Category Archives: Employee Experience

Employee Engagement, Employee Experience, Events, News, Swansea

Amazon in Swansea throws annual summer bash

Teammates from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Swansea partied at Brangwyn Hall at this year’s mid-year thank you from Amazon for their work delivering for customers around the UK.

A climbing wall, inflatables and games formed part of the celebrations that saw Amazon employees join with their families and friends to see out the summer season.

Angela Pitis works at Amazon in Swansea and attended the summer party. She said: “Our events are even more special when we can bring our loved ones along. I had a great time in the sunshine, enjoying the many treats my teammates had so thoughtfully organised. I’m looking forward to next year’s party already!”

Dan Boulger, Site Leader at Amazon in Swansea added: “Come August, school is out and spirits are high at Amazon in Swansea. Our annual summer party gives us an opportunity to stop and celebrate our accomplishments together, while having some fun with our families and friends. It’s a real treat and a lovely day.”

Business, Business News, Employee Engagement, Employee Experience

Kontroltek Champions Growth and Unity Through Employee Ownership

Kontroltek, a leader and trusted partner in industrial electronic and mechanical repairs, has announced the successful creation of an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), transferring majority ownership of the company to its employees. 

 

This transformative step, facilitated by GS Verde Group, marks a new era of shared success and sustainable growth for the company.

 

Andrew Follant, Managing Director of Kontroltek, said: “Since starting Kontroltek, it has always been my vision to find a way to share the success of the business with all my employees and this was a perfect way to do that.

 

“The EOT will promote long-term and sustainable growth for the group. As beneficiaries of an Employee Ownership Trust, all our eligible employees are now even more personally invested in our success, ensuring exceptional service and satisfaction for all our customers and driving a culture of engagement and collaboration.”

 

Kontroltek provides comprehensive industrial electronic and mechanical repair, supply and maintenance solutions to industry across the UK, specialising in the repair and supply of industrial automation components. With a commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction, Kontroltek has established itself as a trusted partner in engineering reliability.

Appointments, Employee Experience, HR, HR News, News

de Novo Solutions Announces Tom Mann as new Chief Experience Officer (CXO)

LANGSTONE, South Wales — 14 August 2024 — de Novo Solutions, the multi-award-winning Welsh technology company, specialising in delivering personalised data-driven digital experiences across Finance, Procurement, HR, and Payroll functions using Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow, is delighted to announce the promotion of Tom Mann to the role of Chief Experience Officer (CXO).

Tom Mann, who joined de Novo Solutions as Senior Vice President of Client Services in December 2023, has been instrumental in enhancing client satisfaction and driving operational excellence, making an immediate impact on the organisation as it scales. With over three decades of experience in enterprise software and programme management, including his previous roles as Delivery Director at Guidewire Software and Vice President of Client Services at Certus Solutions, Tom has a proven track record in global business transformation and client service excellence.

Tom’s new role as Chief Experience Officer and Board Advisor will significantly enhance the value and impact of de Novo Solutions’ services, both internally and for its clients as the organisation continues to scale. His responsibilities will include:

  • Elevating Client Experience – Refining and expanding de Novo’s Value as a Service™ (VaaS™) offering to ensure it continues to set industry standards for excellence. With board-level oversight of the core customer experience functions, Tom will drive innovations that make every client interaction more intuitive, effective, and satisfying, reinforcing de Novo Solutions’ reputation as a leader in digital transformation
  • Strengthening Global Strategy – Expanding the company’s overseas capabilities, particularly in India to allow the company to scale at pace and meet client demand as it brings more skilled capability online, thereby enhancing global service delivery and client satisfaction
  • Driving Business Impact – Maturing performance metrics such as NPS (Net Promoter Score), CSAT (Customer Satisfaction), and employee engagement, linking experience improvements to tangible business outcomes, aligning client satisfaction with revenue and profitability growth, and demonstrating the direct impact of superior customer and employee experiences on overall business success

Tom’s appointment represents a transformative shift for de Novo Solutions, signifying a strengthened commitment to not only delivering cutting-edge technology solutions but also enhancing the overall client experience. With Tom’s strategic vision, clients can expect an elevated level of service that is both responsive and proactive, driving greater satisfaction and value.

