William Barrett & Sons Case Study
“Colin has been fantastic from the start and has a great understanding of not just HR and WHS, but the funeral industry and how those things apply practically. Chris is a fountain of knowledge and has assisted in guiding us through many challenges, as well as award interpretation and best practice policy and procedure creation. The whole team is great, but Colin and Chris are our main ‘go-to’s!“
Background
William Barrett & Sons is a fourth-generation family business, established 1897. We serve the families of the South West of WA with branches in Bunbury, Busselton and Harvey. We have a large team of about 35 permanent staff and 35 casuals.
“Following two years of large growth in funeral numbers, we found we were understaffed which led to team members getting frustrated, making errors and blaming each other for problems. In the couple of years following, with the assistance of KeyBA we are developing a culture of teamwork, with a focus on solutions, support, constructive feedback, empowerment and agency in the team, and a focus on continuous improvement. These are the cornerstones of the ‘Barrett Way’ which has been designed and rolled out with KeyBA’s assistance. Tidying up policies and procedures and having consistency and transparency in these has also helped give people assurance in the way things should be done and why. The staff group has grown, and salaries have been implemented which has stabilised the team and as a whole, the culture of the business has greatly improved, however, there is always work to do.”
– Adrian Barrett
ย Chief Executive, William Barrett & Sons
What business challenges have you been presented with in your business, and required KBAโs help with?
“Policies and Procedures (compliance); managing grievances; onboarding (especially induction plans); offboarding; manager and supervisor training; DISC personality training; staff engagement survey; strategic planning; day to day advice on WHS and HR matters!”
How did those challenges impact your business?
“From a risk management point of view, I have confidence in our compliance with legislation and best practice; strategic planning has allowed the senior management team to set our strategy and communicate to the leadership team and the team as a whole; managers and supervisors were often promoted because of their operational skills, but were not given adequate training and support in leadership which has been addressed.”
Some of KBA solutions which helped your business:
Key Results/ Solutions by Key Business Advisors
Leadership/ Management Trainingย
Supervisor Training – Mentoring/ Coaching
“For example, we are proud to share our STAR Survey Results below, showcasing a fantastic outcome that reinforces Barretts as an employer of choice!”
How did KBA solutions help your business?
“Confidence in risk management and compliance; better team culture; better strategic planning; improved skills and knowledge of leadership team; day to day issues that arise – whether to give an answer, or feedback on solutions.”
– Adrian Barrett
ย Chief Executive, William Barrett & Sons
Services with KBA
- Strategic Planningย
- Staff Training, Recruitment and Onboardingย
- HR Advice & Supportย
- Workplace Surveys
- Business Improvement and Strategy daysย
- DiSC
- Leadership trainingย
- Management Training
- Mentoring/ Coaching
About William Barrett and Sons
“Colin has been fantastic from the start and has a great understanding of not just HR and WHS, but the funeral industry and how those things apply practically. Chris is a fountain of knowledge and has assisted in guiding us through many challenges, as well as award interpretation and best practice policy and procedure creation. The whole team is great, but Colin and Chris are our main ‘go-to’s!”
– Adrian Barrett
ย Chief Executive, William Barrett & Sons
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