Two ICMIF members, FMG in New Zealand and NFU Mutual in the UK, are among just 41 organisations from around the world that have been named as Gallup Exceptional Workplaces.
The international Gallup Exceptional Workplace award is evaluated carefully by a panel of judges and given only to organisations that meet rigorous standards of employee engagement. The award requires entrants to clearly evidence how they fuel business performance through an engaged workforce.
As an award winner, FMG ranks as only organisation from New Zealand. Chief People Officer Pete Frizzell says the recognition shows a focus on wellbeing drives better outcomes: “It also speaks to the importance of a strong values led culture for overall performance, even more so in a tight labour market. It’s so critical to be a great place to work. To value your employees and their wellbeing so they bring their whole selves to the job and feel supported so they can thrive.”
Pete says the company is reaping the rewards from having a highly engaged workforce: “FMG is going from strength to strength as a New Zealand owned and operated business that recognises the importance of putting people first and supporting our rural communities. As a mutual we don’t pay a dividend to shareholders. 100% of our profits go back into the business.”
He says FMG’s balanced approach establishes relationships between profitability, customer loyalty, employee satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity. “Profit and growth are stimulated primarily by client loyalty. Loyalty is a direct result of client engagement. Client engagement is largely influenced by the value of services provided to customers. Value is created by motivated, loyal and productive employees,” says Pete.
“This recognition from Gallup shows how effective this strategy is. Everybody wins when employee wellbeing is made a top priority” He added. In addition, FMG’s Matt Harvey was one of just 10 finalists worldwide in the Manager of the Year category of the 2022 Gallup Global Workplace awards.
NFU Mutual builds on an existing reputation as an exceptionally engaged workforce, having achieved frequent award recognition from Gallup in previous years.
Trisha Jones, HR Director at NFU Mutual, said: “NFU Mutual is committed to being a great place to work. We work hard to maintain the exceptional engagement standards we have built with our people and are delighted to have received this recognition once again.
“The commitment and engagement of NFU Mutual employees is fundamental to the ongoing success of our business and we’ll never take it for granted. From supporting health and wellbeing to encouraging career development, we’re passionate about creating an environment where employees can thrive and achieve their full potential.”
According to Gallup winners of the Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award consistently put people, both employees and customers, and their values at the centre of their decision-making. In doing so, these organisations reap the benefits of high engagement – improved outcomes in retention, productivity, profitability, and safety. They’re also better positioned to be able to respond to the next disruption than their competitors.
Jim Harter, Gallup’s chief scientist of workplace management and wellbeing, said: “This award recognises the most engaged workplace cultures in the world. Gallup’s 2022 GEWA winners have steered their organisations through another unprecedented and challenging year. They didn’t slow down or hit ‘pause’ during times of uncertainty. They stayed true to their organisational values. Gallup commends all of the 2022 GEWA winners for their resiliency, determination and commitment to making their people a priority.”
