As Great Annual Savings (GAS) prepares for the return of its remaining workforce, finishing touches to the Groups safety measures are being put in place to provide top protection and peace of mind.
The return of its remaining 60 colleagues will see GAS occupy an additional 16,000 sq. ft workspace in its current building, enabling a steadfast socially distant seating plan as well as increased cleaning measures and hand-sanitising stations on both floors of the Spectrum business-park office.
Head of Quality and Risk at GAS, Craig Shields said:
“Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues is paramount for GAS. We understand after months away returning to the office can be an anxious time. With this in mind, we have set the social distance to two metres all around the office, which is in excess of the government guidelines. There will also be a state-of-the-art, non-contact thermal imaging camera in use to screen everyone upon arrival to quickly detect a potential high temperature.
All colleagues will receive a ‘welcome back, wellbeing pack’ which will include a branded face covering, portable, personal hand sanitiser, a personal branded mug and a cool bag. We’re committed to making the transition back to the office as convenient as possible.”
Phil Andrew, Associate Corporate Director at GAS believes re-joining the office environment is beneficial to the wellbeing and morale of colleagues:
“We work in a fast-paced, vibrant environment which naturally lends itself to collaboration and social interaction. Whilst colleagues have been well looked after and granted the safety of staying at home during the pandemic, I’m sure they’ll be eager to return to the office. Like all businesses, we have embraced technology over the past few months, with regular video meetings but we’re all looking forward to the subtle value of spontaneous meetings and face-to-face catch ups.”
“The remainder of 2020 spells an unprecedented period of growth for GAS, with the launch of the new state-of-the-art headquarters, ambitions to double our headcount, further exposure following the unveiling of our SAFC partnership and the launch of our industry-leading staff benefits and health and wellbeing programme, all of which create an incredible atmosphere in the office.
The September returnees will mark the final stage of our phased return-to-work, which has seen the majority of colleagues either working from home or remain on furlough for the past couple of months. We are looking forward to steaming ahead with our ambitious plans and carving out the GAS ‘new normal.’
According to workplace benefits platform, Perkbox, returning to the office following a long period away presents real benefits for employees mental health, including feeling more connected to the company and colleagues, thus minimising feelings of loneliness and isolation.
With the average person spending a third of their time at work, it makes sense to invest that time in a company such as GAS, with its great customer and colleague values.