Tom Mann, new Chief Experience Officer of de Novo Solutions, said: “I am thrilled to step into the role of Chief Experience Officer and continue to build on the great work we’ve done so far. My focus will be on ensuring that our VaaS™ offering continues to exceed client expectations and that our India subsidiary thrives as a key player in our global strategy. It’s an exciting opportunity to further elevate our client experience and deliver tangible impactful results, driving home our mantra of delivery excellence.”

Mark Sweeny, Founder and Chief Executive of de Novo Solutions, commented: “Tom’s promotion to Chief Experience Officer is a testament to his exceptional leadership and vision. His extensive experience and strategic insight, which we have seen firsthand since his appointment as Senior Vice President of Client Services, will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and expand our offerings globally. With Tom on board, our clients can expect an even higher standard of service and a more dynamic approach to meeting their evolving needs.”

Headquartered in Langstone, South Wales, de Novo Solutions is at the forefront of digital transformation innovation in the experience economy, having successfully developed and introduced a range of new solutions to the market since its official launch in 2021, including its industry cloud solutions, ‘Odyssea™’ and its next generation managed services offering, ‘Value as a Service™ [VaaS™]’ for Oracle Cloud and ServiceNow applications.

For more information, visit: https://www.de-novo-solutions.com

Disability at work, Diversity & Inclusion, Employee Experience

RIDI gathers disability confident recruiters at Pioneers Event as RIDI Awards open

Leaders in disability inclusion are gathering to hear from inspirational RIDI Award-winners and speakers from organisations leading the way in disability confident recruitment at DWF Law, today (Tuesday 9 July).

The RIDI Pioneers Event organised by the Recruitment Industry Disability Initiative (RIDI) welcomes those individuals and organisations recognised by RIDI as leaders in delivering disability confidence, as well as those interested in learning about the RIDI network.

The event features speakers from charity Whizz Kidz, RIDI’s gold partner Amazon, and award-winners Marsham Court Hotel as well as the Clear Company, followed by a RIDI Executive Board Q&A, and networking opportunities with the RIDI Pioneers Community.

RIDI Chair and Government Disability Access Ambassador for the Recruitment Sector Kate Headley says:

“There is a recruitment revolution taking place, with RIDI leading the way in increasing disability confidence in the workplace. We’re delighted to be hosting another face-to-face get-together for the RIDI Pioneer Community, as we know our members get so much from sharing their progress and disability confidence journeys in such a supportive environment.”

Tamsin McCarthy Diversity & Inclusion Manager at DWF Law, hosts of the event, says:

“The insight shared by Whizz Kidz, the RIDI Award-winners and the RIDI Pioneers is so inspirational. Sharing best practice is crucial for improving diversity and inclusion in the workplace as it helps organisations learn from the experiences of others, provides different viewpoints, and can help to save time and resources. 

“RIDI is leading the way in encouraging organisations to invest in and improve their disability confidence. DWF is proud to support events like this where organisations come together to showcase and celebrate their innovative work in the knowledge that sharing best practice will ultimately benefit us all by creating greater diversity in the wider workforce.”

Launch of the RIDI Awards 2024

The event also celebrates the launch of the RIDI Awards 2024, and the call for nominations.

Nominations will remain open until Monday 30 September, with the winners announced at the awards ceremony on 5 December.

RIDI’s new Chair of Judges Maria Grazia Zedda says: 

“Each year the achievements of the RIDI Award winners not only celebrate inclusivity, but also reaffirm the power of embracing diversity within the workforce. I’m looking forward to seeing just what can be achieved by organisations of all sizes when they commit to creating more inclusive workplaces for disabled talent, and us all.”

