Family-owned Roofing & Building Supply Co. has committed to improving staff wellbeing by investing in workspaces and reducing the working week to 4.5 days.
Staff at the Edinburgh-based company now finish at midday on Fridays, giving them more time to spend away from work.
Reduced working hours have been trialled for a few months and business performance has not been impacted, the company said.
Refurbished workspaces include new toilet and kitchen facilities, providing a modern and accessible environment for all staff.
Electric vehicle charging stations have been installed to allow employees to charge their cars for free. A drying room has also been created to allow outdoor workers to get changed and warm.
Rewarding employees’ loyalty
Managing director Brian MacInnes, who took the reins just over a year ago, said: “Our team are our greatest asset. This is not a cliche – it’s a fundamental business fact.
“Many of them have been with us for decades, and their local industry knowledge is second to none.
“But we saw that our people needed more flexibility, and the facilities they were using didn’t reflect the value they brought to our business, so we set out to create a better workplace that rewarded their loyalty and improved the service and experience that they are able to offer our customers.”
An overlooked outdoor area has also been turned into a garden space, complete with wildflowers and bird tables.
The garden aims to boost local wildlife and biodiversity, while also providing a quiet space for employees to use during the day.
Fairness and transparency
“For other merchants looking to reward their employees in a similar way, I would recommend you start with the basics,” MacInnes said.
“Just listen to your staff and find out what would make their working day better, and then act on those suggestions.
“You don’t have to change everything overnight, but a little and often approach will make all the difference.
“It’s also about fairness. Everyone has the same access to training, the same tools, and a transparent pay scale. That’s how you build a team that wants to stick around.”
MacInnes added that support from the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) helps support staff and keep them updated on the latest industry products.
Dean Hayward, head of sales and marketing at NMBS, said: “This is a great example of the way independent merchants look after their people.
“Investing in people isn’t a rushed process. It’s an honest, steady investment in people, space and time.
“That is how you make a truly meaningful and lasting difference to your employees, and it’s undoubtedly a major factor in this business’s success.”
