Investors in people

Everyone agrees that people are an organization's greatest asset, and we all know that for an organization to succeed everyone has to perform well. To achieve this, people need the right knowledge, skills and motivation to work efficiently.

What is investors in people?

• The Investors in People Standard is a straightforward, proven framework for delivering business improvement through people.
• It is a business improvement tool designed to advance an organizations performance through its people.
• Investors in People provides a flexible framework which any organization can adapt for its own requirements as it mirrors the business planning cycle (plan, do, review).

Benefits of investors in people

Independent research consistently shows that the Investors in People Standard provides real business benefits to organizations of all sizes and across all sectors.

Practical benefits include:

• Improved earning, productivity and profitability. Skilled and motivated people work harder and better improving productivity.
• Customer satisfaction Investors in People is central to helping employees become customer-focused enabling organizations to effectively meet customer needs.
• Improved motivation. Through employees greater involvement, personal development and recognition of achievement, motivation is improved. This, in turn, leads to higher morale, improved retention rates, reduced absenteeism, readier acceptance of change and identification with the organizations goals beyond the confines of the job role.
• Reduced costs and wastage. Skilled and motivated people constantly examine their work to contribute towards reducing costs and wastage.
• Enhanced quality. Investing in people significantly improves the results of quality programs. Investors in People adds considerable value to The Excellence Model, ISO 9001, and other quality initiatives.
• Competitive advantage through improved performance. Investors in People organizations develop a competitive edge.
• Public recognition. Investors in People status brings public recognition for real achievements measured against a rigorous National Standard. Being an Investor in People helps to attract the best quality job applicants. It may also provide a reason for customers to choose specific goods and services.

Principles of investors in people

Investors in People was first launched in 1990. The Standards have been regularly reviewed since then and the current Investors in People Standards were launched in November 2004.

It doesn't matter what size or type of organization you are, the Investors in People Standard is there to help you improve the way you work. You have to meet the same criteria or 'indicators' as other organizations, but the Standard recognizes that you will meet them in your own way. Investors in People recognizes that organizations use different means to achieve success through their people. It does not prescribe any one method but provides a framework to help you find the most suitable means for achieving success through your people.