 

The awards are free to enter. To find out more about how to submit your nominations visit: https://ridi.org.uk/ridi-awards/

Follow @RIDI_org #RIDIPioneers #RIDIawards #InclusionRevolution

Employee Experience, Employee Motivation

Emotional bonds drive workplace engagement, yet only 42% get the nod of recognition from the C-suite

Survey highlights line managers and peers as the ‘unsung heroes’ of employee recognition

Boostworks, a leading provider of employee reward and recognition, benefits delivery and wellbeing solutions’, has today launched the findings of its latest research-based whitepaper: “The Heart of Workplace Engagement”. Importantly, the paper revealed that 70% of employees highlight the importance of recognition, but less than half (42%) report receiving regular recognition from their CEOs.

Flagging the importance of the pivotal role of emotional bonds in fostering an engaged and productive workforce, the research – carried out across 3,000 HR professionals, C-suite leaders, and employees across UK businesses – is a deep dive into the role of employer recognition. It emphasises the particular importance of line managers and peers and how they’re the ‘unsung heroes’ for recognising employee achievements and progress.  Receiving recognition from managers was cited as pivotal, impacting morale and engagement for 51% of employees.

“In today’s dynamic workplace environment cultivating a thriving culture must extend beyond mere words,” said Andy Caldicott, CEO at Boostworks. “It requires embedding emotional connections and personalised recognition into the daily experiences of employees.

“Our research shows a significant discrepancy between employee needs for recognition and what is actually given, underscoring a substantial gap in leadership practices where the emotional and professional needs of employees are not being fully met.

Key findings and recommendations:

Emotional connections matter:

  • 70% of employees emphasised the importance of emotional connections, highlighting empathy as a critical part of the recognition process.
  • Unfortunately, less than half (42%) of employees reported receiving regular recognition from their CEOs.
  • 81% of HR professionals resonated with the need for emotional bonds, emphasising direct manager feedback and peer recognition.
  • 76% of C-suite leaders acknowledged challenges aligning these practices with business goals due to traditional compensation strategies.

Mind the gap:

  • Nearly 70% of employees and 81% of HR professionals believed in the importance of emotional connections at work.
  • However, only 42% of employees felt acknowledged by their CEOs.
  • Receiving recognition from managers was cited as pivotal, impacting morale and engagement for 51% of employees.
  • Peer-to-peer recognition also held significant value – (55%) acknowledge work milestones and 59% acknowledge their personal milestones.
  • Yet, half of the employees surveyed (50%) agree that senior managers receive more recognition than those at a lower level.

Unsung heroes: Line managers and peers:

  • 51% of employees believed direct recognition from managers positively impacted their morale and engagement.
  • 53% agreed that their line managers regularly acknowledged work milestones, while 51% acknowledged personal milestones.
  • Colleagues also play a role in recognition, with 55% acknowledging work milestones and 59% acknowledging personal milestones.
  • Managers need adequate support; 48% of employees believed they should regularly share information about available rewards and benefits.

Communication and transparency:

  • While 76% of C-suite executives perceived communication as open, only 51% of employees shared the same view.
  • A significant portion of employees (25%) desired more frequent updates on rewards and recognition. Meanwhile, 40% of HR professionals and 39% of C-suite executives agreed on communicating about rewards every 2-3 months, though 38% believed it should be monthly or more often.

“The narrative here is clear – the journey towards a thriving workplace culture is a collective endeavour, demanding a strategic approach to harmonise recognition practices with the holistic aspirations of all employees,” concludes Caldicott.

“Businesses must prioritise emotional connections and recognise the unsung heroes – line managers and peers. By fostering a culture of recognition and setting the tone for better, more transparent communications, organisations can enhance engagement, satisfaction, and all importantly, retention.”

Business, Employee Experience, Training

New appointments at IT firm Mintivo will strengthen internal operation and culture – and boost bid for B Corp status

TWO key appointments at Wiltshire IT services and solutions company Mintivo will help it maintain its six years of growth, says Managing Director Alex Jukes.

Operations Director Mark Adams’ move into the role of People and Culture Director, with Service Director Jason Lovell taking on the Operations Director role, comes as the company celebrates winning a major contract with the MoD.

Mr Adams, who has been with the company since its formation, said his new role is geared towards building on Mintivo’s reputation as an attractive place to work. His other priority will be steering the company, which has 30 staff, to B Corp certification.

