Smiley Monroe's Commitment to Fair Pay and Employee Well-being

Three people standing in front of the Smiley Monroe logo holding a sign that states "We are a living wage employer".

Established in 1979, Smiley Monroe is a family-owned business employing 150 people globally.

As the world’s largest producer of ‘endless’ conveyor belts, with locations in Northern Ireland, India, and the USA, we serve industries including quarrying, construction, recycling, and road construction.

Our decision to become a Living Wage Employer was rooted in our commitment to fairness and the well-being of our employees. Recognising that our workforce is key to our success, we wanted to ensure everyone earns a wage that truly reflects the cost of living. Aligning with our core values, this decision supports our mission to be a business that values, respects, and fairly compensates its employees.  We began our journey towards Living Wage accreditation in 2022, integrating it into our annual salary reviews. As fair pay was already a priority, the transition was seamless, requiring no major adjustments. By early 2024, we sought formal accreditation, ensuring our practices met the Living Wage Foundation’s standards, reinforcing our commitment to a supportive and fair workplace.

Alongside accreditation, we introduced a 4-day workweek, allowing employees to work Monday to Thursday with reduced hours, while maintaining the same pay. This change was driven by our focus on work-life balance, aiming to boost employee well-being and productivity, reflecting our progressive approach to a supportive work environment.

We faced no significant challenges during accreditation, as our commitment to fair pay was already aligned with Living Wage standards. Our annual salary reviews had incorporated the Living Wage, making the process straightforward and in harmony with our core values.  Accreditation as a Living Wage Employer is expected to enhance employee engagement, improve talent retention and strengthen our reputation as a socially responsible business. This commitment not only boosts morale but also fosters a stronger, more collaborative workplace culture.

"Committing to pay at least the Real Living Wage is not just a financial decision; it's a reflection of our core values and our commitment to our people. We believe that everyone deserves to be fairly compensated for their hard work, ensuring our employees can thrive both at work and in their personal lives."

— Jayne Peters, Director of People & Culture