It’s Yorr People. It’s always been Yorr People.

The basis for nurturing a thriving and sustainable business starts (and ends!) with one fundamental element: Your People.

What do you do when you want to scale and grow your business? You invest in the right people, in the right places, to help you do it. And do it right. Simple.?

With 438,000 outstanding tribunals at the end of September last year (gov.uk), there’s an indication that whether you get the right person or not, in employment, things can and do go wrong.?

Navigating the business world has never been more complex. Just think Brexit, global pandemics and a change in Government. New legislation and requirements for compliance mean businesses are constantly having to manage increased risks, internally and externally.?

But if there's one thing that's clearer than ever, it’s this: your people will be the reason your business is successful. Whether that success is financial (making loads of ￡￡￡), reputational (like winning awards), or the business growth you achieve, people are behind it all!

It all matters, don’t get me wrong. Strategy, technology, and development are all important, but none of those elements can truly thrive without the right team behind them. And I’m not just talking about warm bodies filling roles. I’m talking about engaged, passionate, and empowered employees who are fully invested in the success of your business.

In this article, I explore 3 key concepts that every business leader should focus on, and might just be the difference between sustainable success and business dysfunction: engagement, innovation, and culture.

1. Engagement: Be more like Branson

“Clients do not come first. Employees come first. If you take care of your employees, they will take care of the clients.”?

– Richard Branson, CEO and founder of Virgin Group?

We’ve all been there—those moments where work feels like a slog and Sunday evenings are just no fun anymore. Now imagine if those feelings were widespread across your entire company. Scary, right? That’s where employee engagement comes in. Engaged employees don’t just “show up” to work—they bring their A-game, they care, and most importantly, they stay.?

They might even ‘refer a friend’ one day! No one is going to recommend an employer that they themselves aren’t happy working for.?

In today’s competitive market, having a revolving door of employees is not just frustrating, it’s expensive. Recruitment, training, lost productivity—all of that adds up. But an engaged workforce? That’s where you’ll see loyalty, productivity, and, ultimately, profit.

So, how can you effectively engage your employees? (Beyond fair & equitable pay and benefits)

• Recognition Matters: People want to feel valued. Whether it’s a public shoutout, a bonus, or even just a sincere “thank you,” recognition goes a long way. It shows employees that their hard work is seen and appreciated.
• Opportunities for Growth: If your people feel like they’re stuck in a rut, they’ll eventually leave. Offering clear career progression, training, and development can be a game changer. The best part? Developing talent from within is usually far cheaper than constantly hiring new people.
• Open Communication: Make sure your team knows they’re being heard. Encourage feedback and be transparent about the company's performance and direction. When people feel like they have a voice, and kept in the loop, they're more likely to be invested in the outcome.

When you engage your people properly, you're not just investing in their happiness at work—you're investing in the future of your business.

2. Innovation: It’s what’s on the inside that counts

As business leaders, we all talk a good game about innovation. But what we often forget is that innovation doesn’t come from a shiny new app or a high-priced consultant. True innovation comes from the people inside your business. Those who understand your business the best: your people.

They’re the ones on the front line, producing your product, interacting with customers, dealing with processes, and seeing where things could be better. So, if you want to foster innovation, you need to tap into that well of knowledge and creativity.

Here’s how you can make that happen:

• Create a Safe Space for Ideas: This sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many workplaces stifle creativity because employees don’t feel safe to share their thoughts and are scared of being shot down. Encourage a culture where every idea is welcome, and no one is afraid to fail. The next big breakthrough could be lurking in someone’s “crazy” idea.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Some of the best ideas come when different minds and perspectives come together. Get your marketing team talking to your product team, or your sales team collaborating with customer service. Those conversations, happening between the right people, will spark fresh, innovative thinking.?
• Reward Creativity: If you want more innovative thinking, you need to incentivise it. Consider rewards for employees who come up with ideas that improve processes or solve problems. When people know their creativity is valued, they’re more likely to put it to good use.

Your team has insights you can’t even imagine. The more you encourage them to bring those ideas to the table, the more competitive your business will become.

3. Culture: The Foundations of Your Grand Design

Let’s talk culture. The word is often used freely without much meaning, but at its core, culture is about creating an environment where your people want to work—and where they’re able to thrive.

If you think culture is just about free tea & coffee and foosball tables, think again. It goes so much deeper. A healthy, strong and defined company culture can help you attract top talent, reduce turnover, and of course, boost your bottom line.

Think about Culture are the foundations of your business - everything you build is supported by it.

Here’s what to focus on to build a strong culture:

• Let Your Why Be Known: Sure, everyone loves a bit of fun in the workplace, but your culture should be rooted in your company’s values. What do you stand for? What are your non-negotiables? When your people know the “why” behind what they do, they’re more likely to feel connected to the company’s mission.
• Work-Life Balance: In the UK, we’re becoming increasingly aware of the importance of work-life balance. Flexible working hours, remote work options, and understanding personal needs go a long way. When employees feel like they have a life outside of work, they bring more energy and commitment to work. Trust is a huge factor in creating a positive culture of flexibility. Do you trust your people?
• Inclusivity and Diversity: A truly great culture isn’t just one that’s fun or engaging—it’s one where everyone feels they belong. Foster a workplace where diversity is celebrated and inclusivity is the norm. Not only is this the right thing to do, but research shows that diverse teams are more innovative and effective.

Culture isn’t a one-time project. It’s an ongoing effort that requires attention, refinement, and most importantly, buy-in from every level of the business. But when you get it right, you create a company where people actually want to work—and stay for the long haul.

Your People = Your Success

At the end of the day, businesses are made up of people. No matter how advanced your technology, how strong your strategy, or how robust your financials, without a team of motivated, innovative, and engaged individuals, you’ll struggle to hit your targets and grow sustainably.

Focusing on engagement, fostering innovation, and cultivating a positive culture aren’t just “nice-to-haves”—they’re essential elements that will drive the long-term success of your business.

Remember, your people aren’t just employees—they’re ambassadors for your brand, they’re problem solvers, and they’re the very essence of your business. If you take care of them, they’ll take care of your customers, your growth, and ultimately, your bottom line.?

So, if you take one thing away from this, let it be this: invest in Yorr People, and they’ll invest in you.

Here’s to building businesses that don’t just survive—but thrive.