THE SOUL OF OUR BUSINESS

OUR PEOPLE & COMMUNITIES

At SMI, our employees are our core—bringing passion and unique contributions daily. But we don’t stop there. Through volunteering, donations, and sustainability, we’re committed to giving back and making a difference beyond our walls.

Life at SMI

Employee engagement
Employee engagement

We are committed to fostering a supportive and engaging work environment for all our employees. Here’s how we achieve this:

  • Quarterly Employee Engagement Surveys: We regularly gather feedback from our team to ensure we are meeting their needs and continuously improving our workplace culture.
  • New Starter Feedback Surveys: At 30 and 60 days, we check in with new employees to understand their onboarding experience and make any necessary adjustments.
  • Exit Interviews: When employees move on, we conduct thorough exit interviews to gain insights and learn how we can enhance our work environment.
  • Values Nomination Scheme: We celebrate and recognise our team members who exemplify our core values through our Values Nomination scheme.
  • Staff Meetings: We hold weekly and quarterly all-staff meetings to keep everyone informed, connected, and engaged with company goals and developments.
Employee Wellbeing
Employee Wellbeing

We prioritise the well-being and satisfaction of our employees through a variety of initiatives:

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We offer a comprehensive EAP to support the mental and emotional health of our team members.
  • Mental Health First Aiders: Our trained mental health first aiders are available to provide immediate support and guidance.
  • Company Events: We organise regular company events to foster team spirit and create a fun, inclusive work environment.
  • Recognition Schemes: Our recognition schemes celebrate the achievements and contributions of our employees, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.
  • Work From Home/Flexible Working: We offer flexible working arrangements, including the option to work from home, to support a healthy work-life balance.
SMI Women
SMI Women
  • Promotions: Last year, 16% of our head office staff were successfully promoted internally and 13% of our staff moved to a different department within the business.
  • Training and Career Support: 30% of our staff undertook external training supported by SMI to further their careers. A fantastic 14% of our staff are also in managerial positions. 
  • Females at SMI: 56% of staff across both of our sites are female, with 30% of staff at our warehouse being female. In management positions at SMI, 30% are female.
Spin to win wheel
Spin to win wheel

Spin to Win scheme and rewarding our staff

  • We recognise and reward employees for exemplifying our core values: people-centric, connected, dependable, getting stuff done and dynamic. 
  • Last year, we received 193 nominations through our "Spin to Win" scheme, where employees nominate peers for going above and beyond.
  • Weekly all-staff huddles celebrate these wins, with nominees having the chance to win exciting prizes.
  • The "Employee of the Year" award includes a travel voucher.
  • Our HR system allows team members to give 'kudos' for day-to-day celebrations of staff achievements. If you receive three 'kudos', you get to spin the wheel. 
  • These initiatives foster a positive and supportive work environment, celebrating our champions who make our company a great place to work.

CHARITY & VOLUNTEERING

In 2023, SMI proudly supported local and global causes through:

  • 180 volunteer hours for social and environmental initiatives.
  • Raising £2,450 for The Rosemary Foundation, including the 3 Peaks Challenge.
  • Donating 45 boxes of clothing and bedding to LifeHouse Portsmouth for the homeless.

Ongoing contributions include:

  • £125,000 donated to The Grace Trust, supporting 450+ charities globally.
  • 50 pallets of essentials donated to the Rapid Relief Team for worldwide aid efforts.
  • Supporting Petworth Ukraine Sunflower Aid, which raised £60,000 and delivered 1,000 aid boxes to Ukrainian refugees.

ESG DIGEST

ESG DIGEST - EPISODE 2: HOW TO CREATE AN ESG CULTURE IN YOUR BUSINESS

Meet Elizabeth Mellor, in our second episode of our ESG Digest, where she explores how to create an ESG culture in your company. 

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