As Corby’s largest employer, the impact was felt hard – some 300 job losses and a freeze on salaries and bonuses for those employees remaining. While business picked up later in the year, morale and motivation were low.
So RS Components embarked on a strategy to win back hearts and minds in both the workplace and the local community. The vision was to: re-engage in the community and deliver business benefits, including increasing staff motivation, work performance and engagement; encourage innovation; increase the company’s positive reputation and present the company as employer of choice within key communities.
A comprehensive CSR strategy was put in place, including working with the local education authorities and schools in developing life skills, career path, presentation and entrepreneurship, as well as encouraging STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and assisting in under-financed areas. Employees also fundraise for personal causes and the company is involved in environmental projects.
The strategy has senior-level buy-in, with CSR champions and group HR director Ian Watson and head of UK HR Chris Preston-Jones leading by example. The judges liked the wide range of activity within the strategy and the joined-up approach. The strategy is aligned to the business and links back to HR.
Engagement levels among employees involved in the Young Enterprise scheme were high, with 100% saying they felt proud to work for RS Components and 64% strongly agreeing, and 83% saying they felt more motivated since joining the scheme (above the company average). Nearly three-quarters of CSR initiatives come from staff suggestions and these enable non-managers to take leadership roles and foster collaboration between departments.
The reputation benefit is also clear: 73% of employees felt their involvement had improved their perception of the company and 100% of head teachers involved in the Young Enterprise scheme said their awareness of the company and its role in the community had increased. The judging panel also praised the fact that there was a clear future strategy to align CSR further with the business priorities by integrating it formally into the business strategy, including measuring and rewarding individuals.
Highly Commended Johnson Controls Automotive (UK)
Automotive seating, door and instrument panel manufacturer Johnson Controls Automotive (UK) runs its Blue Sky initiative to fulfil its vision of creating a more comfortable, safe and sustainable world by connecting employees with local communities and organisations. The primary goals are to promote leadership development and environmental stewardship through employee volunteerism and contributions to local organisations and schools.
A global volunteer programme, launched in 2006, has grown from 150 projects to 650 and the aim is for 1,000. The number of employees involved has risen dramatically, from 5,000 to 14,500. Last year, there was a 17% average leap in employees rating the company’s CSR efforts. Judges particularly liked the fact this was a strategic priority and embedded in Johnson Controls’ ‘Ten Year Marker’, designed to highlight the priorities for future success.
Finalists
DHL Supply Chain
VocaLink
