Employee Ownership Explainer
Nightingales decided some time ago that a better way to do business was to share the rewards of ownership with those who make our service what it is – our employees. We believe that everyone wins when those most involved have a stake in the outcome.
Here’s how we are making that happen:
Employee Ownership Journey
Our journey towards employee ownership began in 2014 and came to fruition in 2021. We now set aside 20% of the company under a Hybrid Employee Ownership Scheme, which benefits all our employees through an annual Partners Bonus.
The Partners Bonus
Every year, the Partners Bonus is shared among our employees, based on how much they have contributed since the scheme began. This bonus is equivalent to 25% of any dividends paid on the original Founder Shares of the company. The amount each employee receives is based on their cumulative earnings since the start of the scheme in 2014.
Benefits of Employee Ownership
Research and our own experience show that employee-owned companies not only provide a happier and more resilient workplace but also result in more satisfied customers. This is because when employees think and act like owners, the level of service they provide and their job satisfaction increases, creating a mutually beneficial situation for everyone involved.
Direct Employee Ownership
We’re now entering a second stage of employee ownership, offering our seasoned employees (those with us for more than three years) the opportunity to buy Partner Shares directly. These shares carry similar benefits to the Founder Shares but are available at a 66% discount. Payable over three years via their Partners Bonus, we hope that by making it easy to buy in, an additional 7.5% of Nightingales’ value will be transferred to our employees.
Customer Satisfaction
We believe this is important for our customers too. When you choose to rely on Nightingales, you’re not just dealing with employees but with individuals who are invested in Nightingales’ success. Our employees understand that the satisfaction they derive from their roles, and ultimately the financial rewards they receive, are intimately connected to our customers’ happiness. We believe this not only boosts the morale and well-being of our employees but also translates into higher levels of service. The result is a win-win situation for our employees, our customers, and Nightingales as a whole.