About Cottrills
Stagecoach - Long Service Awards
Interview with June Ashton - HR Manager - UK Bus Division
Stagecoach Group is a leading international transportation group, with operations in the UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand.
Its businesses, which include bus, train, tram, express coach and ferry operations, employ around 30,000 people across the globe.
In the UK, Stagecoach are one of the biggest bus operators, running a fleet of over 7,000 buses and coaches, connecting communities in over 100 towns and cities.
Stagecoach recognises their staff at 25,30,35,40 and 45 years and agreed to answer a few questions regarding their long service award scheme.
Q. How long has your organisation been rewarding staff for long service?
A: "The answer to this question will vary as Stagecoach UK Bus Division comprises 17 bus operating companies each with its own history. In Manchester we have been recognising long service since the mid-1970’s. It has taken different forms over the years but we have been using Cottrills since 1990. This was extended across the UK in 2002 and now covers some 18,000 employees".
Q. Do you think it helps to retain and motivate your staff?
A: "In view of the fact that our first award is activated at 25 years’ service it is unlikely to have any impact on employees during the early years of their careers with Stagecoach in terms of retention.
However, it is something which is viewed as a more important issue amongst longer serving employees and we believe it is very important to recognise their loyalty and commitment".
Q. How do you communicate the scheme to your staff throughout the UK?
A: "We have been recognising long service for such a long time it is now well known throughout our companies and we publish photographs of our long service award dinners in our company magazine".
Q. How does your scheme work?
A: "Our companies supply details of qualifying employees to the relevant Account Manager on a quarterly basis.
Cottrills then send out the brochure and a congratulatory letter from the relevant company Managing Director so that these are received by the employee on the anniversary date or the day before.
The employee chooses from the brochure and can spend up to an allotted number of points dependent upon number of years’ service. The employee can also purchase additional points if he or she wishes to purchase something which is in excess of their points allowance.
The employee sends the order direct to Cottrills who arrange delivery. We also organise long service award dinners to take place annually".
Q. What has the feedback been like from employees?
A: "We have had excellent feedback from employees and trade unions. They are particularly impressed that there is such a huge selection of items to choose from".
Q. What advice would you give to anyone else setting up a reward and recognition scheme?
"1. Select a reputable supplier with a successful track record. Contact existing customers for references
2. Provide a wide selection of good quality gifts to choose from
3. Ensure you are familiar with HMRC rules when determining the intervals for recognising long service
4. Ensure that the provider is able to provide the gifts within a reasonable timescale of orders being placed – lengthy delays can bring the scheme into disrepute and has the opposite of the desired effect
5. Ensure that the administration of the scheme can be handled efficiently – people are understandably upset if their service is not acknowledged at the appropriate time.
The greater number of eligible employees you have in a year the greater the amount of work involved, so if the supplier can handle the administration on your behalf this is a great advantage."
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