The inside view from retail people director Sarah Dickens

What makes the ideal Asda employee?

“It’s about getting the right people with the right attitude.”

What sets apart working at Asda from its competitors?

“There’s the drive and commitment that means great ideas can be put into action quickly.”

How do you strive to retain staff?

“Our ‘everyone matters’ approach demonstrates that colleagues are our most vital resource. After six months’ service, employees are invited to join our Colleague Share Ownership plan. It is incentives such as these that mean we have the best retention figures and lowest absence rate in the industry.”

How do you ensure employees have a good work/life balance?

“If you’re facing a family emergency, or difficult time, you can take up to four weeks of unpaid leave.

This can be extended to eight weeks during the summer holidays.”

Asda

  • Founded Castleford in 1965
  • Based Leeds
  • Number of staff 170,000
  • Number of stores 371
  • Number of days’ leave It varies but standard is 24, plus a float day over Christmas. You also get an extra day after five years’ service, 10 years service, and so on
  • Employee benefits Flexible working packages, full benefits book for all colleagues including dental care, financial services and childcare vouchers
  • Work ethos To be Britain’s best value retailer, to save everyone money, to put our customers first, to care for our colleagues and strive to be the best we can be every day

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