He said: “Our priority is to focus on our people because taking care of our staff ensures they take care of us. Ultimately, a satisfied workforce delivers outstanding customer service. We need to align their career paths with both our growth and their personal development.

“Through our Mintivo Academy we fund training and exam fees, give staff time away from their day job to train and support them through that journey. Quite a few the technical staff have left their job and come to us with the training and development being one of the factors that swayed them.”

As part of the B Corp accreditation the company is focusing on its corporate social responsibility, including introducing paid staff volunteering days, and strengthening its relationship with Wiltshire Air Ambulance, which is its chosen charity and is also now a customer.

“Everyone who’s ever walked through the door here knows that Mark is very passionate about people and development,” said Mr Jukes. “What we’ve realised is that it’s a key asset for us as a business and it’s very difficult to find people like Mark who has such a focus on it.

“He’s always been incredibly committed to fostering a positive culture around the organisation and has always been a good sounding board.”

Mr Lovell will oversee the day to day running of the business and is being tasked with a review of the company’s internal processes. He said his experience of managing service operations in large corporate firms will help ensure the company’s operation keeps pace with its growth.

“I want to continue to develop the way we work so that it aligns with the expectations of more enterprise-sized customers, including entities like defence and the public sector,” he said. “I want to see our various departments collaborate and support each other, working together to achieve our goals.

“As part of that I will be building a senior leadership team to report into me operationally – service, projects, technical operations – we want a cohesive team that is able to work closely together and lean on one other.”

Mr Jukes said: “Jason has shown incredible leadership capabilities in our service delivery and technical functions and moving him into this role will give him more of a holistic view of all the other areas of the business.

“We’ve invested heavily into our systems development for ticket management and monitoring, automation and things of that nature so he’s going to be monitoring that investment and identifying other areas of efficiencies.”

Mr Lovell said the two-year contract with MoD Corsham is a game-changed for the company. “It’s a really exciting opportunity for us and also for the staff we have working on it. It’s a hell of a thing to have on your CV,” he said.

“It’s a massive game-changer for us and it’s fantastic to be able to grow in that sector. It means we’re doing all the right things at Mintivo. This area of the MoD is hard to get into but now our name’s in there and as we become known as a defence supplier, we will get that name recognition and experience.”

Find out more about the company’s services at mintivo.co.uk.

 

Pictured: Mintivo’s new People and Culture Director Mark Adams, left, with Managing Director Alex Jukes and new Operations Director Jason Lovell

Employee Engagement, Employee Experience, HR, HR News, News, Wellbeing at Work

Laughter and play create a workplace culture of success at Showtown Blackpool

Laugh Think Play announces groundbreaking partnership with iconic museum to reflect the visitor experience in the staff experience 

The old saying goes that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ and in the case of Showtown Blackpool it is putting its money where its mouth is by being the first workplace in the UK officially committed to making work fun.

Today it announces a first of its kind year-long partnership with specialist consultancy Laugh Think Play, where the two will work closely to create a culture of long-lasting staff happiness, making it as fun and joyful a place to work as it is to visit.

This is Laugh Think Play’s first corporate partnership as it reveals news of its official launch alongside this key client win. Laugh Think Play is a new cultural and mindset consultancy which places laughter and play front and centre of business culture transformation with the aim of enabling businesses to help their people to not only feel better but ultimately perform better.

According to a recent study by the University of Essex, people who prioritise achievement over enjoyment were overall less happy at work and it is in fact more important to focus on happiness over reducing stress and anxiety. This builds on previous research from Saiid Business School and research by the University of Warwick that shows employee happiness can create a 12% uplift in productivity.

Laugh Think Play equips businesses with tools, methods and group support, enabling them to build resilient leaders, teams and individuals via cultural transformation programmes, Play Days and Play Partnerships. It also supports entrepreneurs and individuals keen to become better and happier in business through membership to Business Circles, Masterminds and Club membership. Its unique methodology is underpinned by human behavioural science and human evolution programming research developed by Gini Ekstein Holden, the inventor of the Bag for Life.

