After hearing about the red weather warning, family owners at Perrywood Garden Centre made the decision to close their doors early on Monday and Tuesday of this week, to allow their team to escape the heat. The Directors advised employees that everyone will be paid for the hours they would normally work.
On Friday, an announcement through social media was made for both their Tiptree and Sudbury branches which stated:
"Because of the warning of extreme heat we are planning to close at midday on Monday and Tuesday. This will protect our teams and keep them out of the heat during the hottest part of the day. Should the weather forecast change in the meantime, we will review these plans."
The response from customers was outstandingly positive, hundreds of comments were left, such as:
"Very considerate thing to do and to advise us. Wonderful garden centre. Thank you!"
"This is so great to see. Well done to you for looking after your team. No wonder your staff all look happy when we come in there."
"So lovely to hear a company put their staffs wellbeing ahead of profit, well done!"
"Such a great company thinking of their employees. It was my first visit there yesterday and I have to say it is a great garden centre everything you could possibly want for the garden nicely displayed clean and very helpful staff. Great cafe /restaurant with wide choice. Well done Perrywood garden centre."
Senior Communications Manager, Louise Smith commented, "The Directors have always made sure that their team are well looked after through a strong company wellbeing initiative, as well as positive visions and values. The hugely supportive response we’ve had from our customers regarding the early closing decision is a good reflection of this. I feel honoured to be working for such a caring company."
