Be in to Win – from absence to attendance in Royal Mail Group

Abstract

‘Be in to Win’ was part of an innovative approach by Royal Mail Group to tackle the growing issue of chronic levels of unauthorised absence within the organisation. The approach involved a six-month scheme in which all employees with a 100 percent attendance record were entered into a draw to win one of thirty-seven brand new Ford cars. Initially seen by some in the media as a gimmick centered on bribery, the ‘Be in to Win’ incentive scheme increased attendance at Royal Mail by 18 percent, resulted in an average of 2,000 extra people at work per day and saved the business over £80 million in sick absence payments and lost time. Royal Mail's positive approach to absence management played a large part in helping the organisation return to profitability and record the highest levels of quality for over ten years. Founded 360 years ago Royal Mail Group is one of the largest single employers in Europe, with over 185,000 people throughout the United Kingdom and 14,000 people in mainland Europe. Royal Mail's letters business delivers to over 27 million UK addresses and moves over 80 million items of mail every night. Post Office Limited, Royal Mail's retail arm, has over 14,000 outlets, 55,000 indirectly employed agents and 28 million customers per week, making it by far the UK's largest retail presence. In terms of the network, Royal Mail's fleet of 35,000 vehicles makes it second only in size in Europe to that of the Russian Army.