Published on May 29, 2025
This project was originally commissioned by RATP Dev Transit London, a leading provider of public transportation services. Following a change in ownership, the organisation is now known as First Bus London.
The initiative was a comprehensive, evidence-based research project aimed at enhancing employee engagement and fostering a high-performing culture. It involved a wide range of data collection methods, including focus groups, interviews, surveys, workshops, action tracking, and 360-degree feedback for senior leadership.
This research project underscores RATP Dev Transit London's commitment to employee well-being and its recognition that engaged employees are essential for delivering exceptional service to the public. The company’s aim was to gain a deep understanding of employee perspectives, identify areas for improvement, and implement targeted interventions to enhance employee satisfaction, motivation, and overall job performance.
Key Components of the Research Project:
- Focus Groups with Front-Line Colleagues: In-depth discussions with frontline employees to provide valuable insights into their daily experiences, challenges, and suggestions for improvement.
- Interviews with Leaders: Interviews with leaders at various levels explored their perspectives on employee engagement, leadership styles, and the overall organisational culture.
- All Employee Surveys: Comprehensive surveys were made available to all employees to gather data on job satisfaction, employee engagement, organisational culture, and other key factors.
- Workshops: Interactive workshops were conducted to facilitate open dialogue, brainstorm solutions, and develop action plans based on the research findings.
- Action Tracking: A robust system will be implemented to track the progress of action plans and ensure that identified improvements are effectively implemented.
- 360-Degree Feedback for SLT: Senior Leadership Team members received 360-degree feedback to gain insights into their leadership effectiveness and identify areas for personal and professional development and enhanced teamwork.
The findings from this research project will be used to inform the development and implementation of targeted initiatives to enhance employee engagement, such as:
- Improved communication and feedback mechanisms: Making open and transparent communication between management and employees even easier.
- Enhanced employee recognition and reward programs: Recognising and rewarding employee contributions and achievements.
- Leadership development programs: Enhancing managers' leadership skills and competencies at all levels.
- Improved employee well-being programs: Supporting employee health and well-being through stress management programs and wellness activities.
Fiona Guthrie, HR Director and Deputy Managing Director, said,

“We are excited to see the positive impacts from this work on how our people feel about their work and daily lives in our organisation”.
RATP Dev Transit London is confident that this comprehensive research project will provide valuable insights to enable the company to create a more engaging and rewarding workplace for all employees. Investing in employee engagement, the company aims to enhance service quality, improve operational efficiency, and build a stronger, more resilient organisation.