Podfather is honoured for flexible working opportunities for the second year running
Podfather, the Edinburgh-based logistics software company, has been honoured in Scotland’s Flexible Working Awards, run by social business Flexibility Works. Podather has been named one of Scotland’s top 10 employers for the second year running for embracing flexible working. The final list is a combination of ‘flexpert’ organisations that have been offering extensive flexibility to workers for more than two years, as well as ‘new-found flexers’ that have substantially increased flexibility and other new ways of working since the start of the Covid pandemic.
The awards celebrate forward-thinking employers that understand how flexibility is good for people – helping them create more harmony between work and home life – as well as for business growth. The winners were announced during an online ceremony yesterday (24/3/2) to an audience of Scottish business leaders.
Colin McCreadie, Managing Director at Podfather said: “Our employees are our most valuable asset and flexible working is helping the whole team get the best work life balance possible. Happy, motivated staff don’t need to be in an office every day to be productive. We work hard to maintain staff wellbeing, and company culture is the cornerstone of our business strategy. To be recognised for our efforts by the Flexibility Works team, for the second year running, makes us all proud of what we have achieved.”
Nikki Slowey, co-founder and director of Flexibility Works, which supports employers across Scotland implement successful flex, said: “Our judges were really impressed with how Podfather is nurturing a new way of working in Scotland. As final Covid restrictions end, the next six months will be a crucial transition for many employers from ‘Covid flex’ that was forced upon us to a more intentional and sustainable true flexibility. Employers like Podfather are brilliant for showcasing practical steps organisations can take, and the positive impact this makes.”
The full list of Scotland’s Top 10 Flexible Employers this year is:
- Arnold Clark
- Cameron Intellectual Property
- Direct ID
- Fife Housing Group
- MadeBrave
- PodFather
- SCVO*
- Scottish Enterprise*
- Scottish Water*
- The Wise Group*
From this group, four organisations were awarded a special ‘Judges Pick’ commendation, which highlighted their entry and flexible working approach as exceptional by the judges, These organisations were; SCVO, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Water and The Wise Group.
In addition, three people were recognised as ‘flex influencers’ for their individual efforts to increase flexible working in their organisation. Lynn Houmdi from The Challenges Group/The Talent Loom was the overall winner, with Claire Carpenter from The Melting Pot Edinburgh and Nicholas Scullion from Scullion Law both highly commended.
New research by Flexibility Works shows 84% of Scottish workers already work flexibly, or would like to, up from 73% before the pandemic. While almost two thirds (64%) of employers say flexible working has had a postive impact on the business.
For the awards, judges looked for clear examples of how organsiations support their people to create greater work life harmony. They considered the company culture, leadership and practical support provided as well as official policies. They also wanted to see flexible working as part of an organisation’s strategy and how this impacts positvely on the business. Testimonials from employees were included.
The winners embrace many forms of flexible working including part-time hours, compressed hours, flexible start and finish times, remote working, term-time working and/or more ad-hoc arrangements that help members of staff to balance their home and work lives.
The awards were sponsored by The Glenmorangie Company, Quorum Network Resources, CIPD, Arnold Clark, Centrica, Dentons, Scottish Water, Shoosmiths, Pursuit Marketing and the Scottish Government.
Flexibility Works is a social business funded and supported by the Scottish Government to support organisations to become more flexible workplaces.
*NOTE ABOUT JUDGES PICK
The judging panel provided a special ‘Judges Pick’ commendation to four organisations within the top 10, which highlighted their entry and flexible working approach as exceptional by the judges. These organisations were: SCVO, Scottish Enterprise, Scottish Water and The Wise Group.
About Flexibility Works
Our purpose is to enrich people’s lives by transforming the way we work. Specifically, we’re here to accelerate the adoption of flexible and new ways of working in Scotland, by sharing advice, insight and best practice, which improves business success, employee engagement and well-being. And by building the evidence base that informs how we best achieve this, and why it’s important.
We want to help employers and workers work together, co-creating a culture that truly values work life harmony, enabling all people and businesses to thrive.
We are funded and supported by the Scottish Government and the Social Innovation Partnership. Visit flexibilityworks.org
