2024 Employee Benefits Awards finalists

We are thrilled to share that Central Co-op has been shortlisted in not one, but two categories for the 2024 Employee Benefits Awards! As finalists in the Best Benefits to Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Best Benefits to Support Work-Life Balance categories, we’re thrilled to be recognised for our unwavering commitment to fostering a friendly, positive and forward-thinking work environment within our Society.

The Employee Benefits Awards recognises and honours the remarkable achievements of the HR, reward and benefits community. Acknowledging the outstanding contributions of individuals, teams and organisations that have made a mark through their innovative reward and benefits strategies over the past 12 months. 

Celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion
At Central Co-op, we have always believed that diversity is our strength. We are proud to have been named finalists in the Best Benefits to Support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion category. This acknowledgment highlights our dedication to creating a workplace where every colleague feels valued, respected and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is not just a statement – it's a fundamental part of who we are. From inclusive hiring practices to comprehensive diversity monitoring, we have implemented policies and procedures to ensure that every member of our team feels welcome and included. We've introduced key policies, such as those supporting pregnancy loss, fertility treatment, domestic abuse and menopause, to provide guidance and benefits relevant to all colleagues, especially those in underrepresented groups. But our efforts don't stop there…

We've gone the extra mile to ensure that these policies are communicated effectively to our entire workforce. Through a variety of channels, including webinars, video messages and manager guides, we have raised awareness and fostered understanding among our team members. The results speak for themselves – increased engagement, reduced turnover and improved satisfaction levels are just some of the outcomes we've seen.

 Supporting work-life balance
As a Society, we understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. That's why we're honoured to have been recognised in the Best Benefits to Support Work-Life Balance category. Our Workflex and hybrid working strategies are designed to offer flexibility and support to our colleagues, allowing them to thrive both professionally and personally.

We've listened to our colleagues' feedback and introduced hybrid working options, flexible shift requests and compressed workweek options to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and preferences. Through a meticulous process of research, collaboration and trial runs, we've crafted policies that not only support work-life balance but also enhance productivity, performance and overall well-being.

The feedback from our trials have been overwhelmingly positive, with participants reporting improved stress levels, enhanced well-being and better work-life balance. As we prepare to roll out these initiatives across the Society, we’re excited to see the positive impact they’ll have on our team members' lives.

Looking ahead
Being named finalists in these categories is not just an achievement – it's a validation of our core values and a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. As we continue our journey to foster a positive and respectful working environment, we remain committed to learning, adapting and building on our successes.

Thank you to the Employee Benefits Awards and thank you to our amazing team for your continued support and dedication. Together, we’re building a Society where everyone can thrive. Winners will be announced on the 14^th of June 2024 at the HAC London, so be sure to keep your fingers crossed for the team at Central Co-op!