Best Practice

Budelpack

Rhymney/Hirwaun

Greater employee involvement and improved communication makes a significant impact This contract-packaging plant, split over two sites and employing around 250 people was known locally as a "hire-and-fire" employer. Managers had little scope to make their own decisions and staff turnover was high. Under new ownership (European market leaders in this field), the company wanted to be recognised as a "more valued employer". Improved communication and greater employee involvement were key factors to change the culture and encourage positive change. An elected Works Council has been introduced which encourages active involvement in decision-making across the company.

A tailor-made job evaluation scheme developed with a cross section of employees has introduced a much fairer system of pay grading and upskilling of the workforce to address both business and individual needs is an open agenda.

Results

• Clear improvement in motivation and morale
• Able to recruit higher calibre people from a wider catchment area
• Absenteeism is down
• Improved communication between employees and management
• Temporary workers are included in all company policies
• A higher shared interest in performance information.