Rittal Ltd, the Rotherham-based UK headquarters of the world-leading manufacturer of industrial enclosure systems as well as racks, infrastructure and associated products for the IT market, has been recognised as one of the UK’s best companies to work for.
The company, which employs 108 people at its office on Hellaby Industrial Estate, again successfully met and retained the Investors In People (IIP) accreditation at Silver level – joining the likes of Unilever as one of the top-ranked employers in the country.
Investors in People is a globally-recognised management standard first launched in the UK in 1991. Now adopted in 25 countries, accreditation against the Investors in People Standard is considered the sign of a great employer, a sustainable business and a commitment to success through people.
To achieve the initial Investors in People status a company or organisation has to meet 39 tough standards including how they train, develop and engage their workforce. To achieve silver status, a further 76 evidence requirements must also be met. Only five per cent of IIP-accredited organisations are expected to achieve the Silver Standard.
The assessment regime is a rigorous process and accreditation was separately awarded to both divisions within Rittal UK; Rittal-CSM, its manufacturing site in Plymouth, as well as Rittal Ltd. The evaluation procedure included site visits, an assessment of employee survey results, staff interviews, and observations of meetings and staff interactions.
The results of the assessment highlighted, among other things, the company’s capabilities in motivating and engaging employees at all levels, its concentration on empowering and involving staff to enable them to achieve their potential, and its focus on creating a sustainable future. The external assessor’s feedback noted: “there is a major commitment at both Rittal Ltd and Rittal-CSM towards workforce development and to build the capability needed to become a ‘great’ organisation”. She went on to say ”there is little doubt that both parts of Rittal UK are well on the way, striving for and characterised by a relentless drive to improve and to achieve their ambition of going from good to great.”
Shane Hope, Managing Director of Rittal Ltd, said: “We’re delighted and very proud to have once again been recognised for our commitment to deliver genuine and lasting success for the company and those who work for us.
“Our Investors in People Silver Accreditation shows our determination to help employees fully develop their talents and skills, and it’s no great surprise that our constant investment in our people is hugely beneficial to the business. We employ people from apprentices to graduate trainees and everyone is supported through both formal and informal training and development programmes. By releasing the potential of our employees in this way, we have improved productivity, performance, profitability and delivered sustainable business success that supports our customers.
“The IIP Silver accreditation demonstrates this commitment to be among the best businesses to work for, not just in the Rotherham area, but in the whole of the UK. We have a great team who work well together.”
Rittal, which is part of the German-owned Friedhelm Loh Group, started trading in 1961. The company has had its UK sales, marketing and commercial operation, headquartered at Hellaby since 1978.
