The Colas Isle of Man Group’s ongoing commitment to its staff has been recognised with a Silver Award from Investors in People, just three years after achieving Bronze status.
The Company was first assessed by IIP in 2006 and has focused on continuous staff development in recent years, with the Silver Award being achieved after 27 of the 65-strong workforce were interviewed by IIP Assessor Mike Lynch during a two-day visit in March this year.
In his Silver Award report, Mr Lynch was impressed by the ‘very positive atmosphere’ within the Company, and the passion showed by the workforce. He praised the support offered to staff to help them develop, and the effective role played by the Colas Isle of Man management team in leading and motivating the staff, and the trust placed in the workforce to allow them to perform their roles without being over-supervised or micro-managed.
Colas Isle of Man Group Managing Director Steph Lowe says the entire workforce can feel proud of achieving the Silver Award. ‘The recognition is testament to not just the ability of our staff, but to their willingness to continually push themselves to achieve greater things,’ said Steph.
‘Every company likes to say that their biggest asset is their people and IIP is a superb yardstick by which to measure just how well you are doing. It makes sure everyone is pulling in the right direction and it ensures that you have to engage with your staff as you progress through the levels of IIP status.
‘One of our strengths is the longevity of our staff. We’ve never been a “hirer and firer” – indeed, 31 of our staff have been with us for 10 years or more, with 11 of those clocking up at least 30 years. I think those statistics say a lot about our Company and the way we work.
‘Our culture has always been to bring people through, help them develop their skills, and try to align their personal ambitions with the aims of the Company. When trainees start with us, they can see straight away that, with hard work and commitment, they can progress their careers with us.
‘Our aim over the next year is to press on and apply for Gold Award recognition.’
Laurence Skelly MHK, Political Member for the Department of Economic Development with responsibility for Construction, presented the award to Steph Lowe at the Colas Group’s Broom House headquarters in Malew.
Mr Skelly said: ‘Investors in People has become the benchmark by which all organisations are judged, both in terms of the welfare and development of its staff. Gaining accreditation is an achievement in itself, but to progress to Bronze and then Silver Awards in such a short space of time reflects the importance placed on staff Development by the Colas management team.
‘I believe the prestige of IIP is recognised by the level of commitment a company makes towards understanding what each member of their team means to the output of the company – that they appreciate each of them as a true asset.’
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