Launched last month, Showtown is a celebration of Blackpool’s history as the ultimate seaside capital of entertainment. Visitors are invited to discover the stories of the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who made Blackpool the home of show business. As well as the staff that make things happen behind the scenes; comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters literally bring the showbiz visitor experience to life.

 

Em Stroud, one of the cofounders of Laugh Think Play who delivered the initial programme of work for Showtown says:

“Prior to opening, we were invited by Showtown to design a cultural programme that reflected their values and create the culture that they wanted to instil in every staff member – old and new. Showtown was launching a museum based around show and fun, but the reality behind that is an awful lot of hard work. It was really important to them that their people were looked after in a way that hasn’t really been seen in the sector before. We wanted to challenge the way that museums traditionally operate and reflect the visitor experience in the staff experience. 

“Showtown had been in the making as the Blackpool Museum Trust since 2015, with members of staff working to raise funds and curate the collection and then the new members of staff who were employed once the new museum was ready. So we had a situation where there had been people being part of the project for eleven years and new members of staff who had been there for two or three weeks.  

“Using the Laugh Think play methodology as the starting point, we worked together to build a culture of inclusivity and fun from day one. This included supporting their cast of actors, characters and performers and bringing together the entire museum team for a full ‘day of play’ in which we played games, examined our values in an open forum and what they meant to staff. This was about giving people a chance to come together and get to know each other through the wonder of play. By the end of it, you couldn’t tell the difference between who had been there for a week and who had been there for a decade.” 

 

Elizabeth Moss, Chief Executive of Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, says

“Engaging with Laugh Think Play was enthralling from the start – we were looking for a team who simply “got us” and all that  we were trying to do in developing our people for the launch of Showtown – the museum of fun and entertainment. From auditioning, to script development inspired by our Showtown historic storybook, to Cast rehearsals – the Laugh Think Play team were spot on. The piece de resistance was our whole company Playday a week ahead of our grand opening – Em Stroud was incredible and brought the entire team together  – old and new – with creativity, wisdom and brilliance.”

Moving forward, Showtown will be investing in their staff’s personal and professional development  by giving them the opportunity to come together and check in at quarterly play days and monthly ‘feel better’ circles facilitated by Laugh Think Play. 

 

Em Stroud continues:

“The ongoing work enables all of Showtown’s people from their very diverse backgrounds to have access to continuous personal and professional development. The play days will focus on communication and relationships, ensuring that internal challenges can get resolved with kindness. It is also an opportunity for everyone to once more tap into their own sense of wonder and fun. The monthly ‘feel better’ circles create a space for Showtown’s people to take a breath and come back to themselves – kind of like a gym for the mind. It is an hour a month of care and compassion for everyone who works in the business, giving them a boost. When people feel better, they perform better at work.  

For more information go to: www.laughthinkplay.com.

Employee Engagement, Employee Experience, HR, HR News, News, Wellbeing at Work

Laughter and play create a workplace culture of success at Showtown Blackpool

Laugh Think Play announces groundbreaking partnership with iconic museum to reflect the visitor experience in the staff experience 

The old saying goes that ‘all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ and in the case of Showtown Blackpool it is putting its money where its mouth is by being the first workplace in the UK officially committed to making work fun.

Today it announces a first of its kind year-long partnership with specialist consultancy Laugh Think Play, where the two will work closely to create a culture of long-lasting staff happiness, making it as fun and joyful a place to work as it is to visit.

This is Laugh Think Play’s first corporate partnership as it reveals news of its official launch alongside this key client win. Laugh Think Play is a new cultural and mindset consultancy which places laughter and play front and centre of business culture transformation with the aim of enabling businesses to help their people to not only feel better but ultimately perform better.

According to a recent study by the University of Essex, people who prioritise achievement over enjoyment were overall less happy at work and it is in fact more important to focus on happiness over reducing stress and anxiety. This builds on previous research from Saiid Business School and research by the University of Warwick that shows employee happiness can create a 12% uplift in productivity.

