In addition to flexible working opportunities, ASDAN also provides Work Life Balance days for staff to compensate for overnight stays (one day per three nights away). Centrally they have also responded to interest expressed in the Staff Forum and approved a Pilates class which is now available to colleagues on site after work.

A key part of Action's culture is that they have no hierarchy. Therefore words such as Senior are not used. Instead they have a Strategic Leadership Team. In the past year this group has undertaken its own review and development through surveying the needs of team/individual development and also shaping the content and purpose of the Senior Management Team. As a result of this the Senior Leadership Team now only meets six times per year and the items discussed are purely strategic and operational matters are dealt with locally or through regional teams. Stephen is a unique Chief Executive. He aims to meet as many employees as possible, operates a truly 'open door' policy and is accessible to every member of staff not just his direct reports. Despite being at Action for a number of years, he is constantly striving to make people who are blind or partially sighted at the centre of everything they do, through challenging and motivating staff to make them question they are doing the best they can and changing and shaping the organisation so it is able to meet the future needs and challenges.

Neal's Yard Remedies manage an employee forum that is designed specifically for employees to be able to get their business ideas heard. Representatives attend the forum from all parts of the business. In addition to bringing all the ideas directly to the table, and into the hands of the Director team, they also operate as a sensory panel to give feedback on all new product development. Monthly briefings are delivered by the Director team to all employees in the Head Office and the London Offices, to make sure that everyone is up to date on the company's performance and strategic direction. This presentation is then sent out to all stores.

As a multi-national corporation there are many initiatives that focus on giving back. In fact Medtronic have a Medtronic Foundation which provides over US$60 million in grants and donations to charities and causes over the last year such as the Japanese Tsunami but it is the motivation and enthusiasm to give something back at a local level which makes us stand out. Every UK employee is given one day paid to volunteer or do something worthwhile for a charitable cause. Around Watford where their UK HQ is based teams have been involved in landscaping gardens for the New Hope Trust. Medtronic are co-sponsors of the Great Watford Walk which most recently raised £12,000, giving Watford Mencap, The Peace Hospice and Watford New Hope Trust £4000 each. Sometimes an employee comes up with a great idea which Medtronic are able to support. For example, one of their customer service team suggested running a curry and quiz night for a local girl who was trying to raise money for a defribillator. Forty employees turned out for a curry and quiz night paid for by Medtronic and all proceeds generated from the tickets went to little Maisie's campaign.

Every staff member is treated with respect and as an individual - so everyone will have different needs as an individual with regard to personal wellbeing. As Greenworks Solutions Ltd are nationally based and most staff only visit the office weekly, the organisation cannot provide extensive on site facilities as most people would be unable to take advantage of them. They have staff members whose families have, or had, ageing family members and Greenworks Solutions have developed flexible working and reduced hours specifically to allow them to spend quality time with their family
Greenworks Solutions encourage work sharing, and part time work to fit individuals.

After the 2011 Best Company survey, Greenworks Solutions presented the conclusions to all staff and explained where they thought the business could learn, but asked for feedback on the areas where they felt the company could improve.

Bank Machine has a number of ways in which it rewards its employees but one of the most effective is their 'Employee of the Quarter' awards. Nominations are provided by employees for employees (not necessaily from their own department) who they believe have gone the extra mile in their job. Nominations have to be well detailed with explanations of specific instances or situations that have prompted the nomination. The winner or winners each receive £1,000 whilst the runners-up receive £500 each.

Bank Machine has a number of ways in which it rewards its employees but one of the most effective is their 'Employee of the Quarter' awards. Nominations are provided by employees for employees (not necessaily from their own department) who they believe have gone the extra mile in their job. Nominations have to be well detailed with explanations of specific instances or situations that have prompted the nomination. The winner or winners each receive £1,000 whilst the runners-up receive £500 each.

Almac's late Founder, Sir Allen McClay, supported by their CEO always considered their employees as an extended family - "the Almac family". That sincere belief in the Almac people is what sets them apart and makes the company a special place to work. Almac's CEO is hugely active and visible in all aspects of the business. He remains on first name terms with everyone regardless of position or stature and his informal manner is highly motivational and encourages an easy flow of communication across the company. Due to his friendly, approachable and flexible attitude he is known, liked and truly respected by everyone. He is involved in every major business decision right throughout the organisation, ensuring all aspects are resourced adequately and their potential is maximised. He is a true leader who relentlessly drives the company forward with confidence and passion.

They have an annual employee of the year award, voted for by staff and have a 5 and 10 year service award which amounts to a £500 bonus after 5 years and currently an Omega watch at the 10 year mark. These are awarded by their MD at company events such as the annual conference or Christmas party

We have an interative break out zone with amongst other things, a Nintendo Wii! Staff are encouraged to take a breather from their desks to use this area to clear their head and return to work with a clear and calm perspective.