An Interview With Jo Werker, CEO at Boostworks

Jo Werker is a leading expert in delivering deeply engaging customer experiences, underpinned by the latest technology advancements. She is passionate about creating engaging employee experiences that reward and recognise their efforts but that also supports employers in achieving growth through enhanced employee satisfaction and loyalty.

 

Tell us about Boostworks and what inspired its creation?  

 

Boostworks was established over two decades ago when our founder, Mike Morgan, recognised the internet’s potential for delivering employee benefits. He was juggling a young family at home while working for a global software company at the time and had a vision for turning negative people ‘issues’ into positives. 

For years the business grew organically, establishing itself as a leader in the benefits and rewards space by helping companies create meaningful connections with their employees. In 2021, following a management buyout (MBO), the company entered a new phase of growth and transformation. Recognising the evolving needs of the modern workforce, we rebranded (from PeopleValue) to Boostworks in 2023, marking a pivotal shift in our focus toward not just rewarding employees but empowering them in a more holistic way.

The business was born out of the desire to go beyond the typical, impersonal perks often offered to employees. While companies have long provided material incentives like free products or discounts, we saw a real need to focus on something more meaningful – empowerment, recognition, and genuine engagement. Our aim is to help people thrive by delivering initiatives that truly enhance their lives. Our platform is built around fostering a sense of community, celebrating achievements, and respecting the individuality of every employee. This people-first approach is at the heart of everything we do, and it reflects the modern workforce’s evolving expectations and needs.

 

 

How did you get involved in the business?  

 

Throughout my career, I’ve focused on driving growth and improving operational efficiency, often by implementing disruptive strategies to unlock new revenue streams in emerging markets. In my previous leadership roles, I oversaw multi-million-pound business operations across a variety of sectors for companies such as Vodafone, Virgin Media O2, and TruRating.

My journey with Boostworks began two years ago when I joined as Chief Sales and Marketing Officer (CSMO). During this time, I had the opportunity to lead various transformative initiatives across sales, marketing, and product development. Boostworks had already built an incredible reputation in the industry, and I saw enormous potential in pushing the company further. I recently took over as CEO and am excited to be building upon the strong foundation, continuing to drive our vision forward, expanding our market presence and delivering even more value to our customers.

 

 

What makes Boostworks unique?  

 

Boostworks is unique because we focus on creating personalised, flexible programmes that truly resonate with each individual employee. Unlike many others in the industry who rely on standardised, one-size-fits-all offerings, we recognise that every workforce is different. We empower our clients to tailor their engagement strategies in a way that aligns with their unique needs, culture, and budget.

Our platform also goes beyond simple rewards – it fosters a deeper sense of belonging and motivation by recognising the achievements of employees in a way that feels authentic. Our partnerships with major brands like Costa Coffee and RAC demonstrate how well our model works to drive real engagement and empowerment on a large scale.

 

What can we expect to see from Boostworks in the future?  

 

Looking ahead, you can expect Boostworks to continue innovating and evolving in the employee engagement space. We are focused on expanding our market reach and deepening our partnerships with clients across multiple sectors. We plan to further develop our platform’s capabilities, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the industry.

With the support of our investment partners, Ethos, we are pursuing ambitious growth plans, all while keeping our commitment to fostering employee wellbeing and inclusivity. Ultimately, our goal is to empower even more businesses to create environments where people not only succeed but feel truly valued.