When it comes to persuading customers to part with upwards of $10,000 for a fine watch that keeps time less effectively than the mobile phone in their other hand, it pays to have a smile on your face.
Or, when steering a conversation from an ill-advised desire to join a waiting list for a steel Daytona and consider instead an immediately available Speedmaster?
Again, a cheerful disposition will do no harm.
Which is why, in part, why Watches of Switzerland Group is delighted to be named as a certified Great Place to Work at its first attempt.
Great Place to Work describes itself as a global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors that are proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.
Securing the certification is recognition for WoSG’s commitment to people and actions in creating a positive employee experience and an enjoyable working environment, the company says.
Significantly, the group has earned its job satisfaction spurs on both sides of the Atlantic.
“We’re delighted to be recognized as a Great Place to Work and the fact that we have made the list of Certified Great Places to Work in both of our US and UK regions in our first year of entry is a testament to the hard work, passion and team spirit of all of our colleagues who work hard to deliver positive outcomes for our clients,” says Brian Duffy, CEO of the Watches of Switzerland Group.
The process requires employees to complete a survey that asks about workplace culture, policies, practices, history and demographics.
Details of the survey are confidential, but earning the Great Place to Work seal of approval means thresholds are reached across a range of areas, including day-to-day satisfaction at work and philanthropy.
“I’m delighted to see how proud our colleagues are to work for our Group and how included they feel when they join and continue to develop their careers with us,” says Philippa Jackson, WoSG’s executive director human resources.
“Our culture has an ingrained caring spirit and we are dedicated to giving back to our communities through the work of the Watches of Switzerland Group Foundation. Our Group has contributed £7.5m to our Foundation since 2021. To this extent, our colleagues enjoy volunteering in our communities, and we saw a 23% increase in volunteering hours in FY24,” she adds.