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How the Best Employers survey can help organisations to attract and retain talent

The culture of your workplace has a significant impact on your ability to attract and retain talented people, a key element to achieving business growth. It affects your employer brand and influences people’s perception of coming to work for you. It’s also crucial for staff retention, as employees will look to escape a toxic culture.

Furthermore, a good understanding of your culture will enable you to hire with cultural fit in mind, helping you to find those who will thrive in your organisation and prevent costly recruitment mistakes.

The Best Employers Eastern Region survey provides employers with a free, effective way to understand more about their organisation’s culture. It also identifies any potential development opportunities for creating a workplace which is attractive to both current employees and to up-and-coming talent. Here’s just some of the valuable insights you can expect to receive.

Clarity of vision

Are your employees aware of the aims and objectives of your organisation? A recent report found that only 42% of employees knew their organisation’s vision, mission and cultural values. If employees are working without any real understanding of these elements, it is likely people will be pulling in different directions and not working together towards a collective vision.

Motivation levels

The more motivated your employees are, the more likely they are to go the extra mile. However, it’s important to recognise what motivates people as individuals, rather than trying to second guess what would work for everyone. A culture and engagement survey can help employers gain the insights needed to assess this.

Organisational learning

New generations entering the workforce have created a shift in employee needs and motivations. Is your organisation successfully maintaining a culture which remains attractive to an evolving workforce? Are there any long-held misconceptions which need addressing? For example, is there a culture of long hours because people believe those who arrive early and stay late are seen to be the hardest workers?

Employee engagement

The importance of gaining an insight into your current levels of employee engagement, and identifying any areas of improvement, should never be underestimated. Evidence shows that businesses with an engaged workforce have 40 per cent less staff turnover. Engaged employees will also be stronger advocates and help protect against the reputational risks associated with poor service levels or product quality.

Communication

Is there an open and honest communication culture? Do senior managers trust employees and share information at the earliest opportunity? Providing transparent information and giving employees a voice are two key enablers of employee engagement. Effective internal communications are also essential in keeping staff engaged in the organisation’s developments.

Leadership style

Is your senior leadership team fostering a positive work environment or a negative one? A successful workplace culture needs to have a clear commitment from the top and should be led by example. Employers also need to make sure that managers are effectively equipped to provide ongoing performance management which will help each employee to thrive.

Team work

Does your organisation have a culture where people respect and support each other? In today’s multigenerational workforce it is becoming increasingly important to ensure each generational group respects each other’s unique talents. A successful culture will be based on employees sharing their knowledge across age groups and a sense of teamwork which spans the generations.

Innovation

Innovation is essential if you want to stay ahead of the curve in your industry. Do your employees believe they are able to contribute ideas? They could provide creative solutions for new ways of working which will improve customer satisfaction and increase income.

Learning and development

Do employees have a clear understanding of their career and progression path? Offering development opportunities is an important element of employee engagement. It motivates existing employees and helps employers to create an effective progression pipeline. It also promotes the organisation as a place where new recruits will be supported to reach their full potential.

Employee well being

Happy, healthy staff are more engaged and productive and employers benefit from reduced absenteeism. How do your employees view their work-life balance? Are any employee wellbeing programmes working effectively? A healthy culture relies on helping employees to strike the delicate balance between work and home life so they can effectively manage their careers, stay healthy and continue to feel engaged.

ONLY A FEW SPACES LEFT!

This short course by Bigfork is for people who have never set up an Adwords campaign before or who want a refresher. Most Adwords campaigns are not set up properly, which can cost your business time and money.

You will learn the basics required toset up and run an Adwords campaign effectively, includingsetting up an Adwords account, keyword research and management, linking to Google Analytics, how to write successful ads and more.

Where?Henderson Business Centre,51 Ivy Road, Norwich, NR5 8BF

How much? Only £99 + VAT

Contact 01603 513080 for any questions.

Bookhere

Aston Shaw has managed to retain the highly sought-after status of ‘Platinum Approved ACCA Employer’ for a further 6 years – the highest award possible.

Aston Shaw invests sizeable sums of money into the development and training of staff. The firm covers all training fees, as well as providing all the necessary resources staff in training might need. Furthermore, staff are given study days to ensure they have sufficient time to focus on their qualification alongside their day to day work.

The ACCA Approved Employer programme recognises employers’ high standards of staff training, accountancy resources and development for their ACCA members and trainees. In order to become an ACCA approved employer, a company must:

• Provide formal recognition that it is committed to providing learning and development opportunities to its finance staff.
• Provide an accessible global standard which enables organisations to compare their learning and development support against a global benchmark.
• Provide fast-track specific ACCA business processes.

Being an ACCA Approved Employer carries many benefits – it helps attract talented individuals to our firm and showcases our level of commitment to our existing members of staff.

We’re extremely proud to continue to hold this title – it is of great importance to us that we maintain this status, and so we will strive to continue to meet the requirements.

WellOPEN in Norwichmay just have the answer for you.

How about suggesting to your work colleaguesthat they come anddo a spot of informal networking followed by watching Euro 2016 England v Wales game at OPEN Norwich.

Networking from 12.30pm followed by watching hopefully a good game of football ona 7m HD screen.

Licensed bar & street food available too.

More informationhere

Today (Wednesday 1 June) marks the start of Volunteers’ Week, an annual celebration of the fantastic contribution made by the millions of UK volunteers who spend time supporting individuals, communities and the environment we live in.

One of the key aims of the week is to inspire more people to get involved. To help play our part we want to encourage more local organisations to consider introducing employee volunteering schemes. This is because there are also significant business benefits to be achieved, which go well beyond the obvious ‘feel-good’ factor. Here are five ways in which introducing employee volunteering opportunities, and providing paid time off to participate, can actually improve your bottom line.

Increased employee engagement

Providing the chance for your employees to give back to the community boosts employee engagement, and engaged employees are happier and more productive. It helps to create a rewarding and positive place to work and recent statistics from the not-for-profit organisation Employee Volunteering showed that 76 per cent of volunteers said that it had a positive influence on how they felt about their employer.

Stronger team work

Volunteering together helps people to build stronger relationships with their colleagues, which in turn boosts business performance. The survey by Employee Volunteering also showed that 97 per cent of volunteers believed participation had helped to develop a stronger team. We’ve also seen this first hand when a team of our ownemployees volunteered to help decorate the CHESS homeless shelterin Chelmsford. One of the key things they all said about the experience was how much fun they had all had working together.

Enhanced employee brand

Providing employee volunteering opportunities, and highlighting your organisation as a socially responsible business, will help to attract and retain up-and-coming talent. Research shows that the latest generations entering the workforce care more about company ethics and the opportunity to give back to their communities than ever before. Providing philanthropic opportunities is becoming a key factor in successfully attracting this socially conscious generation. A recent survey by Deloitte also showed that those aged 21 -35, who frequently participated in workplace volunteer activities, were nearly twice as likely to be very satisfied with the progression of their career.

Additional T&D opportunities

Volunteering opportunities can also help employees to develop new skills which they can bring back to the workplace. For example, managing a volunteering project is a great opportunity for employees to develop communication, leadership and project planning skills as well as improving confidence overall.

Improved CSR

Employee volunteering is also a great way for organisations to enhance their profile. Being seen as an organisation which invests in its local community will help to attract and retain customers and can help open doors to developing relationships with key stakeholders. It can also play a significant part in helping organisations to win prestigious awards. For example, when it comes to judging the Employer of the Year entries for the forthcomingEastern Daily Press Business Awards, one of the key things we will be looking for are organisations which have empowered their teams to make a difference for a charity or their local community.

Find out if your employees would be interested in volunteering opportunities

Still not sure if your employees would be interested in carrying out volunteer work? An employee engagement survey is an excellent way to explore staff opinions on new challenges, opportunities and community spirited activities. There’s still time to register for ourfree employee engagement surveywhich we provide to businesses in East Anglia as part of our Best Employers Eastern Region initiative. The confidential employee survey, which would normally cost in the region of £2,000, is available to local organisations of all sizes and sectors. All participating organisations will also automatically be entered into a series of awards to celebrate the region’s Best Employers.

The Norfolk Economic Intelligence Reportbrings together key business, economic and labour market intelligence to provide a regular insight into the current state of the Norfolk economy.

The report is produced on a quarterly basis by the Economic Development Team and reflects economic activity in the county from the previous financial quarter.

The current document covers January to March 2016.

JMS Group was recently approached by Premium World to produce a commercial for their football-themed board game, Super 11. We have a lot of experience in producing children’s TV commercials (Sequin Art, Rubie’s Fancy Dress, Rollers to name a few) so we came easily recommended by Guerillascope.

The game itself is a fun mixture of tactics, skill and luck. We were tasked to create a concept that would portray the quality of the product in an edgy, stylish manner, which would appeal to kids and adults alike. The client chose our concept ‘In The Zone’ as it subverts the viewers expectations – instead of the players emerging onto a football pitch they enter into a domestic setting, bringing the energy of a real-life match into a home environment.

The changing room set and tunnel were both built entirely in our studio. A combination of quick cuts, macro shots and an emphasised use of sound effects make for an ‘Edgar Wright’ (Spaced, Hot Fuzz, Shaun of the Dead) inspired intro to build the tension.

These commercials air on Friday 27th May on Discovery History, Cartoon Network, Disney XD and KIX.

We are looking for a small team of people willing and able to run a few park games for a group of people with disabilities, and their families and supporters attending a free picnic in Eaton Park on Sunday 12th June. This requires about 3-4 activities, delivered between 12noon and 2pm in a relaxed and fun way.

Ideal opportunity for some employee volunteering, or team building. Please contact James Kearns via james.kearns@buildcharity.co.uk with offers or for more information.

KLM UK Engineering is delighted to announce the signing of a long term partnership with Nilai University (Malaysia) for the provision of EASA Part 147 exams supported by KLM UK Engineering’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Software.

Under the agreement, KLM UK Engineering will support Nilai University’s successful Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology programmes by providing experienced examiners and VLE to allow the students to gain their EASA Part 66 B licence.

With over 150 students graduating each year, the programme is equipping the aviation industry with skilled, qualified and competent engineers for the next generation.

Prof.Dato’ Dr.Sothi Rachagan, Vice-Chancellor of Nilai University said: “Combining the exceptional learning environment of Nilai University with a world renowned MRO is a decision that will give our students an increased learning experience. This long term partnership will allow both Nilai University and KLM UK Engineering to train the next generation of aircraft engineers. The industry is expected to have a surge in demand for qualified and experienced personnel in the coming years.We are confident that the graduates of Nilai University’s aircraft maintenance programmes will have the knowledge, skills and attributes to be the backbone of the industry for many years to come.”

Whilst Wayne Easlea, Operations Director of KLM UK Engineering added: “The partnership with Nilai is a huge step forward in our aim to connect KLM UK Engineering’s VLE products to many young engineers in the UK and abroad. The industry needs many good engineers for the future to accommodate the growing worldwide fleet and to replace inevitable retirements. KLM UK Engineering wants to leverage its knowledge and experience and connect many more universities to its growing educational centre. This centre will be collocated as of early 2017 in the International Aviation Academy in Norwich”.

About Nilai

NilaiUniversity was established as NilaiCollege in 1997 and was upgraded to a university college in 2007 and a full-fledged university in 2012. The Malaysian Qualifications Agency rated NilaiUniversity as Excellent (Setara 5) in 2011 and has reaffirmed this in the latest rating exercise undertaken in 2013. The University offers a Diploma in Aircraft Maintenance and an Advanced Diploma in Aircraft Engineering Technology which incorporate the European Aviation Safety Agency* (EASA) syllabus, preparing students for the EASA Part 66 Category B1.1 and B2 licence examinations. The student can then sit for the EASA licence examinations at the same time that they pursue their diploma / advanced diploma course at NilaiUniversity, which is the first step in gaining a full EASA licence.

UK based operator SaxonAir Charter announces at EBACE Geneva the addition of another helicopter to their fleet through the signing of a brand new Leonardo-Finmeccanica AW109SP Grand New. The helicopter will be operated through SaxonAir’srotary divisionSaxonAir Helicopters. As well as the operation of a mixed fleet of aircraft from Mustangs to the Gulfstream G550, the company runs its own Helicopter department serving clients around Europe.

The helicopter will serve both the London and the wider UK marketand offered to all present and new clients for a faster, more convenient way to travel. The AW109SP Grand New is a top of the range light twin engine IFR helicopter designed using the latest technology, benefiting from high performance, latest safety enhancements and a large cabin with a low environmental footprint.

‘As a group we’re all very much looking forward to the addition of the brand new helicopter. We are very well known for being a quality fixed wing charter operator and aircraft management company so the purchasewill boost our presence and scope in the helicopter market.’ SaysMax Randall, Head of Sales and Operations, SaxonAir Helicopters.SaxonAir Helicopters will offer full packages along with our fixed wing charter department, interlining with aircraft arrivals and departures flying directly to their destination saving clients valuable time.

The fast growing company expects the aircraft to be used predominantly for both corporate and leisure missions, it can fly at night so a perfect alternative to travelling by car to events such as the races or music concerts. The luxurious cabin can comfortably fly up to 6 passengers and can transport clients at distances of over 350nm. John Parnell, Sales Director from Sloane Helicopters says ‘As the UK and Ireland Leonardo-Finmeccanica Distributor, we are delighted to have sold the AW109SP to SaxonAir with a comprehensive support package that also includes full maintenance coverage for years to come. We are sure that SaxonAir and its clients will appreciate the outstanding capabilities that has made this helicopter the benchmark for VIP and charter operations’.

The order was cemented at the Leonardo-Finmeccanica stand during EBACE Geneva and representatives from SaxonAir, Sloane Helicopters and Leonardo-Finmeccanica were all present at the signing.

We are delighted to be sponsoring the Employer of the Year category at the Eastern Daily Press (EDP) Business Awards 2016.

Having sponsored the EDP’s Best Employer award for the last three years, we were proud to be asked to sponsor the newly-named Employer of the Year award for 2016. We have always chosen to support the employer-focussed categories because this is the area we have the greatest affinity with. At Pure, we work to support local organisations in sourcing, developing and retaining top talent to help achieve organisational growth. We want to celebrate the companies which are achieving success by putting employees at the heart of the business.

The Employer of the Year award will recognise organisations that are demonstrating a clear vision of what attracts new employees and keeps existing teams motivated and engaged.

Lynn Walters, co-founder and Director of Pure, said: ” A business that grows their people inevitably will grow and develop their business, and the winning entry will have this mind-set at its heart. It will be a business with an evolving culture of improvement, open to feedback, and introducing new ideas and initiatives to grow the business and its people.”

As part of the judging panel, we will be looking for the employers who are engaging on an individual level with their teams to increase the effectiveness of their organisation.

The short-listed organisations will need to provide evidence of their employee engagement strategy including some of the following elements : personal development opportunities for staff; strong communication; innovative ways of recognising, rewarding and thanking staff; empowering its team to make a difference for a charity or their local community; flexible working and staff wellbeing; diversity and openness to feedback; and truly living their values.

We are encouraging local organisations to take the time to enter as there are numerousbusiness benefits to be achieved by entering awards. For additional inspiration take a look at why we believed Naked Wines, winners of the previous Best Employer category at last year’s awards, proved to be such aninspiring example of exceptional employee engagement.

Overall, the EDP Business Awards are a celebration of the dynamism and success of the Norfolk economy and we are proud to be a part of this event. To enter and put a spotlight on your organisation as one of those contributing to the county’s success, visit the awardswebsite. Entries need to be submitted by midnight on Sunday 31stJuly and the winners will be announced on Thursday 3 November at the Norfolk Showground.

Last Tuesday, 17th May 2016 we were delighted to welcome Lee and his team from Raw Talent Academy to our Norwich office, to host their audition and assessment day in order to expand our team here at Cooper Lomaz.

The process started with potential candidates applying through the custom Cooper Lomaz Microsite on Raw Talent’s website. There were 300 applicants and of those, after studying their CV’s and conducting a range of telephone and face to face screening interviews, 13 were invited to the audition day.

Lee McQueen from Raw Talent Academy says “It has been a joy to partner with Cooper Lomaz over the past 5 weeks. Our unique process requires clients to have faith and trust in us, in return we are able to deliver what we promise”

In the morning, candidates were challenged to 4 tasks both in teams and as individuals which spanned various subjects and activities such as sales, customer service and of course recruitment. These tasks allowed candidates to demonstrate their abilities to not only sell, but also demonstrate that they could build rapport and talk with confidence.

At the half way point, four candidates were sent home as Cooper Lomaz directors and Raw Talent didn’t think they would have been right for the company, whilst the nine remaining candidates prepared for the afternoon.

Cooper Lomaz Operations Director Mark Fletcher praised the process of how the audition day was formulated saying “At Cooper Lomaz we have always loved breaking new ground and finding innovative ways to improve the recruitment process. Raw Talent’s offering enabled us to make six hires in a single day while minimising the time away from their desk for our managers.”

After an intensive afternoon of panel interviews by Cooper Lomaz, being supported by Lee McQueen from Raw Talent Academy, six candidates were offered roles and all six accepted on the spot.

Both Cooper Lomaz and Raw Talent academy are incredibly happy with how the day went, and indeed the whole 5 week process and are looking forward to working together in the future.

Cooper LomazCommercial Director Simon Brown said of the day “‘We are extremely pleased with the success of our first Raw Talent event for Cooper Lomaz. The organisation and coordination of the event has been excellent. The quality of candidates who applied has been an outstanding quality and we are ecstatic to have made 6 great hires.”

Many thanks to Lee and his team for coming to host an audition day here at Cooper Lomaz – We are looking forward to welcoming our new members of staff when they start in the near future and are looking forward to welcoming Raw Talent Academy back to Cooper Lomaz for another successful day.