Like every company, John Henderson Group, Spar's wholesaler for Northern Ireland, is committed to maintaining high standards in recruiting, motivating and retaining its 1,200 strong workforce. As a major employer in Northern Ireland, the group faces the usual pressures involved in keeping the workforce happy ­ especially in the current climate of legislative change on issues such as the working time directive, the minimum wage and parental leave. Human resources manager Linda Watson says: "The intensified competition within our sector means we must be more proactive than ever to ensure we recruit the highest standard of professionals." But the story doesn't end there. "Once we have succeeded in attracting employees to John Henderson, we must then train and motivate them to remain with us." Watson has an MBA in HR management as well as a particular interest in company culture and job satisfaction in the workplace. She eschews the view of HR as the hire and fire' department, which for her represent the old ways' of management. "Of course we still need firm management controls. Industry as a whole has now come to realise the importance of creating an organisational culture based on mutual respect and understanding," she explains. Applicants for job vacancies at the company undergo structured interviews, behavioural profiling and development plans to ensure Henderson employs "the cream of the crop". Successful applicants then take part in anin-depth induction programme, tailored to each person. From the shop floor to top management inductions include spending time in all areas of the business to gain an overall understanding of the systems the company uses. The proof that a people based system works effectively can be seen in the company's loyal and committed workforce ­ 36 employees have been presented with long service awards, six have been recognised with 25 years of employment, and two with 30. {{PEOPLE MOVES }}

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