“You get so much more out of your staff when they’re healthy and happy.”
Nadia Lim, My Food Bag

A Serco Study conducted a couple of years ago, showed that increased employee engagement was accompanied by a 12% increase in customer satisfaction levels and a significant double digit revenue and margin growth over a three year period.

Yet globally, only *13% of employees state they are engaged.

So I was thrilled to read this week about a Company close to home embracing the concept of staff engagement – one which many organisations simply give lip service too.

A huge congratulations to the leadership team inside My Food Bag for their stella new Parental Leave Scheme. A genuine and meaningful commitment to their people and from my perspective a ‘shout out’ to the power and financial return enhanced staff engagement delivers.

My Food Bag’s initiative carries a significant cost to the organisation, yet the return and reward far outweighs it:

1. Reduced staff turn-over
2. Healthier and happier staff – leading to less “sick” days (incidentally, the annual cost of staff absence to the NZ economy is around $1.4 billion)
3. Enhanced loyalty and commitment
4. Higher productivity
5. Improved customer service
6. Enhanced brand equity
7. Brand affiliation among target consumers
8. PR opportunities
9. Enhanced reputation among job seekers – attracting the best talent

Cecilia Robinson (CEO of My Food Bag) said the scheme was part of their plan to become the best workplace in Australasia. “It’s a win-win, because it will increase [staff well-being] and research shows … happiness and positivity can only increase productivity and profitability.”

Read about My Food Bags Parental leave scheme here.

*Gallup