Background
Navigator Tissue UK is a UK-based manufacturer that supplies toilet paper, kitchen towels, facial tissues, and wet wipes to major retailers. The business was known as Accrol Group for 30 years before being acquired by The Navigator Company in May 2024 and had faced significant pressures during the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a surge in tissue product demand. Alongside the pandemic the business has been impacted by port strikes, haulage shortages and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, putting immense strain on their 400 employees. These challenges raised concerns about burnout, prompting Navigator Tissue UK to prioritise wellbeing. They had already offered financial assistance and counselling but recognised the need to go beyond reactive measures. It wanted to build a workplace culture that would actively empower employees.
Approach
In September 2022 Navigator Tissue UK launched the ‘Powering Our Potential’ (POP) programme, designed to enhance employee wellbeing, creativity and resilience. The programme was built around the principles of mind, consciousness and thought, teaching employees to manage stress, shift their perspectives and perform at their best, even in difficult circumstances.
POP emerged from a two-day retreat in May 2022, where leadership explored how better mental wellbeing could drive performance. They agreed to phase the programme, starting with senior management before rolling it out across the workforce. The core involved eight weekly workshops led by HR Director Kathryn Robinson and ex-COO Mark Dewhurst, designed to help employees unlock potential and quiet psychological noise. These workshops fit into Navigator Tissue UK’s fast-paced work environment, allowing participants to engage without affecting their responsibilities.
“By fostering a culture aligned with the natural workings of the human mind Navigator Tissue UK enables its employees to thrive and adapt seamlessly to ongoing challenges, resulting in effortless, high-performance outcomes without friction”
To drive engagement each workshop cohort was personally addressed by COO Graham Cox, who shared his own experience with the programme. This senior-level involvement encouraged strong participation across the organisation. In addition, Navigator Tissue UK put 12 colleagues through the six-month NHP Practitioner Coach programme. These coaches continue to support their colleagues, ensuring POP principles are deeply embedded in Navigator Tissue UK’s culture.
Outcome
Since the launch of POP Navigator Tissue UK has seen significant improvements in employee wellbeing and engagement. Over the last 18 months the company experienced its lowest levels of disruption, even amid internal and external challenges. Absenteeism dropped to a recordlow 1.4%, compared to historical rates of 5%, reflecting a healthier and more motivated workforce. Stress-related incidents declined, with almost no grievances reported.
The programme has also enhanced individual performance. Employee surveys revealed improvements in key areas such as clear thinking and innovation. Overall, 100% of participants reported benefits, with most experiencing improvements in multiple areas of their lives. By creating a culture in line with the way the human mind works employees can thrive and adapt in the face of ongoing challenges in a way that engenders frictionless and effortless high performance.