Happy Named as One of Top UK Employers for Working Families
Happy Ltd, the training provider that includes Happy Computers, was today named as one of the top 20 employers in the UK for working families. This follows on from Happy being named as the best workplace in IT services and the best company in the UK for health and well-being, both in the last week. Happy joins a list that includes Accenture, BT, Ford, Lloyds TSB and the Nationwide Building Society.
Happy Ltd, the training provider that includes Happy Computers, was today named as one of the top 20 employers in the UK for working families. This follows on from Happy being named as the best workplace in IT services and the best company in the UK for health and well-being, both in the last week. Happy joins a list that includes Accenture, BT, Ford, Lloyds TSB and the Nationwide Building Society.
"These are employers who have a track record of being family-friendly," explained the organisation Working Families. "Together they have helped to change the way we think about and organise the way we work. Family friendly working isn’t just about flexible working. It includes other elements like childcare, employee support and wellbeing too."
"Being flexible to the needs of your people makes business sense", explained Managing Director Cathy Busani, who pioneered flexible working practices at Happy. "People work best when they feel motivated and valued and the payback in increased loyalty more than outweighs the cost of flexibility."
Happy is one of three small businesses that joins a list of some of the most well known companies in the UK. "There has often been a misconception that family-friendly working isn’t something that SMEs do", continued Working Families. "In truth, this sector has been in the vanguard of change, and we have chosen three smaller organisations whose stories illustrate the creativity and flexibility which make employment in this sector so attractive to working families."
"We do seek to provide a good environment for working parents", continues Cathy. "But flexible working should not stop there and it can lead to resentment if its only those with children who get the benefit. At Happy we have never refused a request for flexible working. It doesn't matter whether its to look after your child, to do a course or even to spend more time with your cat. We believe what gives our people a better life, is good for them and good for us."
One example was a member of Happy's staff was regularly turning up tired, or not turning up at all, on a Monday because their favourite club was on a Sunday night. On the verge of disciplinary action, the company decided instead on a more creative response. It was agreed that the individual, a valued member of staff, would work their hours over Tuesday to Friday and take Monday off. "It was a win-win result", explains Cathy. "We got a loyal and highly motivated member of staff back, working to his potential. And he got the balance he wanted."
Full details of the list are at: http://www.topemployersforworkingfamilies.org.uk/
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