25 November 2010

Groupama Insurances sets the standard for employee engagement

Groupama Insurances’ approach to employee engagement has been held up as an example to other businesses in a highly comprehensive report from Roffey Park Institute - The Human Voice of Employee Engagement - Understanding what lies beneath the surveys.  The 124 page report published in November 2010 provides an in-depth look at the key factors that help to create employee engagement in today’s climate, looking beyond the scores on employee surveys to see what really makes a difference.  Groupama was one of four case studies included in the report.

During the course of 2010, the researchers from Roffey Park conducted focus groups with people from a range of functions right across Groupama’s business.  The focus groups were used to assess how engaged Groupama employees were with the company and what strategies were in place to support and grow engagement. 

Jonny Gifford of Roffey Park said:  “What we found at Groupama was that employees tended to be proud to be identified with the company, which was generally seen as ethical, socially aware and fundamentally, a decent employer.  Many of them also felt valued and appreciated a high level of consultation.  These factors are absolutely key to achieving employee engagement and Groupama’s approach provides a great template for other businesses to follow.”

The report examines how Groupama makes genuine efforts to encourage personal development.  It looks in particular at Groupama’s Gold standard IIP accreditation and how the principles of Investors in People are being used to drive the business forward.

The company’s commitment to promoting discussion, listening to employees and acting upon their feedback is demonstrated through the Talkback employee opinion survey, discussion groups and forums and the Preferred Employer Taskforce (PET) – all of which drive new initiatives and campaigns. 

PET drew particular praise as it brings together senior representatives from each site and business area to discuss issues specifically related to employee engagement, satisfaction and well-being.  Initiatives have included opportunities to visit an occupational nurse for health checks, free pedometers, a Safety in the Sun campaign, free fruit days and help with financial advice.

Jordan O’Connor, Talent and Resourcing Manager for Groupama Insurances said: “Employee engagement is rooted in Groupama’s values and vision so we were delighted to take part in this study.  It has not only enabled us to benchmark ourselves against other businesses but has highlighted opportunities for further improvement.   It is certainly very pleasing to have this external validation of the work we have done to make ourselves a preferred employer and to contribute towards making Groupama Insurances a great place to work.”

Ends
November 2010