Giving Something Back

Housing Associations

Port of Leith Housing Association

608143cd71aecb10d18faeea

During the pandemic, managers held more frequent one-to-ones with staff to offer support and identify any further measures that might be taken to support wellbeing during the lockdowns. Some examples of actions taken include referring staff members to free counselling, providing information on mindfulness and other coping mechanisms, and altering workloads and objectives.

The association promotes an “open-door” approach to all members of the leadership and management teams. The chief executive, directors and managers attend team meetings across the organisation regularly. Discussion and focus groups are run, and shadowing and mentoring opportunities are offered to staff.

Funding of £150,000 was secured from the Scottish government to aid food poverty in the area. Food was distributed though a wide network of local organisations. The association topped up the amount by £57,000. It also ran a community engagement programme in Granton with Granton Gardeners.

View Company

Recruitment

Source Group International

60a42fee82899d978c972840

Last year, SGI signed the Mental Health in Recruitment pledge, which committed it to driving change in how mental health is viewed and supported in the workplace. Employees take the lead in arranging fitness-focused activities through SGI Fitness Events, to boost physical and mental health. These include 10km runs and Tough Mudder challenges

The company supports three charities every year, such as Great Ormond Street Hospital and Meningitis Now. Last year, it raised over £6,000 through a range of events such as team runs, a Halloween event and sponsored virtual fundraisers.

Employee recognition plays a large role across the business, with individuals at all experience levels being recognised for their work and for sharing the company's values. Each month winners of the top-performer and best-improver awards are chosen across six categories.

View Company

Retail

Cosatto

60a43035f743b80a778436df

The monthly 'Cuddle with a Cause' initiative sees the organisation donate £1000, to a charity or cause that has been nominated by one of their team members. Cosatto also works closely with a the charity Mary's Meals, donating 40 pence from every highchair they sell to feed children in education.

A monthly profit-related bonus scheme sees employees rewarded for good company performance. Based on a simple scheme relating to a published scale of profitability, employees can receive a pre-determined bonus from 10% to 40% of their monthly salary. Every employee receives the same percentage bonus, making for a rewarding and motivational initiative.

To allow staff to look after their wellbeing, Cosatto encourages going for walks, taking breaks from the screen and regular 1-2-1 sessions. A free, independent counsellor for employees and their families is available, and a 2-hours-a-day ‘no meeting zone’ has been established where no Zoom calls or face-to-face interactions can be arranged.

View Company

Business Services

Ampersand

60a4179e3738664af4aa4d2c

As well as the group hike, Ampersand partnered with Forever Manchester for its annual October Cheer Fest. The company hosted activities including a movie marathon day, company raffle and a Halloween Spooktacular, which included a bake-off, raising £820 for the charity during the month.

Most of Ampersand's senior management team have been promoted internally. For example, the current technical director began work at the company about 10 years ago as a graduate developer. The learning and development policy encompasses on-the-job training and attending conferences. The company covers the cost and time for more extensive needs.

Flexible working, private healthcare coverage with a mental health addition and fun activities to learn more about physical and mental health are on offer. The company's main tactic is to build relationships with staff so that they feel comfortable about approaching anyone for help.

View Company

Technology

Spitfire Audio

60a43081c04f23c7f7bd65d5

The company has a new child leave policy that applies not only to biological mothers, but to males and females who adopt, foster, have a child with a surrogate, are in same-sex partnerships or are single parents. It offers 52 weeks' leave, including up to 26 weeks' leave on full pay.

As well as providing mental health first aiders and free stress counselling, Spitfire Audio runs a free "socials calendar" which offers staff a mixture of monthly wellbeing-orientated activities, such as yoga, creative opportunities, including pottery and painting, and foodie events, such as pizza-making.

The company gives more than 1% of its annual turnover to organisations that nurture the musical talents of young people, promote gender, ethnic and economic diversity in music — particularly orchestral music — and to organisations near its London headquarters, such as Saffron, which promotes gender equality in the music-tech sector.

