Healthy Work Life Balance Puts Business in Pole Position
May 1, 2005
For many employees, leisure pursuits and after-work activities can end up on the back burner when it comes to working full time and paying off the mortgage.
However, forward thinking companies are beginning to realise the benefits of promoting a positive work/life balance by supporting their staff both within and out with the workplace.
BSW Timber, are one company that realise the benefits of long term employee work/life initiatives which promote a positive working environment, generate high staff morale and improved staff retention.
Although the company is involved in a number of diverse programmes, one dynamic initiative provides sponsorship and support to an employee with a passion for rally driving. Mike Faulkner, Internal Sales Manager at BSW Timber in Carlisle, dreamt of
becoming a rally driver since he was a child. The immense cost of the sport has always been an inhibiting factor, but, as an employee of BSW, he has been supported in the pursuit of his dream every step of the way:
"I started competing seriously in rally driving in 1994 when I became the Scottish Junior Champion. Part of the prize was a weekend away with the Subaru World Rally team, where I met my hero, Colin Macrae and this fantastic experience really fuelled the passion I had for the sport. I immediately set my sights on entering, and winning, the 1997 Peugeot British Junior Championship, but was faced with the daunting task of
raising the £25,000 per year that it costs to run and compete in a rally car.
"BSW are very supportive of my rally driving, and provide me with a sponsorship deal which contributes considerably towards my competing costs. As well as helping me with the 1997 Peugeot British Junior Championship, BSW's support continues to provide a large percentage of the financial backing I need to compete against the top rally driving teams. There aren't many companies that would go to such lengths to make you feel like a valued individual, as well as a valued member of staff.
"Financial support is the tool of survival in sports such as rally driving, but the benefits are mutual. At the moment we are competing in the 206 Super Cup Rally Championship 2005, which will have dedicated coverage on channel 4, and Men and Motors, with
highlights being broadcast worldwide helping raise the profile of BSW Timber at national and international level."
Bryan Crennell, Marketing Manager at BSW Timber, says the firm are proud to be associated with Mike's achievements: "We like to help our staff become high achievers in all aspects of their lives, not just at work. Mike's exceptional talent on the rally driving circuit has been demonstrated time and again, and we are all keen to see him achieve further success.
"Sponsorship is just one of several staff initiatives that BSW employ in order to maintain a healthy, happy workforce, with a focus on team spirit. This positive working environment impacts upon the whole company, resulting in long term staff retention, great productivity and a healthy bottom line."