This recognition follows hot on the heels of two other HR award wins in 2023: Best Flexible Benefits Strategy at the Workplace Savings and Benefits Awards 2023 and Best Flexible Benefits Plan at Employee Benefits Awards 2023.
At the awards ceremony in London, Leonardo beat seven other finalists in the category. The judges bestowed the award to Leonardo for the company's unique approach to flexible working opportunities - a testament to Leonardo's ongoing commitment to the wellbeing of its people.
As a business with a significant proportion of our workforce focussed on engineering and manufacturing activities, which require presence at a specific location, offering flexible working opportunities to employees has always been a key focus for Leonardo. Like many other organisations, the COVID-19 pandemic shifted our view of how and where work could be completed for our employees to balance productivity with a completely new form of flexible working.
During the summer of 2020, Leonardo's People Team collaborated with senior leaders, key business stakeholders, and employee representatives to create a new approach to work which we named Custom Working. This is now embedded within our business, with Leonardo continuing to deliver on its commitments to shareholders and customers throughout.
As highlighted by the company's Glassdoor reviews, Leonardo’s flexible working approach is something our employees value highly, and is key to them maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The steps we have taken to transform a traditional view of work to a modern, team-led approach has allowed our workforce to succeed in a new world with new ways of operating.
Commenting on the award win, Wendy Allen, Leonardo UK People Director said:
"Investors in People continues to set the standard for people management in the UK and around the world for over 50,000 organisations. I am delighted that our policy and approach to hybrid and flexible working has been recognised as best in class amongst the IIP community. Naturally, I am ‘proud as punch’ of the people team, which continues to deliver an award-winning people strategy.
"Putting business needs at the forefront in an environment which offers maximum flexibility for employees is a tricky balance, and our people managers work hard to ensure that the lived experience delivers on both fronts. Leading others in this environment is hard work and I salute everyone who makes Leonardo a great place to work and grow careers. We know that flexibility features high in the motivation of job seekers and job movers, so for all of those considering Leonardo, this award provides reassurance that we deliver flexibility - and don't just talk about it."