Holly Oag, Head of People, on achieving Gold Investors in People

Congratulations on achieving the Investors in People Gold Award! Could you explain to our readers what this award signifies and why it’s considered a prestigious recognition?

The Investors in People Gold Award is a remarkable achievement, attained by only 28% of assessed businesses. It’s a testament to our collective efforts, as everyone at Solus participates in the transparent assessment process. The award signifies that our employees genuinely enjoy working here, and that we’ve fostered a positive and empowering work environment.

What were the key factors that contributed to Solus earning the Gold accreditation? Were there specific initiatives, practices, or cultural elements that stood out during the assessment process?

The IIP assessor highlighted several key factors that led to our Gold accreditation. Our community culture, which encourages and empowers individuals and teams, was particularly praised. The assessor also noted our positive team approach, the transparency and trust fostered by our leaders, and the spirit of teamwork and collaboration evident throughout Solus.

How does achieving the Investors in People Gold Award align with Solus’ overall mission, values, and goals? What does it say about our commitment to our employees and their development?

The Gold Award reflects our dedication to creating a workplace where employees thrive. It underscores our commitment to learning and development, evident in initiatives like the Leapsome system. It also highlights our culture of appreciation, where rewards and recognition are used to celebrate both team and individual accomplishments.

In what tangible ways do you anticipate the Gold accreditation will benefit our employees? Are there new opportunities, programmes, or resources that they can look forward to as a result of this achievement?

We’re excited to continue investing in our employees. We have several initiatives in the pipeline, including a new employee recognition scheme and the development of cross-team sharing and focus groups.

Looking ahead, how will we maintain this Gold standard and continue to foster a positive and empowering work environment? What are some of our ongoing or future plans to further enhance employee engagement and development?

We’ve shared the IIP feedback report with all employees and encouraged them to contribute ideas via Leapsome. We’ll be creating action plans based on this feedback. Additionally, we’re focusing on improving internal communication throughout the organisation.

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers about the significance of this award for our company or any personal reflections you have on this accomplishment?

I’m incredibly proud to work for Solus, and the IIP Gold Award reaffirms that sentiment for many of us. One employee’s comment during the assessment particularly resonated with me: “Leaders are so different here, relaxed and supportive… We have people, product, and planet, with all three on the same level. They invest in us and put so much effort into retaining the staff and giving people opportunity.” This award truly reflects our collective dedication to making Solus a great place to work.