The investment by JLR includes the implementation of radios on the shop floor and the introduction of luxury workwear designed with employee input. Trials conducted over two years indicated that radios improved employee morale, work enjoyment, and overall well-being, with more than 90% of employees reporting positive impacts.
Matt Walker, a representative from JLR, stated, "Over 90% of employees told us that morale was up, work was much more enjoyable, and they’d seen an improvement in their wellbeing." Radios were first activated last week at the Solihull plant and are scheduled next for the Halewood plant in Liverpool.
In addition to radios, JLR is revolutionizing its workwear options. They now offer over 300 different types of clothing items including hijab-friendly wear and maternity wear. Employees had significant involvement in this co-designed range inspired by the luxury attributes of modern cars manufactured by them. Made from fabrics comprising cotton and up to 96% recycled polyester these new clothes are not just comfortable but sustainable as well.
Kim Panton, manager of apparel design, noted the importance of inclusion in their design approach: "We spoke to hundreds of colleagues from different faiths, backgrounds and of all abilities to ensure that the workwear options were designed with the diverse nature of our people in mind."
Such positive changes on the shop floor come with charitable aspects as well; old workwear materials will be repurposed through partnerships with organizations like SATCOL (The Salvation Army Trading and Commerce Limited), The Red Cross, and local charities around Halewood.
Source: JLR
