Workforce engagement: case study of an award‐winning leadership model

Purpose – The paper aims to present a case study of multi award‐winning management team's methods used to profoundly increase staff performance through engagement. Design/methodology/approach – The model covers applied techniques in internal communication; management training; managing performance (underperformers and star performers); and staff wellbeing. Findings – Results included a 20‐fold increase in output with only a three‐fold increase in staff; sick leave reduced by one third; and staff turnover reduced by more than half. Originality/value – The paper presents practical, easy‐to‐follow, scalable methods of an employer described by a national judging panel as “exceptional […] astonishing […] determined to go the extra mile towards every employer's dream: a contented, highly motivated workforce”. It includes 12 tips for managers to become excellent people managers, and the ten common values of excellent teams.