Orchid CEO to give staff video updates

Orchid Group chief executive Rufus Hall will be giving staff regular updates on YouTube to help them keep up-to-date with the business.

The videos, dubbed Rufus Cam, will be accompanied by a company magazine called Orchid Impact as part of a new programme for the managed pub operator's 6,500 staff.

Other initiatives launched for the benefit of the company's 6,500 staff are the Orchid Lottery, which is drawn once a month and gives a range of prizes from sky diving to tickets to major sporting events; the Halo Awards, which allows staff to nominate each other for their hard work; and One Big Idea, where each member of staff contributes one business boosting idea for a financial reward.

Each staff member receives a birthday card on their birthday with a free drink voucher signed by the board and in 'back to the floor', Orchid's board will be working at the group's pubs in the Midlands.

"We recognise the need to invest in people at all levels and our new internal communication programme will do just that," said Hall.

"Orchid creates a family feel by keeping staff informed and involved and this in turn boosts morale and motivation. We have found that by giving our employees as much information as possible and allowing them the opportunity to do things outside their normal work, we can not only boost business but also help them develop their careers and do our bit for local people and the environment."

Orchid was ranked number 20 in the Sunday Times' list of the Top 25 UK Big Companies to work for.