FEATURE
WCF is a part employeeowned business which operates across the UK in the retail , leisure and logistics sectors by the group directly or fed back to the local management teams who agree on responses and actions .
“ It ’ s important that everyone has an opportunity to share their ideas for improvement in the knowledge that they have a clear communication channel , and importantly , know that their opinion matters ,” said Ritzema .
“ Because our employees are stakeholders in the company , it encourages good business practices as they have a real long-term investment in both their own roles and the wider business , which is great for staff retention and innovation . It also drives the business forward because it leads to diversity of thinking , encourages a growth mindset and develops resilience and creative thinking .”
Ritzema said WCF ’ s people-focused ethos also naturally fostered a strong sense of corporate social responsibility : “ By taking the lead from our team , we are able to support organisations and charities throughout the UK which are important to our team on a personal level so they can make a difference in their own communities . Ultimately , we want working for WCF to be more than just a job for our employees , we want them to feel part of something bigger which is here for now and for the future .”
Ritzema is a non-executive director of the Employee Ownership Association , which champions , supports and provides insight for more than 700 members across the UK . Its most recent research into UK employee-owned businesses was created in collaboration with the White Rose Centre for Employee Ownership . x
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