Sense of fun keeps staff at Thomson Directories: Turnover of sales employees falls from 50 percent to 30 percent

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to show how a sense of fun and a caring environment help staff retention at Thomson Directories.

Design/methodology/approach

Interviews Jackie Lamb, human resources, training and facilities director for Thomson Directories Ltd, and covers opportunities for progression within the company, issues such as flexibility and benefits, training and development initiatives and social activities.

Findings

Demonstrates how, by revisiting its values and culture, Thomson Directories has improved staff retention, especially among sales employees.

Practical implications

Contains much to interest human resource specialists and top managers operating in industries and sectors where high employee turnover is a problem.

Originality/value

Reveals some of the unusual perks – such as the chance to win five‐star holidays – that set the company apart.

Citation

(2005), "Sense of fun keeps staff at Thomson Directories: Turnover of sales employees falls from 50 percent to 30 percent", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 13 No. 7, pp. 31-33. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730510627476