Moredun: creating a positive working environment

The Moredun Group currently employs over 220 staff in a range of roles and in a variety of working patterns. Real value is placed on the contribution that staff make to the organisation’s remit and Moredun is fortunate to have very low levels of staff turnover. Recent staff surveys have shown that staff place high value on the working environment and it is believed that this contributes to high morale and low turnover among the workforce.

Scotland ’s health at work

Since 2003 the Moredun Group has participated in the Scotland’s Health at Work (SHAW) initiative which rewards employers who demonstrate commitment to improving the health and ultimately the performance of their workforce. The programme brings benefits to employers as well as employees by helping create a healthier, more motivated workforce and reducing sickness absence. The Moredun Group successfully achieved the Bronze Award in 2003, Silver in 2004 and Gold in 2005. There are currently only 12 employers in the NHS Lothian area who have achieved the Gold standard.

A focus group comprising members of staff of various grades and from different parts of the organisation has been responsible for the achievements that have been made. In addition to developing policies, the group has provided information on a range of topics, organised seminars and health fairs on topics including cancer, meningitis, healthy eating and back care. Both management and staff have been very supportive and feedback following these events has been very positive. The group also arranges for practitioners to come on site to offer alternative therapies such as reflexology and Indian head massage.

As part of this initiative, in August 2005 Moredun held a very enjoyable “It’s a Knockout” event with Edinburgh University School of Biomedical and Clinical Laboratory Sciences. This event was successful as a teambuilding exercise, as well as being good fun and an opportunity to interact with colleagues away from the workplace environment. Among the games were tug-of-war, gladiator jousting, sumo wrestling, a five-legged egg and spoon race as well as flour filled balloons and water races. All competitors entered into the spirit of the day and turned up in fancy dress as the photos show. The “Psychopaths” from Moredun were the winning team. 

BBC big challenge

The Moredun Group was a joint winner in the category of Healthiest Medium Sized Employer 2005 for the Radio Scotland region and was also put forward to be judged in the national round of the competition. Moredun was delighted to receive this award as the group is committed to developing and maintaining a fit and happy workforce. This award recognises the previous and on-going contribution of many staff at all grades who have worked together to encourage increased awareness of the benefits of regular exercise, good nutrition and an optimal life-work balance. This award will also encourage all staff to continue efforts to reduce stress and illness in the workplace and to ensure that positive steps can be taken by all individuals of all ages and levels of fitness to improve their health and well-being. 

Investors in people

All four companies within the Moredun Group are now Investors in People accredited. The award of this standard demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the management of the Moredun Group to developing its staff and ensuring that they receive the training they require to successfully fulfil their roles. Moredun also makes a real commitment to allow employees to manage their home and work lives effectively. This can be by way of the flexi-time system in place, as well as through reduced working hours or sabbaticals.

on-going development

Moredun remains committed to the development of its workforce and aims to assist with the development of others where possible. During 2005 Moredun welcomed 71 visitors from within and outwith the UK. These visitors included students and those wishing to learn from scientists here and visits lasted from a few days to a few months. A significant number of staff have also attended meetings and conferences at home and abroad allowing them to network with colleagues from other scientific organisations, as well as having an opportunity to advise others of the work being undertaken at Moredun.