THE EARNEST OWNER SEARCHING FOR A FAMILY FEEL

Mark Price, former MD of Waitrose, shares his workplace fables – true stories from the business front line that can teach us lessons about career success

‘I want us to reward long service… with a good pension’

Iwant to create a family feel in this business,” said the Earnest Owner.

“You mean arguing about petty things or spending time in separate rooms?” joked the HR director.

The Earnest Owner smiled: “That, I’m afraid, is what we have. Flexi contracts, temporary contracts, remote working. I want a workforce that is tightly knit, supports each other and defends our business at all times – loyal but honest and open so that everyone can be the best they can be.”

The HR director came up with a plan: “First, I want to pay a bonus to any current employee who gets a member of their family to join us. On their application form, I want people to record past or current family ties with the business, and I want us to look on those applications favourably. We will have families within the family.”

“Agreed,” said the owner, who instantly saw the benefit for families being united and loyal to the business for generation after generation, like his own family had been.

Moral of the tale:

If you look after your people/family, they will look after you.

Workplace Fables: 147 True Life

Stories, by Mark Price, is published by Stour Publishing. To order your copy for £8.99 plus p&p, call 0844 871 1514 or visit books. telegraph.co.uk

Share your Workplace Fables and learn more about Mark’s mission to improve workplace happiness at businessnourisher.com