The University has been named Scotland’s Best Large Employer at a prestigious recruitment awards in honour of its staff initiatives, including during the pandemic.
Strathclyde - which employs almost four and a half thousand staff across academia, teaching and research, technical support, catering, cleaning, security, sports, library, finance and IT - took the honour at the S1jobs Recruitment Awards at a ceremony at the Doubletree by Hilton in Glasgow.
The University was recognised for its progressive initiatives such as the carers’ network, family friendly research leave and menopause policy.
Rest day Fridays and meeting free Fridays, which were introduced during lockdown, as well as additional payments to frontline staff and early confirmation that agile working will be a permanent part of the University going forward, also formed part of the submission.
A Wellbeing and Working from Home hub with a range of resources for staff, including information on balancing home and work life and staying physically and mentally well, was also introduced.
Exceptional times
Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Sir Jim McDonald said:
We are delighted to receive this award which is testament to how we live our organisational Values and help colleagues and their families thrive in these exceptional times and beyond.
“Competing against employers from a variety of sectors across the country, we were recognised for our innovative and progressive approach in the support of our staff during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We believe that our people-oriented response has been unparalleled as we put our staff first, providing an additional paid leave day every week during lockdown periods, additional payments to front line staff and early confirmation that agile working would be a permanent part of how we do our business.
“I would like to thank everyone across the University for their hard-work, for taking a values-led approach and for showing commitment in implementing these leading initiatives and – of course - for supporting one another throughout of the pandemic.”
Mentoring programme
Strathclyde also extended an application deadline during the pandemic to allow candidates with childcare responsibilities more time to apply to the Global Talent Campaign, which focuses on diversity.
The University has continued efforts to reduce the impact of the pandemic, with measures such a mentoring programme.
Gavin Mochan, Managing Director, s1 said: “After such a challenging period it was hugely rewarding to be able to recognise the great work that is being done across the recruitment and HR sectors.”