As we celebrate Employee Ownership Day this week, it provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on the positive changes we’ve implemented as an employee-owned company. At SSQ, we believe that our greatest asset is our people, and we are committed to creating an environment where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered.
Listening to our Employee Forum
Our transition to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) has been a journey, and we have made it a priority to listen to the valuable feedback from our new Employee Forum. These insights have been instrumental in shaping the initiatives that enhance our workplace and culture and key steps we have undertaken to improve employee well-being and satisfaction, including:
- Office upgrades: We have transformed our offices in London, Paris, Munich and Dubai to create more comfortable and inspiring workspaces. These enhancements are designed to foster collaboration, creativity and a sense of belonging among our team members.
- Global mobility: The launch of our New York office is not just an expansion, but an opportunity for our employees to experience new cultures and professional challenges. Providing mobility opportunities helps our team grow and develop in diverse environments, ultimately benefitting our global operations.
- Charitable contributions: Our commitment to giving back has increased, with £100,000 donated to charitable causes since 2022. This initiative reflects our dedication to making a positive impact in our communities and supporting causes that matter to our employees.
- Incentives & rewards: We have introduced more sales incentives and rewards to recognise and celebrate the hard work of our team. These rewards are designed to motivate and acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our employees.
- EOT bonuses: We are proud to have paid EOT bonuses to all eligible employees each year since becoming an EOT. These bonuses are a testament to our commitment to sharing the company’s success with those who drive it.
- Flexible working: We have regularly reviewed our hybrid working policy, incorporating employee feedback to ensure it meets the needs of our team. Our flexible approach supports a healthy work-life balance and adapts to the evolving needs of our workforce.
Enhancing employee infrastructure
We understand that a supportive infrastructure is crucial for employee satisfaction and productivity. We have made a number of improvements to strengthen our technology infrastructure offering since becoming an EOT, including:
- People management tool: We have introduced a new web-based people management tool to simplify administration of holidays and sickness absences, enhancing efficiency and allowing employees to manage their time more effectively.
- Employee benefits portal: A new web-based employee benefits portal is soon to be launched that will provide easy access to a variety of benefits, with plans to introduce an additional range of options later in 2024. This portal helps support the overall well-being of our team.
- Tech upgrades: We’ve implemented policies to ensure tech is replaced quickly, preventing frustration with outdated equipment. Access to the latest technology ensures our employees can work efficiently and stay ahead in a competitive market.
- CRM system: We listened to employee feedback, introducing a user-friendly new CRM to replace our previous offering that was not meeting the team’s expectations. This new system streamlines processes and enhances our ability to serve clients and candidates effectively.
Looking ahead
As an employee-owned company, we are dedicated to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive. The improvements we’ve made reflect our commitment to our employees’ well-being and professional growth.
We believe that by listening to our employees and acting on their feedback, we can create a positive and dynamic work environment. These initiatives are just the beginning, and we look forward to continuing to build on them, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and shared success.
Happy Employee Ownership Day to all our team members – together, we are making SSQ a better place to work and grow.