Image Border - Irish Business and employers confederation

7
Case Studies (Medium)
7.1 Botanic Inns (NI)
7.1.1 Background
Botanic Inns is in the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland
and employs between 100 to 150 staff. In recent years, it set
about putting in place a childcare strategy to retain many of
its skilled and valued employees that were starting to take on
caring responsibilities. As a result of its childcare strategy, it
was awarded The Boss on Board Award in 2005.
7.1.2 Measures
The following measures are operated:
- Recognition of births (bouquets for parents, personalised
babygros etc)
- Enhanced paternity and maternity leave
- Maternity packs
- Flexible work arrangements (part-time, term-time, career
breaks, phased return etc)
- Annual family fun day (all employees, extended families
and friends invited to fun day and proceeds donated to
charity)
- Father's Day event
- Free family photo (for Botanic Inn parents and babies)
- Childcare Vouchers to assist working parents with the cost
of childcare
7.1.3 Benefits to Employer
There is increased staff commitment and loyalty as
indicated by the rankings in The Sunday Times Best
Companies (68th) and Financial Times Great Workplaces
(35th) in 2005. Staff short-term absenteeism has reduced
to 1.9% and Botanic Inns has improved its reputation
as an employer of choice which gives rise to attracting
a more varied workforce.
7.1.4 Benefits to Employee
There is no feeling of guilt as managers are
understanding and accommodating of certain
circumstances. Staff feel part of a family and
valued. Staff are in receipt of financial assistance
towards childcare costs.
7.2 Listawood Ltd (UK)
7.2.1 Background
Listawood is a family business with 137 employees producing
promotional magnets, mouse mats and WoW-Mugs. Familyfriendly
culture is an integral part of the Listawood business
as the company operates an open culture and value staff lives
outside work as well as looking after their customers.
In 2001, Listawood was voted UK Medium Employer of the
Year. Listawood's commercial success was also recognised by
the UK business gift trade association (PROMOTA) which gave
it the Supplier of the Year Award.
7.2.2 Measures
Flexible working is at the core of the company's philosophy to
ensure mutual respect and to encourage staff to learn and
develop.
Staggered hours, compressed working weeks, job share,
annualised hours and term-time working are all in operation
in Listawood. Approximately three quarters of the staff's
working patterns are different to the norm. Many choose to
work part-time and one-third of the managers are equipped
with laptops so they can work from home.
Maternity pay is £100 per week for 26 weeks, and there is no
problem taking additional unpaid leave. Staff are encouraged
to return when they feel comfortable.
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