Diageo - developing people

What they did 

Although staff numbers are high, Diageo is determined that each and every employee should have a chance to prosper within the organisation and sees a corporate responsibility agenda that emphasises employee engagement as central to achieving this. Its aim is to have a minimum of 25% of employees recognised as what it calls “super engaged”.

The company is committed to ensuring that all employees have the opportunity to develop through supported volunteering. Team members participate in various projects and activities throughout the year such as Business in the Community Cares challenges and the Time to Read programme.

The company also has a leadership team which organises and presents an annual activity-based business strategy seminar where all employees get involved in shaping the way forward. This event is also used to promote the different challenges that have taken place over the year and to seek increased employee involvement. There are also regular ‘connect’ sessions held between senior management and multi-level employees, where issues are discussed in a relaxed, informal atmosphere.

The Impact 

In the results of its most recent employee values survey, the company scored very highly within the community responsibility section.  Most employees now believe that the site is committed to delivering on its year on year objectives, encompassing employee engagement as well as community and environmental development.