Full fibre ISP Giganet is helping its staff as the country faces its cost of living crisis this Christmas.
As well as a cost-of-living payment to all employees earlier this year, excluding executives, the ISP is looking after its people over the festive period by investing in financial planning and health workshops, nutrition workshops and individual health checks for all interested employees at its recent wellbeing days.
The company has committed to paying the Real Living Wage, and, as a result, has uplifted salaries across its Customer Service teams and junior roles. All employees have also received a Christmas bonus payment in the form of a £150 shopping voucher, in addition to rounding off the year with festive gatherings in Fareham and Reading.
Giganet has had a pretty good year after getting a £250 million-pound investment from Fern Trading. The outfit is growing rapidly and looking to expand its team in many departments.and was named Employer of the Year title at the South Coast Tech Awards earlier this year.
Rachel Hedges, Head of People and Culture at Giganet, said: “Wellbeing is a big part of working life at Giganet. We take employee wellbeing seriously, especially after what has been such a challenging few years for most.
“When it comes to mental and physical health, Christmas can often be the straw that breaks the camel’s back due to the inevitable financial and personal pressures, aside from the fact it’s also a shorter working month for most, which can increase workload and stress.
“At Giganet, we’re proud to offer our people support in all aspects of life. It has been great to see these workshops and 1-2-1’s be received so well by the team, and of course financial incentives will always be appreciated as we all feel our household budgets squeezed. We also make sure we offer all year-round support, such as holding regular wellbeing forums, funding mental health first aid training and encouraging flexible working.
Darren Barber, Survey Manager at Giganet, has already taken advantage of the 1-2-1 health check last month and is benefiting.
He said: “For me, these health check-ins have been invaluable. I was alerted to the fact that I may have type 2 diabetes and that I should see a doctor, I booked an appointment, and it was confirmed. This is something I would never have considered had it not been facilitated through Giganet.
“Financial support, not just in bonuses but also coaching on how to save and spend, has been truly helpful, especially as we enter the most expensive time of the year.”
