Scottish and Southern Energy slashes staff attrition: Better, shorter induction program helps to double customer‐satisfaction ratings
Human Resource Management International Digest
ISSN: 0967-0734
Article publication date: 27 March 2007
Abstract
Purpose
Describes a new induction program at a Scottish and Southern Energy contact centre, which has slashed staff attrition and helped to double customer‐satisfaction ratings.
Design/methodology/approach
Contrasts the old, 12‐week induction program, which was heavily geared towards imparting knowledge, with the new five‐week program, which is more concerned with developing skills. Presents the views of the managing director of the training company responsible for reforming the induction program, and comments from Scottish and Southern Energy executives.
Findings
Reveals that recruitment costs have fallen by £60,000 a month, customer‐satisfaction ratings for calls handled by new starters have risen from around 40 percent to around 80 percent, and new employees take less sickness absence.
Practical implications
Provides plenty to interest call‐centre managers struggling to reduce high levels of employee turnover.
Originality/value
Describes how the new induction program is helping to change the organizational culture among established call‐centre employees.
Keywords
Citation
(2007), "Scottish and Southern Energy slashes staff attrition: Better, shorter induction program helps to double customer‐satisfaction ratings", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 14-17. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730710735690
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited