You could be missing out on talented people

Companies often miss out on talented people because they don’t cater for those who may not be able to simply work 9-5.  In 2002, we introduced the opportunity for all employees to request flexible working.  It has been successful in attracting people from a variety of backgrounds, with different skills.

We employ more than 700 people, aged 16-74, in Nottingham and in the last year more have stayed with us than ever before.

Employee health is also a key area you should think about.  We focus on wellness and not sickness absence.  Two years ago, we began an initiative called “Wellness Wednesday” which promotes healthy eating, cholesterol and general health awareness.  It has included events such as a pedometer challenge -- competitions to see which team can take the most steps -- and a challenge using Nintendo Wii Sports to identify who could reduce their Wii age the most over three months.

Other events such as “stress down” and “food in moderation” aimed to raise awareness of healthy living.

Another way to encourage sales staff to strive to achieve higher targets is to offer incentives through fun and topical activities.

Previous incentives have been themed around the World Cup and The Apprentice.  For example, during the World Cup if an agent managed to beat his or her target by 10 per cent, then they would score a goal. The incentive was formatted in the same way as the World Cup, where sales teams were drawn against others.  The winning team received vouchers for a night out, food or shopping.

This is a fun way to keep driving sales, gives something back to the staff and to encourage team work and motivation.

Tracy Burrell, HR manager, Domestic & General, Nottingham; tracy.burrell@domesticandgeneral.com