Happy employees, happy students: Witherslack's success
Read on to find out how we helped Witherslack Group achieve the following amazing results:
Sector-leading eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score) | 90% overall response rate | Overall employee happiness score of 8.3
Happy employees, happy students: Witherslack's success
This case study explores how Witherslack Group, the leading UK education provider for children with special educational needs (SEN), has focused on what matters to its workforce to build strong employee engagement at a time of considerable growth.
Achieved sector-leading eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score) well above industry benchmarks.
Saw a 90% overall response rate for a workforce split across multiple sites and many remote workers
Achieved an overall employee happiness score of 8.3. Strong employee connection to organisational objectives, with ‘Improving outcomes for young people is a top priority at my place of work’ the highest-scoring statement
About Witherslack Group
At Witherslack Group, every young person’s story is different. But we ensure life-changing outcomes for all by creating aspirational futures through inspirational education.
We’re proud of our reputation and that over 100 local authorities that we work with see us as the undisputed go-to provider for young people needing the most specialised and personalised educational, clinical, and emotional support.
This is recognised by Ofsted too, with 100% of our schools rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' - making us the leading provider of the highest-quality independent specialist education in England.
The challenge
Witherslack Group has grown considerably in recent years as it has extended its unique offering of education, support and advice to more young people, their parents and carers.
That growth wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and skill of its workforce, who recognise that working in the sector isn’t easy. It’s often hard work and takes a special sort of person.
As it has opened schools in new areas of the country, the Group wanted to ensure that the very values and behaviours which create a great, inclusive place to work are shared across every location and team so that employees always feel valued for who they are and stay to progress their careers.
The solution
Witherslack Group partnered with The Happiness Index to implement a comprehensive listening strategy. This strategy focused on:
Regular employee engagement surveys: These surveys allowed employees to voice their concerns and feedback anonymously, providing valuable insights into their experiences.
Local ownership: Recognising the diverse nature of their workforce spread across the country, Witherslack Group empowered individual teams to tailor communication and address concerns at a local level.
Communicating actionable insights: Feedback wasn't just collected, it was acted upon. Witherslack used survey data to identify areas for improvement and implement meaningful changes.
Leadership involvement: The Senior Executive team drove the listening strategy, being visible and demonstrating their commitment to employee engagement and wellbeing. As part of this, senior leaders held listening sessions with teams to understand how action planning took place locally.
The results
The results of Witherslack Group's listening strategy have been remarkable:
Increased employee engagement: A substantial increase in employee engagement as measured by the eNPS (Employee Net Promoter Score). This was well above industry benchmarks and in May 2024 saw the Group’s highest-ever eNPS score.
High survey participation: Achieved a consistent 90% response rate, with some establishments reaching 100%.
Improved scores on key metrics: Strong scores for well-being, communication, and inclusion, highlighted the Group’s work on involving employees to identify focus areas and reflect a positive work environment.
Overall employee happiness: Achieved an overall employee happiness score of 8.3.
Perhaps the most impactful outcome is the sustained high ratings, with all its schools rated 'Good' or 'Outstanding' by Ofsted - demonstrating a clear link between a great place to work and fantastic outcomes for its young people.
The impact
Witherslack Group's employee-centric approach has had a far-reaching impact:
Reduced staff turnover: They boast some of the lowest turnover rates in the industry, attracting and retaining top talent.
Improved leadership development: Recognising the importance of career progression saw an emphasis on preparing and developing their existing workforce for senior roles- ensuring leaders of the future stayed with the Group to progress their careers
Enhanced diversity and inclusion: Feedback-driven initiatives like inclusive recruitment practices and cultural awareness training have led to a Bronze Inclusive Employers accreditation, with a clear path towards Gold.
“Working with The Happiness Index has enabled us to gain valuable insights into the perceptions of our people and the things that matter to them. From the detailed reports produced, we have been able to identify how we can support teams to create a great, inclusive place to work, as well as understand emerging trends so that we can act on what is being said and ensure a great employee experience – from recognition to wellbeing and inclusion." - Jenni Morris, Chief People Officer
