The Impact on Employees: Driving Quality Through Fair Pay

At Distinct, we know that exceptional service starts with people. In luxury retail and corporate office environments, attention to detailis everything. Whether it’s a flawlessly presented boutique or a pristine executive office, the people behind the scenes ensure these spaces maintain the highest standards.

The Real Living Wage (RLW) is more than just a pay rate—it’s an investment in the workforce that makes this excellence possible. With 84% of our employees already on RLW, we’ve seen first hand how fair pay leads to better service, lower turnover, and a more engaged team. Here’s why the RLW isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do.

Financial Security & Stability

For too long, many cleaning and facilities professionals in the UK have been paid at or just above minimum wage, struggling to cover basic living expenses. Financial insecurity doesn’t just affect employees—it impacts their ability to focus, their morale, and ultimately, the consistency of service they provide.

By paying the RLW, we give our employees the financial security they need to thrive. When people can comfortably afford rent, utilities, and food, they are less stressed and more engaged in their work. The stability that fair pay provides means fewer employees need to take on multiple jobs just to survive. Instead, they can focus entirely on their role, ensuring they deliver the high standards expected in luxury environments.

To further support financial well-being, we also offer our staff access to Wagestream, a financial wellbeing platform that allows employees to access their earned wages when needed. While Wagestream adoption across the cleaning and facilities sector averages 68.6%, our adoption rate is significantly lower at 59.7%—a clear indicator that our staff feel less financial strain compared to others in the industry. This reinforces the impact of paying RLW, ensuring our team members have greater financial stability and are less reliant on short-term wage access.

A well-paid workforce is a more stable workforce. When employees feel valued and secure, they take greater pride in their jobs, leading to a higher level of professionalism and attention to detail.

Well-being & Motivation

Financial stress is one of the biggest contributors to anxiety and burnout. Employees who are constantly worried about making ends meet struggle to perform at their best. By ensuring our workforce is paid fairly, we support not only their financial well-being but also their mental and physical health.

When employees are paid the RLW, stress levels decrease, leading to improved focus, better attendance, and a more positive work environment. A healthier work-life balance means our team members are well-rested, more energetic, and able to perform their roles to the highest standard.

In luxury spaces, this level of motivation makes all the difference. A well-paid and engaged workforce doesn’t just clean—they elevate environments. Every detail is meticulously maintained, ensuring that retail spaces and corporate offices reflect the high standards our clients expect.

Professional Development & Retention

Low pay often traps employees in a cycle of just getting by, leaving little room for career growth. The RLW gives employees the financial breathing room to think beyond survival and invest in their future.

At Distinct, we’ve seen how fair pay allows employees to pursue training, gain new skills, and take on more responsibility. This investment in professional development benefits both our employees and our clients—an experienced, highly trained workforce works more efficiently, delivers better service, and understands the nuances of each client’s environment.

Fair pay also leads to lower turnover, ensuring that businesses benefit from a consistent and knowledgeable team. Employees who stay with us longer develop a deep understanding of their workspaces, allowing them to anticipate needs and maintain the highest standards. This continuity is invaluable in luxury retail and corporate settings, where consistency and attention to detail define success.

The Impact on Luxury Retail & Corporate Offices

Luxury Retail: Maintaining Brand Prestige

Luxury retail is all about experience. From the moment a customer steps into a boutique, every detail—from the lighting to the layout to the cleanliness of the space—shapes their perception of the brand. A spotless store reinforces an image of exclusivity, quality, and attention to detail. But maintaining this level of excellence requires a team that is engaged, experienced, and committed to the highest standards.

When employees are paid fairly, they take greater pride in their work. RLW ensures that cleaning teams go beyond just maintaining spaces—they actively contribute to the brand experience. Reduced turnover means teams become specialists in individual stores, understanding the precise requirements of luxury spaces and ensuring seamless service every day.

The impact of a well-maintained retail environment is profound. Customers are more likely to spend time browsing, feel a deeper connection to the brand, and ultimately, make purchases. The RLW doesn’t just benefit employees—it enhances the entire shopping experience, reinforcing a brand’s reputation for excellence.

Corporate Offices: Enhancing Productivity & Well-being

A clean and well-maintained office is not just about aesthetics—it plays a crucial role in employee productivity, well-being, and business performance. A spotless workspace creates an environment where employees feel valued, focused, and motivated to do their best work.