Laugh Think Play equips businesses with tools, methods and group support, enabling them to build resilient leaders, teams and individuals via cultural transformation programmes, Play Days and Play Partnerships. It also supports entrepreneurs and individuals keen to become better and happier in business through membership to Business Circles, Masterminds and Club membership. Its unique methodology is underpinned by human behavioural science and human evolution programming research developed by Gini Ekstein Holden, the inventor of the Bag for Life.

Launched last month, Showtown is a celebration of Blackpool’s history as the ultimate seaside capital of entertainment. Visitors are invited to discover the stories of the comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters who made Blackpool the home of show business. As well as the staff that make things happen behind the scenes; comedians, dancers, acrobats and characters literally bring the showbiz visitor experience to life.

 

Em Stroud, one of the cofounders of Laugh Think Play who delivered the initial programme of work for Showtown says:

“Prior to opening, we were invited by Showtown to design a cultural programme that reflected their values and create the culture that they wanted to instil in every staff member – old and new. Showtown was launching a museum based around show and fun, but the reality behind that is an awful lot of hard work. It was really important to them that their people were looked after in a way that hasn’t really been seen in the sector before. We wanted to challenge the way that museums traditionally operate and reflect the visitor experience in the staff experience. 

“Showtown had been in the making as the Blackpool Museum Trust since 2015, with members of staff working to raise funds and curate the collection and then the new members of staff who were employed once the new museum was ready. So we had a situation where there had been people being part of the project for eleven years and new members of staff who had been there for two or three weeks.  

“Using the Laugh Think play methodology as the starting point, we worked together to build a culture of inclusivity and fun from day one. This included supporting their cast of actors, characters and performers and bringing together the entire museum team for a full ‘day of play’ in which we played games, examined our values in an open forum and what they meant to staff. This was about giving people a chance to come together and get to know each other through the wonder of play. By the end of it, you couldn’t tell the difference between who had been there for a week and who had been there for a decade.” 

 

Elizabeth Moss, Chief Executive of Blackpool Heritage and Museum Trust, says

“Engaging with Laugh Think Play was enthralling from the start – we were looking for a team who simply “got us” and all that  we were trying to do in developing our people for the launch of Showtown – the museum of fun and entertainment. From auditioning, to script development inspired by our Showtown historic storybook, to Cast rehearsals – the Laugh Think Play team were spot on. The piece de resistance was our whole company Playday a week ahead of our grand opening – Em Stroud was incredible and brought the entire team together  – old and new – with creativity, wisdom and brilliance.”

Moving forward, Showtown will be investing in their staff’s personal and professional development  by giving them the opportunity to come together and check in at quarterly play days and monthly ‘feel better’ circles facilitated by Laugh Think Play. 

 

Em Stroud continues:

“The ongoing work enables all of Showtown’s people from their very diverse backgrounds to have access to continuous personal and professional development. The play days will focus on communication and relationships, ensuring that internal challenges can get resolved with kindness. It is also an opportunity for everyone to once more tap into their own sense of wonder and fun. The monthly ‘feel better’ circles create a space for Showtown’s people to take a breath and come back to themselves – kind of like a gym for the mind. It is an hour a month of care and compassion for everyone who works in the business, giving them a boost. When people feel better, they perform better at work.  

For more information go to: www.laughthinkplay.com.

Employee Experience, Interiors

Unveiling the Ideal Office Desk for Your Workspace: A Thorough Guide

Selecting the right office desk for your workspace involves several key considerations. This guide delves into the factors influencing your choice of an office desk, tips for choosing the right desk, and strategies for space optimization. We’ll also compare home office desks with commercial desks, and discuss the most effective desk shapes.

Key Factors in Desk Selection

The journey to finding the perfect office desk begins with understanding the multitude of factors at play. The right desk is crucial for both comfort and productivity. Key considerations include:

1. Office Size and Layout: Measure your office to find a desk that fits well. Smaller offices benefit from space-efficient desks, while larger offices offer more flexibility in desk size and style.

2. Office Design For collaborative spaces, choose a desk that complements the overall office environment, fostering a cohesive and productive atmosphere.

