Boots Opticians is officially the best company to work for in the country according to the latest Sunday Times ranking. While it can be rightly proud of its top spot in the league table of workforce satisfaction (see News) it's the whole of optics that stands to gain from the profile its victory provides. The issue of workforce engagement, stakeholder satisfaction, staff retention and development have become the new mantras of business. Gordon Gekko-style corporate greed has gone out of fashion. The drive for financial success is greater than ever but businesses now have corporate responsibilities both to their customers and their staff.
Personnel experts insist that a loyal and committed workforce is a prerequisite of business success but, post-credit crunch, that same commitment is essential to battling back from recession.
Boots Opticians' domination of the ranking is total. The survey, which involved over 1,100 firms and more than 275,000 people, brought it out top across a range of measures. Staff at Boots Opticians feel heathier, have more fun and believe their employer is more principled that those working elsewhere.
All of this makes Boots Opticians an attractive proposition for workers wanting a secure and fulfilling job and to debt-burdened graduates seeking career development and longevity. Nothing should be taken away from Boots Opticians for its success but the association for optics cannot be ignored. Optics will benefit from the link. Who wouldn't want to work in a caring and principled profession with a dedicated and happy workforce? This proves that is what optics can be.