A BOURNEMOUTH-based online education business has shared its plans to prioritise employees.

Learndirect has launched a new strategy to ‘enhance the development, training, and wellbeing of its staff’.

The company is set to focus on an array of initiatives which include giving employees a voice through an internal forum, providing them with a platform to make change within the business, and flexible working arrangements to support their lifestyles and circumstances.

Learndirect says it will also introduce wellbeing practices to support and promote a positive work-life balance, as well as training and management programmes to develop staff and provide opportunities for career growth.

The business, which recently became B Corp certified, is a provider of online courses.

It delivers qualifications across a vast array of industries, from fitness and healthcare to teaching, veterinary science, and degree pathways.

Learndirect was listed within 2023’s top 25 best organisations to work for in the education and training sector, as well as being named one of the best mid-sized companies to work for.

The decision to ‘prioritise staff’ coincides with newly released research by Zest, who found that 83 per cent of businesses in the UK have noted a rise in employees requesting more wellbeing benefits at work, while 71 per cent of businesses have introduced a head of wellbeing to answer demand.

Wayne Janse van Rensburg, group chief executive at Learndirect, said: “Education is at the core of our business, so as well as giving our learners an opportunity to thrive, we’re focusing on providing our people with enhanced training and improved benefits.

“We’re dedicated to putting people first, both from an internal and commercial perspective.

“By implementing a strategy that focuses on what matters to our people, we can continue to build upon a talented team of professionals who can further their own careers while helping others achieve theirs.”