What are companies doing with regards to 'My Manager'

Juniper Training Ltd doesn't have a long-working hour's culture. Centres close no later than 4.30pm, and never open on weekends or bank holidays. The company have up to 30 holidays per year, plus bank holidays and attempt to grant as many flexible working requests as possible, with the option to buy an additional 5 days. Juniper send birthday cards to all members of staff, which each member of the management board sign/write a personal message. The centres have been refurbished to give staff a better working environment, and 3 of the centres moved to better premises. Juniper introduced free flu jabs, NHS health checks and cycle to work scheme. The company also hold birthday meetings where staff come together for an informal feedback meeting with SMT, have birthday cake & games and a half day finish. Several staff have late starts as they go to gym classes before work once a week. The company have held wellness sessions in centres, with one centre doing Zumba.

The John Bowler Group has moved to brand new light, airy offices in the countryside with ample parking and a free, well equipped gym. The company also encourage a healthy work/home life balance – staff leave on time and are encouraged to go home and forget about work until the next day. The John Bowler Group believes that these two things have significantly enhanced the wellbeing of their employees.

The John Bowler Group have unlimited bonus awards and pay increases available to all employees for exceptional effort or performance. They have had employees in the past who have received 4 salary increases in one year, and an employee who was awarded a 25% increase for their substantial and consistent contribution to the company. The company also offer a suggestion scheme with £50 for any suggestion which is adopted.

For their store management teams Jack Wills held an Annual Christmas Conference which was called 'From Great to greatest, this gave all the Directors an opportunity to present their vision of what Great looked like. It was vital that the managers truly understood and could live the Brand. There was then the opportunity for managers to work together in breakout groups, giving them all a real sense of the standards expected, this was particularly important as they have been through a huge growth in the number of stores, and had many managers who were embarking on their first Christmas with Jack Wills and in some cases their first Christmas in Retail.

Assureweb have held a company quiz, a Christmas party and a May Ball which encompassed a staff awards/recognition ceremony. The company have held poker nights to raise money for charity.

Imparta had a company paid trip to London Zoo for an evening called 'Zoo Lates'. The evening was fantastic from a team bonding perspective and also a great way for new employees to meet their colleagues in a relaxed environment.

Managers review their team members consistently both through and at the end of projects as well as calendared appraisals and monitor performance and support required. Managers also have regular informal meetings with staff both in one to ones or teams in their relaxed office reception area. This fosters an inclusive and comfortable atmosphere in which to support departments on a regular basis. By splitting capabilities into Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours, the managers can focus support in the most focused area. They are aware team members have different needs and look at adapting their management style and level of support or input depending on each individual's needs.

In the last 12 months, 100% of staff would have had a pay rise, apart from those who had only just joined HRG. The last pay review was July 1st 2012.

Hermes Field Managers regularly need to interview potential self employed couriers to provide services for them. There are around 150 Field Managers, many of whom took the decision to conduct interviews in the homes of potential couriers. Through feedback from the employee focus groups and team meetings and risk assessments, there was a significant risk to lone working in this situation. The company introduced a policy for Field Managers to interview potential couriers in public places and giving them an allowance to buy a drink etc. Hermes' head office was relocated three years ago and was designed to give employees maximum comfort, from the ergonomically designed chairs and desks, to a subsidised restaurant. The depot network is also constantly being upgraded so that employees across the business have better working conditions. i.e. more space, parking, light, rest areas and meeting rooms.