Employees not only want to see more benefits that support our local high streets added to the employee news page, they want to hear about changes through our own communication channels.

At the first meeting this year of the employee communications group last month, representatives from across all Services were asked for their views on:

• The results of the recent Employee Engagement Survey
• The employee website
• Employee benefits

More than 3,600 responses were received to the employee engagement survey (a substantial increase on the previous survey in 2018). This high return gives a far better insight into employee attitudes with the main issues showing improvement being trust, communications, relationships and understanding the need for change. Less positive areas included the direction of change, implementing mobile and flexible working and not communicating important issues beforehand decisions are taken.

Chief executive Kenneth Lawrie attended the event and said: “The employee engagement survey has given us all a real insight into how employees regard their organisation and where we need to do better.

He added: “The group has put forward many suggestions where we can improve and it is important that these are considered and taken forward in the coming months.”