In the highly competitive and demanding construction industry, success is often measured by the quality of projects delivered.
However, at Vision Arch, success is also deeply rooted in the company’s commitment to its people.
As a leader in architectural facade design, fabrication, and installation, Vision Arch has spent 25 years creating not only high-quality structures but also a strong, sustainable workplace culture.
Recognized as an Investors in People (IIP) accredited organization and an Investors in People Awards nominee, Vision Arch has embraced continuous improvement in people management, employee engagement, and workplace wellbeing. This article explores the company’s journey, its strategies for prioritizing its people, and the significant impact of its partnership with IIP.
About Vision Arch
Vision Arch is a well-established architectural facade specialist, operating at the intersection of design, engineering, and construction. The company has forged long-term relationships with some of the most respected industry suppliers and works with leading names in UK construction.
Beyond delivering bespoke glazing and facade solutions, Vision Arch is committed to sustainable growth, strong governance, and social responsibility. The company holds multiple certifications, including ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management Systems), ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety), and ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management). Since 2022, Vision Arch has proudly maintained a carbon-neutral status, further reinforcing its commitment to environmental responsibility.
Why People Are the Priority
For Vision Arch, the well-being and growth of its employees are not just a priority—they are the foundation of its success. Recognizing that engaged, supported, and motivated employees drive business performance, the company has implemented a people-first approach centred around four key principles:
- Inspiring Leadership: Vision Arch develops leaders at all levels who mentor, guide, and support their teams. A culture of accountability and collaboration ensures employees feel empowered to contribute meaningfully.
- Comprehensive Support Systems: Employees have access to onboarding programs, mental health resources, flexible work arrangements, and work-life balance initiatives. The company actively promotes inclusivity and diversity, ensuring every individual feels heard and valued.
- Investment in Training & Development: Through mentorship programs, workshops, and career progression pathways, Vision Arch nurtures a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.
- Commitment to Continuous Improvement: Open communication and regular feedback loops allow employees to contribute ideas, driving innovation and enhancing workplace processes.
This people-first philosophy has shaped the company’s culture, transforming it from an industry player to an employer of choice.
Enhancing the Workplace Experience
To ensure its people thrive, Vision Arch has focused on several key areas:
#1
Strengthening People Policies
Vision Arch continuously refines its policies to promote inclusivity, fairness, and flexibility. Clear guidelines on parental leave, flexible working arrangements, and anti-discrimination measures help create a respectful and supportive workplace.
#2
Improving Communication & Employee Engagement
The company has introduced feedback sessions, pulse surveys, and an open-door leadership policy to ensure employees have a voice in shaping company policies and decisions. Team-building activities and social events further strengthen a sense of belonging.
#3
Structured Progression & Career Development
Employees at Vision Arch benefit from well-defined career pathways, mentorship programs, CPD opportunities, and training workshops. This structured approach helps employees understand how they can grow within the organization.
#4
Evolving Recognition & Reward Schemes
Vision Arch has established initiatives such as the VisionarE Awards (Employee of the Year) and peer-to-peer recognition platforms. The company also offers a mix of financial and non-financial incentives, including additional holiday days, wellness retreats, and professional development opportunities.
#5
Fostering Workplace Wellbeing
Comprehensive wellness programs, including mental health support, fitness initiatives, and access to counselling services, ensure that employees maintain a healthy work-life balance. Vision Arch also promotes flexible working hours and remote work options, recognizing the importance of personal well-being alongside professional responsibilities.
Overcoming Challenges in Workplace Transformation
Despite its successes, Vision Arch has faced several challenges in implementing these initiatives:
- Policy Implementation: Ensuring policies are fair, understood, and embraced across the organization required extensive consultation.
- Communication Barriers: Establishing effective two-way communication channels took time and effort.
- Training & Development Complexity: Meeting the diverse needs of employees while ensuring practical career progression required strategic planning.
- Recognition & Rewards Fairness: Balancing meaningful rewards across different teams and levels remained an ongoing challenge.
- Wellbeing Integration: Encouraging employees to fully engage with wellness initiatives took continuous effort and reinforcement.
Each challenge, however, provided an opportunity for growth and learning, further strengthening Vision Arch’s commitment to its people.
The Impact of a People-Centric Approach
Vision Arch’s investment in its people has yielded remarkable benefits, including:
- Higher employee engagement and satisfaction
- Increased staff retention and talent attraction
- Stronger organizational values and culture
- Improved performance and productivity
- A resilient and forward-thinking leadership team
The results affirm that a strong people-first strategy is not just beneficial—it is essential for long-term business success.
How Investors in People Helped Shape Vision Arch’s Culture
Vision Arch’s partnership with Investors in People has played a crucial role in embedding its positive workplace culture. IIP’s framework provided:
- Strategic direction for leadership development
- Actionable insights into employee engagement
- Support in refining workplace policies and best practices
- A culture of continuous improvement
By following the principles laid out in the We invest in people framework, Vision Arch has been able to build a resilient, engaged, and motivated workforce, ensuring that its people-first approach is both sustainable and impactful.
Practitioner Insights
Ciara Aspinall, IIP Practitioner for Vision Arch saw that people-first approach from the outset, “From the initial conversations, it was evident that a strong, people focused culture permeated throughout the Vision Arch business.
There had been a period of substantial growth prior to engaging in the Investors in People process and leadership at Vision Arch were motivated to continue to innovate, to benchmark and continue to improve and develop their people practices, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a positive workplace culture.
The number of initiatives and improvements were significant and a testament to how the company wanted to lead by example and maintain the people focused culture despite the organisational growth, ultimately a goal that we believe they achieved extremely well.
The transformation since working with Investors in People has been substantial and has had a positive impact on overall engagement and employee retention within the business.“
Why Vision Arch Recommends Investors in People
Vision Arch strongly encourages other organizations to partner with Investors in People. The benefits include:
- A structured approach to leadership and culture development
- Tailored employee engagement strategies
- A solid framework for long-term business success
- Enhanced reputation as an employer of choice
By embracing IIP’s expertise, organizations can transform their workplace cultures, leading to improved performance, higher retention rates, and overall business growth.
Conclusion
Vision Arch’s journey is a compelling example of how prioritizing people can drive business success. Celebrating 25 years in the facade industry this year, the company continues to set new standards for excellence by fostering an environment of inclusivity, engagement, and continuous learning.
Through its strategic partnership with Investors in People, Vision Arch has not only improved its workplace culture but has also positioned itself for long-term growth and sustainability. For business leaders and HR professionals considering IIP accreditation, Vision Arch’s success story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of investing in people.
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