Appreciation Awards 2024 finalists!

At Central Co-op, our commitment to the well-being and engagement of our colleagues has always been at the heart of our purpose beyond profit. Which is why we’re so proud to be named as finalists in three prestigious categories at The Appreciation Awards 2024:

• Best Financial Support Strategy for Employees
• Best Strategy for Supporting Employee Health & Wellbeing
• Most Transformational Culture Change Through Employee Experience Programme

The Appreciation Awards, organised by Reward Gateway | Edenred, celebrate the outstanding work that organisations across the UK are doing to create positive employee experiences and foster a culture of appreciation. Being acknowledged as finalists reflects the significant strides that we've taken in enhancing our support for colleagues across all areas of our Society.

Best Financial Support Strategy for Employees
In response to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, we implemented a comprehensive financial support strategy to ensure our colleagues feel secure and valued. Our initiatives include a pay increase, flexible working hours, emergency financial assistance, and discounted products and services. Through the launch of our Difference Maker Hub, powered by Reward Gateway, colleagues gained access to exclusive discounts, financial wellness tools and essential resources.

With our minimum wage raised to £12.00 per hour in 2023, a £10 million investment in pay, and partnerships with the Co-op Credit Union to offer savings accounts and affordable loans, we've reinforced our commitment to easing financial burdens on our employees.

Best Strategy for Supporting Employee Health & Wellbeing
The health and wellbeing of our colleagues are central to our co-operative values. Our ‘We Are the Difference Makers’ framework fosters a culture of care and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels supported. From physical to emotional wellbeing, our initiatives span free counselling services, virtual GP access and policies on menopause support, domestic abuse and more.

Through our ‘We’ve Got You’ wellbeing campaign, we highlighted the resources available to colleagues, encouraging them to take care of themselves and support each other. Our commitment to well-being has also been reflected in our Workflex programme, providing colleagues with the flexibility to balance personal and professional lives, improving overall job satisfaction and reducing colleague turnover.

Most Transformational Culture Change Through Employee Experience Programme
Our cultural transformation is rooted in our Difference Maker initiative, empowering colleagues to embody our co-operative values in every aspect of their work. By investing in leadership development, refining personal development plans and implementing recognition programmes like the Difference Maker Awards, we've built a more engaged and motivated workforce.

Since the launch of our Difference Maker Hub in 2022, over 4,000 recognition e-cards have been sent, showing the incredible power of appreciation for our peers. Our colleague turnover rates have decreased and engagement scores have steadily increased, reflecting the success of our cultural evolution.

Looking ahead
As we await the results of The Appreciation Awards on November 13th, hosted at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London, we take this moment to celebrate our incredible colleagues whose dedication and commitment have made this recognition possible. Regardless of the outcome, we remain committed to creating a supportive and appreciative environment for all.

Nick Burns, CEO at Reward Gateway | Edenred, noted, “Congratulations to Central Co-op on making it as a finalist in our 2024 Appreciation Awards. Our awards are a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing achievements we are seeing across our customer base.”

We’re excited to continue this journey, ensuring that Central Co-op remains a place where colleagues are supported, appreciated and empowered to make a difference every day.