Irish Stock Exchange – History To Life
Many organisations fail to fully exploit the rich heritage that is found in their history but pride in the business can be a vital element in giving meaning to an employee’s work and contribution. Understanding the historical legacy of the business can be critical to this.
The Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) has been in existence since 1793 and formed a history project working group to bring key milestones in the organisation’s history to life such as the role of the ISE and its members and employees during important times in Irish history. They have even published two books: a biography of Oonah Keogh – the first female stockbroker in Ireland or Great Britain – and a history of the Stock Exchange.
System Dynamics – OSCAR
Many large companies have employees in a number of locations who rarely visit their head office and keeping these employees connected is a significant challenge. System Dynamics uses a communications platform called OSCAR to share files, make official announcements and share information. OSCAR also supports informal social communications and interactions that off-site staff would otherwise miss. This has led to communities such as the Sports & Social Committee being formed and it being used for announcements of engagements, arrivals of new babies and congratulating employees for exceptional achievements inside or outside of work. A web-based application, it allows people to communicate and collaborate regardless of where they are working, thus helping people feel more connected to the business both formally and informally.
JLL – Global Sharing
Many organisations who have a presence in countries all over the world will be prone to wide fluctuations linked to regional economic factors. JLL operates on a worldwide basis in a cyclical property market where, at any time, a number of its units could be facing difficult local circumstances. When a particular country has a weak year in terms of results, that division is supported financially by all profitable JLL companies across the world. This provides a strong sense of global support and results in enhanced job security for employees when times are tough.
Ambassador – Sandra Caffrey, Diageo Ireland
Within the organisations that are part of the Great Place To Work community, some individuals go above and beyond to help other organisations understand how to create better workplaces. They do this by sharing their experiences, facilitating on-site visits and being there for advice. Sandra consistently agrees to meet representatives from other companies and shares the Diageo story within the process. For her unfailing cooperation, Sandra is the 2015 Great Place To Work Ambassador.
A&L Goodbody – Team Award Winner
Two years ago A&L Goodbody decided to open up new communication channels with their employees to see how they could make their business better.
They created a Great Place to Work (GPTW) steering committee made up of elected representatives from across their business to review the GPTW survey feedback and identify main themes to focus on for the coming year. The work of the committee is supported by a number of local GPTW groups. They support the roll-out of firm-wide initiatives, seek specific feedback from their own teams and identify and progress further initiatives to help address issues highlighted in results for their own departments.
By adopting this collaborative approach A& L Goodbody ensures that everyone has the opportunity to take part in this programme and have their voice heard .