Standard Life is to create 400 new jobs in Edinburgh, thanks to a record set
of annual figures.
The last year has seen business for the insurance and investments group
expand by 61 per cent to £8.3bn – 46 per cent ahead of targets set a year ago.
David Barr, recruitment manager for Standard Life Assurance, believes that
the figures have much to do with the company’s people policies.
"We have recently introduced a whole range of policies where HR has
worked very closely with the business, such as performance management systems
and a restructuring of the management job levels," he said.
"We have also completely done away with grades and instituted a
market-related way of paying staff."
Against the background of a volatile stockmarket and a global economic
downturn, the organisation has achieved financial stability and developed the
capacity to adapt.
Standard Life’s performance puts it ahead of industry rivals in Britain,
although many have also recorded a rise in sales over the past 12 months.
Barr said this has much to do with the organisation’s ability to attract and
retain competent staff.
"We like to think e are progressive and the company is
progressive," he said.
"HR is heavily involved in getting the right people and training them.
We also help line managers to ensure that working conditions are as competitive
as possible.
"The company recognises that the success of the past year is founded on
investment in the business and investment in the our people."
