About Cottrills
Thomas Cook - Long Service and Rewards
Interview with Claire Betts - Head of Rewards and Recognition
Thomas Cook is the world's leading authority in travel, thanks to the inspiration and dedication of its’ eponymous founder, who began his international travel company in 1841.
In 2005, Thomas Cook celebrated its 150th anniversary of taking Britain abroad – now offering holidays to more than 1,000 worldwide locations through more than 600 travel agencies, 2 sales centres and a thriving website and employers over 11,000 people.
Clare Betts, Head of Reward & Recognition comments on their association with Cottrills.
Q: When did you start working with Cottrills and can you remember why?
A: “We have been working with Cottrills for well over 10 years – simply because they provide the best placed solution, product and price in the market for rewarding Loyal Service. Our employees are regularly spending more than their allocated points – which just goes to show that they value the products and services provided. Cottrills provide a 1st class service that is second to none!”
Q: Which services do you currently operate?
A: “We currently use Cottrills to provide the Aspirations product. Employees are presented with a Loyal Service Award pack which contains a letter from our CEO, a certificate and the Aspirations catalogue and order form. We also include a covering letter to the Line Manager asking them to present the pack to them.”
Q: Has your LSA scheme changed over the years?
A: “As with any reward scheme, it constantly evolves and re-shapes and this is no different with the LSA programme. Historically, we only issued awards at 25 and 40 years – however, over the last 4 years, this has changed to recognise awards at 5-yearly intervals from 10 to 40 years.”
Q: What role do LSA’s play in your overall R&R programme?
A: “Our Total Benefits package is the best in the industry – and the LSA’s are just one small (and very important) piece of that package. Our R&R programme searches to reward the best of the best – we recognise top Performers from across the business in many different ways – including trips overseas, bonus schemes, and presentation ceremonies at our annual overseas conference – where we pull our best employees up on stage to receive recognition in front of their colleagues.”
Q: What do you feel are the tangible benefits to employer and employee of rewarding staff for their loyalty?
A: “Rewarding loyalty increases retention and motivates employees to work harder – thus increasing productivity. The Cottrills product is a great one because it allows employees to tailor their reward to their needs – this highlights the commitment we place on employee choice.”
Q: What has been your biggest R&R challenge?
A: “We operate a very comprehensive flexible benefits scheme – our biggest challenge has been communicating this to all our employees worldwide. Moving forward, we need to ensure that we pitch the communication of its availability and product range correctly so that everyone knows about it and understands how they can benefit from it – we have made great inroads in doing this – with total enrolment up 28% year on year.”
Q: Your office syndicate has won the triple roll-over. What would be the first ‘reward’ on your list?
A: “For me? Something sparkly from one of the Cottrills jewellery stores! For the office? Daily ‘stress busting’ massages for everyone in HR!”
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