Background:

FoundOcean Ltd., a leading offshore renewable energy construction company, first partnered with Gravitate HR back in 2007. Introduced by a previous Gravitate client, FoundOcean lacked internal HR resources and required comprehensive HR support. Since then, Gravitate has served as their fully outsourced HR department, evolving alongside the company’s growth.

Challenges Faced:

Initially, FoundOcean sought to:

  • Improve HR processes and documentation: Streamline procedures, update documents, and establish new policies like substance misuse prevention.
  • Formalise people management: Structure formerly informal practices and enhance communication between employees and management.
  • Support change initiatives: Navigate through various company-wide changes.

Gravitate’s Approach:

Gravitate implemented a multi-pronged strategy:

  • Building Relationships: Regular visits fostered trust and buy-in, ensuring effective collaboration.
  • HR Documentation Development: A comprehensive suite of documents, including a staff handbook and policies, was drafted and disseminated.
  • Communication Bridge: Gravitate reignited an elected works council to improve employee voice and engagement. This continues today as an employee forum which all are welcome to.

Overcoming Challenges:

FoundOcean’s transition from oil and gas to renewables presented unique challenges. Gravitate’s flexible and adaptable approach ensured they could handle fluctuations in project demands, workforce needs, and company restructuring.

Benefits Delivered:

Gravitate’s long-term partnership has yielded significant benefits for FoundOcean:

  • Increased Staff Retention: Employees feel valued and have clearer career development pathways, leading to a lower turnover rate.
  • Reduced Absenteeism: Improved employee well-being and engagement resulted in fewer absences.
  • Enhanced Conduct: Misconduct issues are rare, and offshore concerns like substance misuse are virtually non-existent.

Testimonial:

“Our relationship with Gravitate has spanned well over 15 years and whilst our business has seen many significant changes during that time, the HR support from Gravitate has remained consistent. Gravitate’s dedication to supporting our HR needs in a in a responsive, knowledgeable way is a key driver for the successful HR initiatives we have been able to implement over the years and has been a key enabler to the growth we’ve achieved in recent years.”

Hazel Hunter, Finance Director, FoundOcean Ltd.

https://www.foundocean.com/

What Next?

FoundOcean’s continued growth has led to the recruitment of an in-house HR manager in late 2023. Gravitate continues to provide ongoing support across all people-related activities, specifically assisting with:

  • HR Software Implementation: Assisting with the smooth integration of a new HR platform.
  • Recruitment: Collaborating on identifying suitable candidates for key vacancies.

This case study exemplifies the lasting impact Gravitate can have on a company’s success by fostering a strong HR foundation and adapting to evolving needs.