The Investors in People programme soon to be launched by Government predicts that employees will find increased job fulfilment and satisfaction as a result of achieving the Standard, thus providing an incentive for local employers to adopt the model.

The Standard was introduced in the United Kingdom in 1991 and has since seen tremendous growth and success, prompting the Ministry of Human Resources to introduce the programme in Cayman through the Employment Services Centre. The pilot phase which will be launched at the end of April will include six local companies and three government departments and a Steering Committee has been formed to monitor its progress.

Committee members reviewed the case study of a hotel in the U.K. which, within a year of incorporating the principles outlined in the Investors in People Standard, was able to report an increase in some of its business by 15%, boast of improved customer and employee satisfaction and raise its bottom line.

Dr. Judith Gates, an independent consultant in Cayman and the UK, and owner and director of Whitworth Hall Country Park Hotel in the UK, spoke to the Steering Committee about her organisation's experiences with Investors In People and the process which resulted in the hotel achieving the prestigious Investors In People recognition in December 2002.

Dr. Gates, in detailing the benefits of the Standard to Whitworth employees, listed increased opportunities for career and self-development through training, use of a variety of skills on the job, a higher degree of personal responsibility and independence, frequent opportunities for feedback from management and a general increase in job satisfaction.

"The Investors in People Standard establishes a partnership between employer and employee in its approach to business development," Dr. Gates explained. "One of the comments from our employees was that they now feel that they are a part of the team. Others now feel that if they need something, they only have to ask because there is always someone there to help them."

Dr. Gates cited a low rate of absenteeism and staff turnover, a high standard of punctuality and a high retention rate of part time staff as benefits that Whitworth enjoyed as a result of achieving the Investors in People Standard. Additional advantages and measurable results included a 15% increase in wedding sales, increased professionalism and business insight from staff, improved customer satisfaction and profitability, said Gates.

Philip Scott of the Employment Services Centre and the Project Manager for Investors in People-Cayman Islands is excited at the prospect of what the programme can do for local businesses. "Many organisations in the Cayman Islands may already meet some or all of the requirements of the programme," said Mr. Scott. "However, any company which would like to gain more of a competitive edge, increase their productivity and customer satisfaction and enhance their corporate image will still benefit greatly from Investors in People. More importantly, improved employee motivation, satisfaction and performance guarantees a win-win situation for everyone involved."

Anyone who would like more information about Investors in People can contact Mr. Scott at 945 3114 or by email at Philip.Scott@gov.ky.