An “innate culture of support” that came to the fore during the Covid pandemic and has continued to prioritise people over profits saw Duke McCaffrey shortlisted for the Small Firms Association’s ‘Workplace Wellbeing’ Award.
The Dublin based construction consultant were one of five finalists for the 2022 prize, which were announced at an awards gala on 13th April.
Rebecca Coffey, Bids and Marketing Director said that the team was immensely proud to have been nominated for the DeCare sponsored award.
“It is a huge honour to have our company recognised in this way,” she added. “As a business you want to be that company that people talk about being a great place to work and the nomination is a formal endorsement of our efforts to be such a place.”
Rebecca, who is the construction consultant specialist’s wellbeing champion, explained how Ireland’s lockdowns had only served to strengthen the firm’s caring culture.
“The pandemic was a shock and worry for most companies and I am proud to say that Duke McCaffrey put its people first throughout all the uncertainty,” she continued. “We were conscious that we suddenly had young graduates left at home who needed the support of mentors and Line Managers more than ever and others who struggled to adjust to the isolation, so ensured everyone had a port of call – someone they felt comfortable with approaching; whatever the issue.”
“We introduced virtual Friday lunchtime socials so that we could still get together as a team and chat about anything other than work and, as the restrictions have eased, we’ve remained mindful of people’s needs and concerns. Our blended working policy means that staff are under no pressure to either stay at home or come to the workplace.”
Rebecca cited Duke McCaffrey’s absolute retention of staff as firm evidence that the approach adopted has been appreciated but highlighted that the leadership team would continue to “have the backs” of its employees.
The company is championing continuing professional development, has increased the frequency of one-on-one appraisals, and is promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of staff through an array of social activities and shared challenges.
Rebecca also stressed that the ethos of looking out for others extended beyond Duke McCaffrey’s office doors and was reflected in the company’s corporate social responsibility endeavours, which recently saw staff members commit to each covering 100km over the course of a month and run, cycle, walk and swim their way to a six-figure fundraising total for the Children’s Health Foundation’s Giggle Fund.
“We firmly believe that what you put in, you get back,” she concluded. “If you want to retain quality people, you have to look after them and that’s what we fully intend to continue to do.”
