EMW has always embraced a people-first approach, and now, with a boost from local experts Incentivesmart, the firm is taking employee engagement, reward and recognition to new heights.
James Geary, Managing Partner of EMW, reflected on the company’s values: “EMW has been part of the Milton Keynes business community for over three decades. As a B Corp certified company, one of our key aspirations has always been supporting the local community.
“Local collaboration strengthens the entire business ecosystem, and we’re proud of our recent partnership with Incentivesmart, a team of Milton Keynes-based experts in employee engagement and reward systems.”
The collaboration epitomises EMW’s commitment to empowering its people while enhancing its work culture.
Despite advancements in technology and shifts in workplace trends, EMW remains steadfastly people focused. Beyond a desire to nurture its team, this approach stems from a strategic understanding: retaining talent is essential. Losing great people entails not only a high financial cost but also the loss of institutional knowledge and morale.
Over the years, EMW has rolled out various initiatives to support its team, often in simple yet impactful ways. For instance, two-way communication, providing timely recognition, and prioritising employee wellbeing and work-life balance are foundational to their strategy.
One of the firm’s standout practices includes flexible work arrangements and a ‘work from anywhere’ policy, which empowers employees to spend portions of their year working remotely. Recently, EMW even shortened the length of its working day, a change that’s been warmly received by the team.
Taking recognition to the next level
Historically, EMW has acknowledged team achievements through thoughtful gestures, such as awarding an extra day’s holiday for milestones or giving out cards for recognition. However, the firm has now ventured further by launching its own branded employee engagement hub, powered by Incentivesmart.
The platform is specifically designed to drive engagement, foster a positive company culture and strengthen team spirit. It serves as a central hub where employees can access updates, share good news, participate in team activities and earn recognition for their contributions.
“Our new platform represents a big step forward in our people-first journey,” said James. “While we’re experts in law, we’re not specialists in employee engagement. Partnering with Incentivesmart, a company that has decades of experience, made perfect sense.”
The beauty of this initiative lies in its simplicity and cost effectiveness. Employees are awarded points for accomplishments, many of which align with initiatives such as wellbeing or professional development. These points can then be redeemed from an extensive reward catalogue filled with exciting choices, from small treats to big ticket items like holidays.
For EMW, this flexible and inclusive approach to recognition ensures a continuous cycle of motivation and appreciation while fostering long-term engagement.
A seamless and impactful launch
The roll-out of the Incentivesmart platform has involved a thorough onboarding process and the response from EMW employees has been overwhelmingly positive. Regular updates and visibility into how others are using the platform have contributed to its growing popularity. This initiative also sends a strong message to clients by showcasing EMW’s commitment to its people, further differentiating it within the competitive professional services sector.
Working with another local company has reinforced the essence of EMW’s B Corp values. Incentivesmart, with its base at Unity Place, shares a similar ethos as a people-first business founded on authenticity.
James added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Richard White and his fantastic team at Incentivesmart. Th is collaboration is a testament to what can be achieved when local businesses work together.”
As EMW continues to pioneer employee engagement initiatives, the firm is not just investing in its people but also setting a benchmark for others to follow. By fostering rewarding relationships internally, EMW ensures it remains a great place to work and deliver exceptional value to its clients.
Visit the EMW Law website to find out more.
