by David Bone, Communications Officer, Land Energy
I was once made redundant twice in under two years; such is the precariousness of the jobs market, particularly in areas that are overly reliant on erratic or seasonal employment. I am certain many readers will be familiar with the feelings of hopelessness and the creeping sense of ennui that can stem from job loss, especially when weeks begin to turn into months.
This can be exacerbated by the insidious cousin of redundancy: low wages. The inability to build even a modest one-month emergency fund further compounds the impact of losing a job.
However, at Land Energy, we believe that paying the real Living Wage is not just the right thing to do; it also makes sound business sense and helps align capital and labour in a shared, collaborative direction.
Since committing to becoming a Living Wage Employer, we have seen clear benefits across the business, from improved employee wellbeing to stronger relationships with our local community. Recognising that staff pay is a foundational factor allows other positive elements to cascade outwards.
One of the most noticeable changes has been the impact on employee morale. Paying the Living Wage helps our team members feel valued and respected, demonstrating that the company is going beyond the bare minimum. This has translated into higher job satisfaction, stronger loyalty to the business, and a clear uplift in morale.
As a result, we have seen improved staff retention and reduced turnover. This has lowered recruitment costs and helped create a more durable workplace culture. Considering that replacing and training an employee can cost 20–30% of their annual salary, the benefits to the bottom line, and to HR, are clear.
It also drives engagement. When employees feel financially secure and fairly rewarded, they are more motivated and invested in their work. Across the company, we have seen improved productivity, higher-quality output, and stronger overall performance.
Becoming accredited as a Living Wage employer has also strengthened our reputation as a responsible employer. The accreditation demonstrates our commitment to fair pay and ethical business practices, something that resonates throughout every level of the company.
The impact has also been felt beyond our business. As a large employer based just outside the South Ayrshire town of Girvan, on the west coast of Scotland, we recognise the important role we play in supporting the local economy. Around 80% of our workforce lives in South Ayrshire, and we employ approximately 100 people across the business. By paying the Living Wage, we help support local households and contribute to a stronger community, where people feel secure enough to put down roots, engage in cultural activities and build stability in their lives.
Feedback from our employees shows just how meaningful this commitment has been. In our 2024 People Satisfaction Survey, wages were highlighted as one of the top reasons to work at Land Energy, and around 70% of employees said they were satisfied with their total benefits package, including pay.
For Land Energy, becoming a Living Wage Employer has been a win-win. It has improved the wellbeing of our team, strengthened our business, and reinforced our commitment to social responsibility.
Most importantly, it helps ensure that the people who drive our success are able to share in it fully regardless of their position in the company.