognising employee achievements and rewarding performance, businesses can boost loyalty and make their workforces more retention-friendly.
A study from EachPerson found that when asked what would make them feel more valued in the workplace, 51% of employees said a simple thank you. Here at Each Person, we believe that rewards and recognition are key to happy and motivated employees.
Small gestures and perks at work can make a huge difference in the way people feel about themselves and their efforts. Businesses may introduce rewards such as E-cards for employees as a way to say thank you for your hard work.
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