The small business approach at Listawood

Listawood, a family run manufacturing company with around 200 employees, has always had a flexible culture. Like many smaller organisations, work is delivered by teams using informal communication methods and minimal rules and regulations. Multi-skilling is crucial – most employees acquire skills on the job, many starting as unskilled or unqualified. Employees’ hours are individually negotiated and 66% of employees work on part-time or variable contracts. When business peaks, employees often work extra hours. Managerial responsibility is delegated; team leaders do not check with senior managers about using flexi-time or discretion, thereby saving senior staff time and giving team leaders autonomy and self esteem.

Employees say the company recognises that every caring situation is unique and must be handled individually. The flexible work culture at Listawood reflects both the values of the company and the practicality of the labour supply.

Listawood has seen their productivity increase and believe they have saved on recruitment and retention costs, accommodation and systems. They have reduced sick leave and lowered staff turnover. Very importantly, they have a happier workforce and a high level of trust amongst the staff.

'Within that culture when people have a need, for example, to leave the organisation in a sudden emergency, we can manage that very easily because of the teamwork and multi-skilling. Fundamentally, if you look after your staff, they will look after your customers and your customers will look after the business' explains the Managing Director.

Diane cares for her husband and feels very supported by Listawood. 'I wasn’t worried about my job at Listawood. They are caring. They’re willing to give to you what you need at that time – the time off – because they know at the end of the day I give them 100% when I’m here.'