What are companies doing with regards to 'My Manager'

All managers have been trained on the 'measuring success' process, including how to agree SMART objectives, give effective feedback and assess performance. Managers recognise and reward colleagues in their teams in a number of informal and ad-hoc ways. These range from 'thank yous', notes from a member of the leadership team or CEO, a team lunch out, an afternoon off, food and drink. In addition, managers are encouraged to nominate their team members for formal recognition through the colleague Awards and Colleague Recognition events throughout the year.

The main focus of wellbeing initiatives at Steer Davies Gleave, centres around EXERCISE. The company realises that the success of the company depends heavily on the productivity and performance of staff, and they have seen for themselves that their health and wellness initiatives achieve lower levels of absenteeism, increased productivity and a happier healthier people. They introduced a series of sports initiatives that could be participated in during office hours and on-site, thus making it easy for staff to take part. They run weekly yoga classes in the board room, have lunchtime football, netball and badminton in outdoor spaces near the office, and have a lunchtime aerobics class. They even supply equipment for all of these sports including yoga mats, footballs, net balls and bibs. All of the sports activities are either free or heavily subsidised. The company even added four showers in the building, supplied free clean towels and shower products so employees had somewhere to get clean afterwards.

The Sporting Index Group believes that by developing their employees, they are able to show reward for exceptional performance. They pride themselves on having many managers who have been promoted within the organisation. The company provides support, coaching, training and encourages exposure to areas of the business which employees are interested in. A recent example was an employee within the technology team being asked about their career aspirations in their annual review and they said they would like to move into an area which was client facing. The company arranged a mentoring scheme between the employee and a client facing manager to help the employee gain exposure and experience in the area, with a view to gradually developing their skills so the employee could move into the new area of the business.

In the last year they have held and supported several charity events for 'Movember', Children in Need, Children Today and Harris Hospice. Furthermore, they give their supplier gifts to their nominated charity for them to distribute to patients and use as charity raffle gifts.

The Principal in Selby College is focused on people, which makes him an outstanding leader. Instead of seeing people as one of the many priorities, they always put the emphasis on people issues first. They are able to see matters holistically, acting in a way that makes a difference to the immediate recipient and how they can further create an outstanding atmosphere in the workplace, that will not only benefit staff but feed through to learners. In the current climate of economic uncertainty the Principal at Selby College demonstrates their personal integrity, in addition to their leadership ability to inspire trust in their staff, through an open door policy, where any member of staff can approach him to discuss any matter at anytime. Also, they regularly communicate with all staff members, asking how they are and talk through any problems. This could be done over a coffee or an informal conversation. There are few organisations where any staff member can talk to the Principal without an appointment or fear of reprisal. However, the above is testament to positive culture the Principal has created, which is the opposite of many organisations.

The CEO has embedded a culture within the organisation that nurtures and provides the environment for innovation and employee self-expression. The open-door policy and employee communications within Riverbed enables each and every employee to directly communicate their ideas and thoughts to Jerry Kennelly and his executive team.

Punter Southall Group grant an increase to salary following exam passes in various professional courses. They believe this is effective as it encourages their staff to develop themselves professionally and thereby enhance their future career prospects, but it is also valuable to the business as it can indicate to its clients that its staff are professionally trained and qualified.

Every year the Company goes on a 5 star incentive trip which is for employees who have met their objectives and performed at the very top of their game. One of the highlight events on all 5 star trips is a team helicopter ride. In May 2012, 18 staff members and Directors enjoyed a trip of a lifetime to Hong Kong. In previous years, the trips have included the Seychelles, Monaco, Barcelona, New York, Las Vegas and this year Sun City. These trips include staying in a luxury resort as well as enjoying high adrenaline activities and wonderful meals, evenings socialising and some unforgettable memories. Because it is a mix of staff, everyone has a chance to bond and get to know each other outside of a work environment. Everyone returns with their own stories, pictures, and memories. These are truly trips of a life time and the motivation to return to another 5 star trip is always high in the agenda!

At Porter Novelli, the well-being of employees is taken seriously. The company has piloted a programme which involves a series of lunchtime sessions to support your Mind, Body or Soul. For example, a personal trainer came in to give free exercise and dietary advice, the company also had pop up shops from Aveda and Stella & Dot. These invited experts improved staff's knowledge on things ranging from personal finance to ordering wine at client lunches.