Transforming Work Culture: How Witt UK Group and the Fair Work Charter are Shaping Business in West Yorkshire

For over half a decade, Witt UK Group has placed employee wellbeing at the heart of its business strategy, developing a culture where people come first. When Emma Eastwood joined as Business Improvement Manager in December 2023, she brought a fresh vision to accelerate these efforts, focusing on enhancing employee safety and creating an even more supportive workplace environment. A key step in this journey was signing the West Yorkshire

Combined Authority’s (WYCA) Fair Work Charter, a move that solidifies Witt UK Group’s commitment to fair, ethical, and people-centered business practices.

Witt UK Group, parent company to PSB UK Limited, Witt & Son, and Fan Systems, operates across the construction, service and engineering, and manufacturing sectors. As Business Improvement Manager, Emma’s role spans all three entities, ensuring a collaborative, safe, and progressive culture throughout. Despite being in her role for less than a year, Emma has already seen Witt Group launch several impactful initiatives, including an Employee

Voice Committee, giving staff a platform to share ideas and feedback, and an Employee Social Group. This social group, funded by staff contributions matched by the company, has organised events like cricket outings, axe throwing and go-karting. Alongside these initiatives, the business recognises employees’ efforts through rewards like a Fish and Chip lunch with an early finish, showing appreciation for their hard work.

On the Employee Voice Committee’s success, Emma says, “I’m incredibly proud that in the first nine months of 2024, Witt UK has implemented 75 suggested improvements from the committee. The whole management team is fully behind the concept, and it has truly empowered our employees to share their ideas.”

The broader vision of the group aligns closely with the ethos of the Fair Work Charter. Speaking on this alignment, Emma shares, “The Charter fits perfectly with our plans to establish a strong ‘Empowered Employment Journey’ across our organisation. This roadmap visually represents how Witt UK support employees at every stage—from recruitment and onboarding through to development and even when they leave the business.”

The Fair Work Charter portal provides a suite of valuable resources for businesses, offering insights on recruitment, employee retention, and best practices. Emma has already tapped into these resources to enhance Witt UK Group’s recruitment process, a key area of focus given industry-wide challenges with staff turnover.

“We recognise that staff turnover can be a challenge, so strengthening how we screen, communicate, and

support our employees is essential,” Emma explains. “The resources from the Charter have been incredibly valuable, and I look forward to exploring more.”

Beyond the resources, the Charter also offers opportunities for peer networking with other businesses committed to fostering great workplaces. Emma recently attended a session hosted by Greenborough Management, WCYA’s delivery partner for the Fair Work Charter. After which, she described the session as insightful and providing her with a broader perspective on best practices from both larger and smaller organisations.

Russell Copley from Greenborough Management adds, “We created the peer networking events to encourage collaboration and celebrate the achievements of businesses across West Yorkshire. Every company that signs the Charter shares a common goal of being a great employer, but they come from diverse sectors, backgrounds, and locations. These events provide a valuable opportunity for employers and business owners to come together, exchange ideas, and grow.”

The WYCA Fair Work Charter is free to join and offers numerous benefits, including resources to enhance employee retention and recruitment, improve workplace wellbeing, and access to learning resources. Registration is straightforward—simply complete a brief online form, and Greenborough Management will be in touch to confirm your eligibility. Once registered, you’ll become part of a growing network of employers across West Yorkshire committed to fair work and making a positive impact in the region.

To find out more, and register your interest, visit – https://www.westyorks-ca.gov.uk/a-mayoral-combined-authority/mayoral-pledges/fair-work-charter/