CarShop is committing £60,000 to improve the health, wellbeing and morale of its workforce as part of its reinvigorated 'people strategy'.

Following a bumper year in terms of profit and the recent accreditation of the Investors In People Silver Standard, in-house focus groups, the retailer announced the launch of its ‘Engage’ rewards and benefits programme; a £60,000 investment which has been carefully tailored to benefit the wellbeing of all staff.

CarShop claims that ongoing engagement review surveys and industry benchmarking are all examples of the company’s existing focus on its workforce.

The new Engage initiative will not only offer counselling and support alongside discounted gym membership and private healthcare options as part of a drive towards improved health and wellbeing, but will also actively encourage peer-to-peer recognition among staff.

CarShop’s operations director, Kirk O’Callaghan, claimed that the initiative was “the most comprehensive programme in the automotive industry”.

And Carshop chief executive Jonathan Dunkley said: “Since taking over the reins in 2012, focusing more on our colleagues has been a personal mission of mine; after all, they are the heart of the business and our most important asset. And if we don’t have it right for our internal customers, we’re not going to be able to get it right for our external customers, hence the investment.

“It started off with a deep-dive into understanding how our colleagues felt about the business and, thankfully, the overwhelming response was passionate and positive, but several areas of focus become apparent; health and wellbeing alongside recognition were key areas which our colleagues felt improvements could be made.

“I’m really pleased to say that our People Team did a tremendous job in addressing this, and have produced an all-encompassing programme which sets us apart from the rest of the industry.”