Low Cost Vans, based in Swansea, is planning to allow its longest-serving members of staff the sabbatical to say thank you. Employees will be eligible to take the leave after 10 years of service.
HR manager for Low Cost Vans (LCV) Lorraine Kitchin told HR magazine that she hopes it will help the organisation retain some of its most experienced staff members.
“We wouldn’t be here without them," she explained. “We want them to feel valued."
She added that sales staff will continue to receive bonuses and commission even during their time off to ensure they don't "lose out".
When asked if allowing the most experienced members of a team to be away for so long would cause disruption, Kitchin was optimistic.
“You never know what can happen to anyone at any one time,” she said. “We have to be prepared for any eventuality. As a company we have multi-trained all of our staff. Because we do not have a high turnover, all staff know that their time will come to be rewarded the sabbatical leave.”
LCV also offers many benefits usually only seen in much larger companies. As well as the sabbatical, staff are offered additional qualifications, days out with van suppliers, and tickets to see Swansea City football team.
“We give our staff a uniform so they feel valued,” Kitchin added. “There’s not many employers who actually want to reward their staff. It’s very much a clock in, clock out and you’re done. Our managing director wants to give back what the staff have given him in any way he can.”
Kitchin advised other small businesses to consider LCV’s approach. “If you don't want a high turnover reward the staff you already have," she said. “You are nothing without your employees and they are taking your business forward."
Low Cost Vans started in 1997 with two employees, and now has 40 members of staff.
