Putting Our People First
Overview
At Glendining Signs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible, moral and caring employer, always compliant with UK employment law and best practices, including the Equality Act 2010. We take great pride in our corporate social responsibility.
Over recent years, we have made numerous reasonable adjustments to better support our employees' changing needs, discovering significant business benefits and fostering a people-first culture. We have introduced a comprehensive benefits package, including an employee rewards program, a telephone advice and counselling helpline, and access to an online GP. Additionally, we offer training in inclusivity, diversity, discrimination, mental health awareness and first aid.
In February 2023, we furthered our commitment to diversity and inclusivity by joining the government's Disability Confident scheme, becoming a Disability Confident Committed employer, which aligns perfectly with our goal of creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace.
Challenges and Initiatives
When a key member of our team became partially sighted, they faced substantial challenges in continuing their work. This employee shared their concerns about continuing to work effectively and safely, especially regarding reading small text on screens and navigating the building. Together, we discussed these concerns and made the necessary adjustments to their work environment.
We provided large monitors and invested in training to support them in using the screen reader functions in their software. Knowing that their colleagues were willing to assist when needed was also reassuring. Simple, tailored steps to accommodate their needs significantly improved their working conditions.
Additionally, when commuting became problematic, we agreed on a hybrid working pattern, allowing them to work from home three days a week. We provided the same large monitors for their home setup, which eliminated the stress of daily travel, especially during winter and while recovering from a knee injury.
Positive Outcomes
“Being able to work from home three days a week has eliminated much of the requirement to travel, which I was finding hard, particularly when having a knee injury at the same time. The daily commute by public transport was really getting me down, particularly walking back and forth to the bus stop. This was made harder during the winter as it was also dark, making it harder to see and hindering my walking further. I am much happier with the hybrid working pattern.”
Our employee expressed their satisfaction with the support received, acknowledging the associated costs but emphasising the positive impact on their well-being. This successful adaptation highlights our commitment to retaining valued team members by accommodating their evolving needs.
Future Goals
Over the years, we have supported multiple employees with a straightforward and empathetic approach. This includes signposting support organisations, providing quiet spaces for wellbeing breaks, and making practical adjustments to job roles to accommodate physical health issues.
As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we ensure our job advertisements are accessible and offer interviews to any disabled candidate meeting the minimum criteria. This commitment opens opportunities for disabled applicants and encourages valuable interview experience for candidates.
Conclusion
At Glendining Signs, we support our employees throughout their employment cycle, from recruitment to career development. We are committed to making all reasonable adjustments to provide equal opportunities in an inclusive and welcoming business environment. This approach not only adds value to our company but also aligns with our moral commitment to responsible business practices.
Looking forward, we believe that fostering a friendly, welcoming, and supportive culture will drive our continued success and growth. By putting people first, we nurture a happy workforce better prepared to meet our customer's needs, ensuring our reputation as a responsible and reliable business partner remains strong.