View Company

Technology

Inzpire

60a43081c04f23c7f7bd65d5

Inzpire's first dedicated learning, Development & Talent Manager was recently introduced to the business, focusing specifically on the development and growth of its employees, and providing development opportunities for those leaving school, college and university. The company continue to focus on “on the job” training for staff, and created a virtual learning environment for all.

Inzpire sets aside a large proportion of its marketing budget to donate to charitable causes, and as well as providing financial support also provides assistance elsewhere if requested. In 2021, the company provided funding to the Julian Campbell Foundation, as well as offering up the skills of employees to drive the foundation forward.

Inzpire has ditched annual performance appraisals for regular, timely and constructive feedback as part of its management style. It believes this is a more effective way to celebrate success, address individual development needs, nip problems in the bud and deliver better results for customers.

View Company

Property

Empiric Student Property

60a42f8b52c9cc2e49806fac

Additional training, in-house or with external trainers, is offered on key aspects of managers' roles, such as health and safety, and budget and people management. All people managers must complete the Mental Health Champion course to increase their knowledge of wellbeing support for their teams and themselves.

Managers in city locations are given funding to organise social events. These may involve the community, such as a beach clean in Falmouth. During the summer turnaround, when students leave, unwanted items are given as donations to the British Heart Foundation, food banks and animal charities.

Results of the last survey were presented to the senior leadership team and then all staff. Managers use a presentation of the results at team meetings to promote discussion and give feedback on proposed improvements. The colleague forum refines actions further and discusses the next steps.

View Company

Not For Profit Body's

Exeter College

60a42cf42dc6b4e3d0d1fbbf

One of Exeter College's strategic aims is for all staff to become "digital citizens", so last year it launched its “digital futures” skills training. The four-tier programme is designed to help staff to develop and refine their digital skills, as well as inspire them to undertake the next tier.

Staff have been working hard in the urban garden on the college's Hele Road site to make it "bee friendly" and will receive a plaque of recognition for their work to support the local bee population by planting areas and creating a suitable habitat.

All new managers at the college are assigned a personal mentor, which is usually someone from a similar role but from another area of the organisation. All members of the leadership team are offered sessions with an external coach, which they can use for professional support or help with managing challenging situations.

View Company

Manufacturing

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies

60a426c1b79a370ad882f0d2

Understanding the importance of mental health, FDB puts wellbeing at the forefront of the business. Initiatives such as counselling and occupational health are available to employees, as well as 40 in-house mental health first aiders to support those who may be struggling. Managers have also been enrolled on a mental wellbeing course to support teams.

The organisation offers a range of in-house training for all employees, including its Train the Trainer programme, for employees who wish to become a trainer, and its Transactional Management Development and Transformational Leadership Development programmes that support its talent management strategy. It has also developed in-house coaches and mentors to promote a blended learning approach.

The organisation continues to host a range of internal events for local and national charities such as MIND, Macmillan, and Brain Tumour Research, and supports local community sports clubs for children and adults. Match funds of up to £150 are given to individual employees, or £50 to colleagues participating in the same charitable event.

View Company

Charity's

The Charity for Civil Servants

60a418018660a79f486d5619

The Charity runs social hubs for staff to share their interests and hobbies while building relationships and supporting each other. For those who love singing, there is a staff choir.

Everyone is encouraged to speak to Graham Hooper, the chief executive, and offer ideas, ask questions or raise any issues. He has introduced all-staff away days, which now take place online, and invite staff to have a say in how the organisation develops.

The Charity partners with others, from Anxiety UK and Dementia UK to Relate, to support those in the civil service community. Many staff support charities on a personal level. One took part in the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation’s Strictly Ballroom event to raise funds with the backing of his colleagues.

View Company

Purpose Boosts Engagement

Port of Leith Housing Association

Source Group International

Cosatto

Ampersand

Spitfire Audio

Inzpire

Empiric Student Property

Exeter College

FUJIFILM Diosynth Biotechnologies

The Charity for Civil Servants

Understand your organisational health across all eight factors

Why measure with Best Companies?