By Steven Burnett, Group Marketing & Stakeholder Communications Manager
In today’s economic climate, where families across Scotland continue to face rising energy costs and increasing grocery bills, Aberdeen Laundry Services stands proud as a beacon of employee-focused business practices. Since becoming an accredited Living Wage employer in 2023, we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation in our workplace culture and the lives of our team members.
A Commitment to Fair Compensation
When our Director, Surendra Khandelwal, made the decision to pursue Living Wage accreditation, it wasn’t simply about meeting a standard—it was about embodying our core value of fair work. As highlighted in our recent Sustainability Report, Aberdeen Laundry Services is “dedicated to advocating for equitable remuneration and strives for livelihoods that reflect equality and justice across all levels of our workforce.”
This commitment has become especially meaningful as our employees navigate the ongoing energy crisis and significant increases in weekly shopping expenses. We couldn’t stand by and watch as our team members struggled. Instead, under Surendra’s steadfast leadership, we took concrete action to ensure every individual at ALS receives compensation that genuinely supports a decent standard of living.
Beyond Just a Wage
Our dedication to employee wellbeing extends far beyond the salary. Since implementing the real Living Wage, we’ve complemented this foundation with additional support mechanisms:
- Mintago Financial Wellbeing Platform: This comprehensive tool has seen growing engagement among our staff, empowering them to effectively manage savings, price percentage reductions across many high street and digital brands, Salary Sacrifice scheme, track pension investments, and access valuable financial education resources.
- Mental Wellness Support: Through the UNUM Help@Hand app, we’ve provided accessible mental health resources, enabling our team to manage stress effectively and maintain balanced mental wellbeing.
- Fashion & Textile Children’s Trust Partnership: This bespoke collaboration allows us to support families within our workforce through financial contributions and grant promotion, creating meaningful impact for those who need it most.
Real Stories, Real Impact
The numbers tell part of the story: our workforce is diverse and inclusive, with 51% women and 47% minority employees. But the real impact of the Living Wage is best understood through the experiences of our team members.
“Before the Living Wage implementation, I was constantly juggling bills and worrying about unexpected expenses,” shares Marie, who has been with us for five years. “Now I can actually plan for the future and even put a little aside each month. The financial stress reduction has been life-changing.”
Another team member, notes: “It’s not just about the money—it’s about dignity. Knowing that the company values us enough to ensure we can live comfortably has completely changed how I feel about coming to work each day.”
Organisational Benefits
The benefits of our Living Wage commitment flow both ways. Since implementation, we’ve observed:
- Reduced turnover rates
- Increased productivity
- Improved service quality
- Enhanced company reputation
- Stronger team cohesion
- Greater employee engagement
As noted in our sustainability report, we’ve eliminated zero-hour contracts and established minimum fixed working hours, creating stability and security for our workforce. This commitment to fair work has fostered an environment where employees feel valued, respected, and secure.
Leading by Example
As a Silver EcoVadis-rated company in the top 93rd percentile, Aberdeen Laundry Services is committed to leading by example in all aspects of sustainability, including social performance. Our real Living Wage accreditation is a cornerstone of this commitment.
Surendra Khandelwal’s vision has been clear from the start: “We cannot build a sustainable business without ensuring the wellbeing of the people who make that business possible.” His unwavering support for our employees continues to drive our people-first approach.
Looking Ahead
As we continue our sustainability journey, with ambitious goals for environmental performance and community engagement, our commitment to the real Living Wage remains unshakeable. We’re proud to be creating not just jobs, but careers that support families and strengthen communities across Scotland.
In an industry where margins can be tight and competition fierce, Aberdeen Laundry Services demonstrates that investing in people is not just the right thing to do—it’s good business. The real Living Wage isn’t an expense; it’s an investment in our most valuable asset: our people.
Aberdeen Laundry Services is a leading provider in the commercial laundry industry in Scotland, dedicated to delivering high-quality laundry solutions whilst prioritising sustainability and community engagement. To learn more about our ESG initiatives and commitment to fair work, visit our website or contact us directly.