Around a year ago, Rest Less joined forces with Jollyes Pets to support them in creating a more age-inclusive workforce, with positive results.
Below, Nicki Leonard, a Talent Acquisition Manager for Jollyes Pets, has shared her thoughts on the partnership so far. We’ll also hear what some of Jollyes’ over-50s colleagues have said about their time with the company.
Who are Jollyes Pets?
Jollyes is a pet-specialist retailer with over 100 stores across the UK, from Perth to Plymouth, including 15 stores in Northern Ireland. They sell a range of own-brand and other branded pet food, feeding accessories, toys, collars and leads, bedding, hygiene and nutritional supplies for dogs, small animals, birds, fish, and reptiles.
They also offer Community Pet Clinics for veterinary services, such as vaccinations, medications and standard procedures, and, in some stores, dog grooming salons.
Q&A with Jollyes Pets
Why is the over-50s market important to your business?
“It is very important to us to have colleague representation that reflects our customer base,” Nicki said, “which is diverse and from all walks of life, age ranges, ethnicities and community backgrounds. We recognise the benefits of employing a multi-generational workforce and the value that each generation can bring to the workplace, passing on skills, knowledge and experience to their colleagues.
“Rest Less research shows that the 50+ candidate market looks for businesses that have a purpose, values, social interaction and where they can contribute to their communities, and Jollyes ticks all of those boxes, so working with Rest Less makes absolute sense to us.”
What motivated you to start working with Rest Less – and how is it going so far?
“We started working with Rest Less in 2024, about 12 months ago, and we wanted their membership to be aware of retail opportunities that might resonate with their requirements for part-time work, with people who may have experience of pet ownership, looking for purposeful work in a company that values them.
“When looking at our colleague age data, we saw that the 50+ age range made up a smaller percentage of our colleagues than people in younger categories, and we wanted to work with a platform to reach that 50+ candidate base with our adverts to help balance that out.
“So far, it has been great working with Rest Less. Our account manager, Ruth, has been a pleasure to work with and is on hand for any advice on the best way to proceed with a product or service and has been very accommodating to get the best value for money with the package we have purchased.”
What did Rest Less provide for you?
“We have linked our ATS up with the Rest Less job board so that when we post a role, it goes on to the Rest Less site automatically without any need for further human intervention/additional administration time, so that’s a great time saver.
“We have also utilised the job alerts to promote our employer brand, as we’re keen to optimise brand awareness with the network members who may not have heard of Jollyes unless there is a store where they live.
“I’ve also been invited to be a panellist on Rest Less’ webinar series to talk about how Jollyes have embraced age-inclusive practices, so that was a great experience to help build awareness of how we support our 50+ colleagues.”
What benefits or value did Rest Less bring to your business?
“We are monitoring application sources and response rates every month, so we can see we’re starting to increase application numbers from Rest Less as awareness grows.
“Brand awareness doesn’t happen overnight, so we’re hopeful that in time, with a consistent presence on the site and use of the job alerts products to boost visibility, we’ll get more applications converted to hires and really start seeing the benefits of the partnership in our workforce.”
How did the Rest Less proposition compare to alternatives that you have tried or considered?
“We haven’t found another job board provider that works with the 50+ demographic specifically, so for that aim, it’s the best option for us, as we have a generic presence across several other platforms aimed at the general population.”
Anything else you’d like to add?
“Just to say thank you for all your support in helping us to grow our employer brand and reach your network of members, as employing a multi-generational workforce is important to us, and as much as we can balance our age profile with 50+ members, it will benefit us all – which is a win-win.”
Jollyes colleagues aged 50+ share what working for the company means to them…
Sam – Norwich store, three years of service
“Hi, I’m Sam, and I’m 53 years old. I have worked for Jollyes as a Sales Assistant for the last three and a half years, and I still love my role and the benefits it offers.
“Having worked as a hospital staff nurse and in other demanding roles previously, Jollyes enables me to have stress-free, flexible, part-time work with enough income as I wind down into retirement. It also offers me a free ‘gym’ workout with some of the more physical tasks, which helps to keep me fit and trim.
“As a Sales Assistant, I enjoy interacting with both customers and colleagues of all ages, and I feel that my life skills and relatability benefit those I meet.
“Overall, my work at Jollyes gives me great job satisfaction and a terrific work-life balance.”
Cedric – Thetford store, two years of service
“After being a full-time carer for several years and fast approaching retirement age, I decided to get a part-time job. Since childhood, I have always had a variety of pets, so when I saw an advertisement for a part-time position at Jollyes in Thetford, I decided to apply.
“I have now been with Jollyes for almost three years, and I can truthfully say I really enjoy my job. I work with some fantastic colleagues, and it’s great to feel part of a team again.
“I meet people from all walks of life. I enjoy helping them to provide the best possible care for their pets, whilst at the same time developing and extending my own knowledge… Did you know there are more than 40 different breeds of cat?
“I can honestly say I look forward to going to work, and my pets are happy that I work at Jollyes too, because they now get so many treats; thanks to my staff discount 😊”
Sherrie – Harlow store, five years of service
“I came to work at Jollyes after Mothercare closed five years ago. I really enjoy my job running the Pet Clinic and working in the store in general. I am always happy to do any job as long as I am keeping busy and speaking with customers!
“I started in retail when I was 16 years old, and I turned 60 this year. With all the knowledge and experience I have gained over the years, I still feel I have a lot to give. I have also worked in an office and a school with special needs children, but I always come back to retail.”
“I am here at Jollyes because I really want to be and enjoy it. The hours suit my social life, and I work with some nice colleagues. What’s not to like?”
Are you interested in partnering with Rest Less?
To find out more about how Rest Less might be able to help you create a more age-inclusive workforce, you can email us at [email protected], or get in touch here.