When cleaning teams are paid fairly, they are more reliable, consistent, and engaged in maintaining high standards. The RLW reduces absenteeism, ensuring that offices are always maintained without disruption. It also fosters professionalism, with employees taking greater ownership of their roles and paying closer attention to the finer details that elevate a corporate space.

In high-end office environments, a consistently well-maintained space reinforces a company’s professionalism and culture. Employees who work in a pristine, hygienic environment are more likely to take pride in their workplace, leading to higher morale and productivity.

The Business Case: Why RLW Benefits Employers & Clients

Improved Retention & Performance

One of the biggest challenges in facilities management is high staff turnover. When employees leave frequently, businesses face ongoing recruitment costs, training gaps, and inconsistent service quality. By paying the RLW, we create a stable, dedicated workforce that delivers lasting value.

A well-paid workforce is also a more productive one. Employees who feel valued put more effort into their work, leading to higher service consistency and improved performance. The longer they stay, the better they understand their workspaces, resulting in a more efficient and effective service.

Stronger Brand Reputation & ESG Alignment

Businesses today are under growing pressure to demonstrate ethical employment practices. With ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) commitments becoming a key priority, working with an RLW-accredited supplier is a clear and proactive step towards responsible business.

Luxury brands and corporate businesses that prioritise fair pay strengthen their reputation as ethical, forward-thinking organisations. Consumers, clients, and employees are increasingly drawn to businesses that align with their values, and RLW accreditation sends a strong message about a company’s commitment to social responsibility.

Partnering with an RLW-accredited supplier also provides a competitive edge in procurement. Many organisations now prioritise ethical suppliers, ensuring that their own business values are reflected in their supply chain. RLW is becoming an industry standard, not just an optional extra.

Distinct’s Commitment & The Path to 100% RLW

At Distinct, we don’t just talk about fair pay—we actively champion it. With 84% of our workforce already on RLW, we are committed to achieving 100% and advocating for industry-wide adoption.

Real Voices, Real Impact

The best testament to the RLW’s success is the feedback fromour employees.

Maria, Cleaning Operative
"Before, I always worried about money, not sure if I could pay my bills. Since Distinct started paying the Real Living Wage, life is much better. Now I can afford good food, heat my home properly, and I feel less stress. It really makes a big difference."

Wendy-Charles, Housekeeping Team Member
"At my old job, the pay was very low, and I didn’t feel valued. But here at Distinct, I feel respected. I take more pride in my job, and I can save a little money every month, which was never possible before. This gives me hope for my future."

Kevin, Mobile Cleaning Supervisor
"Since getting the Living Wage, I feel much more secure. I no longer need to borrow money before payday, and I can help my family back home too. It also helps my health because I don’t worry as much. I really appreciate Distinct for paying fair wages and treating us well."

These are not just words—they are proof that fair pay transforms lives.

Why Businesses Should Choose RLW-Accredited Suppliers

Luxury retailers and corporate businesses work hard to build strong brands based on quality, trust, and ethical leadership. Choosing an RLW-accredited facilities management partner like Distinct ensures:

1.     A well-trained, dedicated, and motivated workforce.

2.    Consistent, high-quality service that reflects brand values.

3.    Alignment with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ESG commitments.

By prioritising fair pay, businesses not only improve service quality but also strengthen their brand reputation as a responsible employer and partner.

Conclusion: Raising Standards Through Fair Pay

The Real Living Wage isn’t just about higher pay—it’s about creating an engaged, motivated workforce that delivers excellence every day. At Distinct, we’ve seen first hand how fair pay improves service quality, reduces turnover, and fosters a sense of pride among employees.

Investing in people is investing in performance. Businesses that work with RLW-accredited suppliers benefit from greater service consistency, stronger retention, and alignment with ethical business practices. As more companies recognise the long-term value of RLW, it will become the industry standard—not just a ‘nice to have.’

At Distinct, we are proud to be leading this change. With most of our workforce already benefiting from RLW, we continue to work towards 100%, advocating for fair pay across the industry.

For companies that truly value quality and sustainability, choosing an RLW-accredited supplier isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do. Because when we pay people fairly, everyone benefits.

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