PennWhite

Background

PennWhite was established in 1985 and is headquartered in Middlewich, Cheshire. A leading global manufacturer of specialty chemicals, particularly foam control agents under the FoamDoctor® brand, PennWhite is a subsidiary of Manali Petrochemicals Limited – a stock-market listed company in Chennai, India.

Survey Objectives

Following a period of significant transition after acquisition, PennWhite sought to understand how these changes had impacted employees. The leadership team wanted to gauge employee sentiment, identify any emerging concerns, and recognise what was working well.

Survey Approach

With fewer than 30 employees, including both long-standing team members and recent hires, it was crucial that the survey captured a wide range of perspectives. The survey design ensured that all employees had the opportunity to share their views in a way that felt relevant to their experiences. The reporting process was structured to highlight key themes, making it easier for leadership to interpret the results and act on the findings.

Key Findings, Impact and Next Steps

The survey provided a clear understanding of employee sentiment. While PennWhite expected a mix of positive and constructive feedback, the depth of insights revealed underlying themes that had not been fully recognised previously.

Using the gathered data, we prepared an executive presentation that provided PennWhite with a comprehensive overview of their engagement scores. This presentation detailed overall organisational engagement, departmental breakdowns, and insights based on length of service. We highlighted strengths and development areas, along with observations and actionable next steps.

The insights from the survey have informed PennWhite’s leadership team as they develop an action plan to address areas for improvement. The data has played a crucial role in shaping HR priorities, ensuring that employee concerns are addressed effectively.

Early Indicators of Change

While formal follow-up assessments are yet to take place, early indications suggest that employees have responded positively to the survey process. A noticeable uplift in morale suggests that staff appreciate being heard, and leadership remains committed to ongoing engagement.

Senior Management Reflections

The survey process has sparked constructive discussions within PennWhite’s leadership team, reinforcing the importance of gathering employee feedback regularly. Having a structured presentation with clear findings and recommendations has enabled them to take a more proactive approach to employee engagement and well-being.

The Last Word from Devaki Muthiah, Chairwoman, PennWhite

“The Survey Initiative provided a professional and insightful service, making the survey process clear and manageable. Their expertise in survey design and analysis has given us valuable data to drive meaningful change within our business.”