Employee forum

In Romania, our employees are making their voices heard in the business. Recruitment and HR projects coordinator, Crina Giuga, talks about the Hora employee forum's first year and the plans for its future. 

"Last year, our engagement survey found that people wanted a way of making sure that management was hearing their views. So we initiated the 'Hora' employee forum.

"The forum provides an opportunity to discuss new projects and ideas, give our input into new initiatives and raise potential problems. It works because all the issues go straight to senior managers (although not all our suggestions can be implemented, of course!)

"Our first meeting between employees and senior management took place in July 2008. Every branch was involved, with the 16 employees' agents coming from functions across the business.

"So, what have we talked about? Everything from salaries and benefits and improving our agent commission scheme to upgrading the call centre and providing more administrative support. We've already seen some results. These include:

• Meetings in all branches to discuss the results of our TV campaign
• A survey to evaluate medical benefits-our provider has come back to us on the issues the survey raised
• Identifying local paper recycling companies for each of our branches
• A relaxation of the dress code in hot weather
• A computer in head office providing non-restricted access to the Internet

"In 2009, there will be six regional forums and then one at head office, which will discuss all the issues employees raise. The management team will propose subjects for discussion too. When a significant initiative comes out of any of the meetings, then it will be developed by a project team chosen by the employees.

"We hope these changes will increase the impact the forum has on the business and help us put more initiatives into practice.

"And the name? Hora is a traditional Romanian dance, where everyone gets in a circle and dances in the same rhythm. So, it's a name that suggests unity and strength-just right for an employee forum."