3. Work Needs: Consider your work habits. Need lots of storage? Opt for a desk with built-in solutions. Using multiple tech devices? Ensure the desk accommodates your tech setup.

4. Ergonomics Comfort is key. A desk that promotes good posture and has ample legroom is essential for long-term comfort and productivity.

5. Aesthetics Your desk should reflect your personal style and enhance the visual appeal of your office.

The Perfect Desk: More Than Size and Layout

When choosing your ideal desk, consider not just the size and layout, but also ergonomic needs and personal preferences.

1. Desk Height Adjustable desks are ideal for finding a comfortable position. The right height ensures comfortable arm and wrist angles.

2. Material and Design Whether it’s a classic wood or a modern glass and metal design, consider durability and maintenance alongside style preferences.

3. Functionality Does the desk meet your storage and equipment needs? Features like a keyboard tray or cable management can enhance workspace organization.

Space Optimization: Choosing the Right Desk Type

Maximizing space is crucial, whether in a small home office or a larger commercial space.

1. Corner Desks Ideal for making use of underutilised corners, they offer a stylish and space-efficient solution.

2. Wall-Mounted Desks Perfect for small or multifunctional spaces, these desks can be folded away to free up room.

3. Desks with Built-in Storage Keep your workspace organized and clutter-free with integrated storage solutions.

Efficient Desk Shapes

The shape of your desk can greatly influence your productivity.

1. Rectangular Desks Versatile and spacious, suitable for various tasks.
2. L-Shaped Desks Offer increased workspace and separate areas for different activities.
3. Round or Oval Desks Ideal for collaboration and open communication.

Home Office vs. Commercial Desk: Understanding the Difference

Home office desks prioritize aesthetics and are often designed to blend into home décor, while commercial desks focus on durability, functionality, and may have industry-specific features.

In summary, the perfect office desk is one that not only fits your space but also meets your work requirements, ergonomic needs, and personal style. Whether for a home office or a commercial space, your desk is a central element of your daily work life, so it’s worth investing in one that truly suits your needs.

Business, Education, Employee Experience

Education firm IMP Software awarded Great Place To Work Certification for ‘Outstanding Employee Experience’

IMP Software has been awarded Great Place To Work Certification, which recognises employers who create an outstanding employee experience.

As the global authority on workplace culture, Great Place to Work makes it easy for organisations to survey employees, uncover actionable insights, and be recognised for their company culture. Certification is a two-step process that includes surveying employees and completing a short questionnaire about the workplace.

IMP’s Great Place to Work certified company status was announced earlier this month.

In IMP Software’s company profile, Great Place To Work wrote how IMP was founded in 2019 by two former colleagues who had “a vision to transform financial management within education by ensuring that Multi-Academy Trusts were able to take a controlled, yet agile approach to budgeting, forecasting and reporting”.

It explained how the founding team, Will Jordan and Dave Hall, set out a “simple but ambitious plan to provide the best software on the market whilst also offering the best support in the sector.” The profile added: “Sticking to these basic principles has worked, and IMP Software are now market leaders, supporting over 3,500 schools with a specialist team of 60 people”.

On its website, Great Place To Work said that “certification proves you’ve created an amazing employee experience, allows you to distinguish your brand in a competitive recruitment market, and elevates your status as an employer of choice”.

Will said: “The quality of our products and services directly correlates with the quality people that we are able to attract and retain. This is a core belief at IMP Software, it has been a deliberate focus from day one, and we have set a high bar in that regard. We want our colleagues to feel welcome, respected, trusted, empowered and safe – and on a human level for IMP to be a nice place to work. We now have over 60 incredibly bright, fantastic and dedicated legends in the team who give it their all, so our part of the bargain is ensuring that we are, and continue to be, a great place to work. It is really pleasing to have our efforts formally recognised by an external quality kitemark.”

IMP Software is based in Exeter and Peterborough but operates as a virtual team nationwide, working with more than 350 MATs, including 54% of large trusts. It celebrates its fifth anniversary in February 2024.