Team Cohesion = Performance

Members of the organisation are encouraged to go into schools, colleges and universities to perform lessons and lectures on specialist subjects. The Specials Laboratory are also the main sponsor of the British Pharmaceutical Students Association.

A late working culture is not allowed at The Specials Laboratory as employees are encouraged to maintain a positive work-life balance. Employees are also encouraged to participate in sporting activities such as the company football team.

Erith provide all staff with free occupational health surveillance. Staff are able to speak to a counsellor through the confidential helpline specifically about debt or financial issues which just by talking can relieve some of the personal stress related issues associated with the economic climate. Employees are also given the option to receive a free flu jab.

To reward employees for their efforts a company incentive scheme is in operation along with company funded social events.

Staff are rewarded and retained through providing competitive pay and conditions of employment and supporting personal and career development. A special bonus scheme is in place to supplement basic salaries and managers have the ability to offer instant thank you gift vouchers in the workplace.

All staff are entitled to 5 days paid leave per year for volunteering or charity work. The company has an internal working group set up to work specifically on green initiatives such as promoting and publicising recycling and offsetting the carbon footprint. The Electoral Commission hold a bronze award from the London Mayor's Green Procurement Code.

Tesco.com has a Leadership Development Programme to help managers fulfil their potential and is supported by workshops that focus on specific aspects of people processes. There is also a sharepoint website for people managers to gain up to date guidance on people management.

Employees are supported through sponsored training and accreditation such as a coaching and mentoring qualification or even post graduate studies. An Options Development Programme helps to develop people from within and move them to the next level and further progression.

Managing Director, Stephen Gleave has led the initiative for improving leadership within the business. Stephen has a high profile within the firm and is a regular presence in each office. Improvements are sought after in individual and management performance. The equity directors have committed the business to an active leadership programme.

The Taylor Young Academy is a new initiative which is bringing together the IIP training and establishing a training prospectus for all staff. The appraisal process identifies collective needs across the business. In a professional office there are a range of employees with qualifications to pursue, to build upon and to diversify. Taylor Young is keen to balance the needs of the individuals with those of the firm.

EPCglobal encourage flexible working where needed and has employee assistance programmes. A health and well being initiative has recently been released to staff.

EPCglobal encourage flexible working where needed and has employee assistance programmes. A health and well being initiative has recently been released to staff.

People are at the heart of the organisation, from the highest level of management to the newest trainee framer. No one single individual builds a frame or a house. Everyone has a pride and enthusiasm in the product offered and positive client feedback is communicated throughout the organisation.

Each team within the company has gained stability in their departments leading to a lowering of stress levels and the ability to be on top of the work load. Employees are encouraged to take part in team activities to relax and the company has started a cycle to work scheme.

For the "Idol" awards there are ten winners and ten runners up per quarter, so at least 80 associates across the complex are recognised annually. Starwood has enhanced the "Wall of Fame" concept, by recognising any associate who is named in a positive guest comment. The comment is posted on the wall, with the associate's photograph and the associate receives an instant £10 voucher for Zavvi or HMV.

For the "Idol" awards there are ten winners and ten runners up per quarter, so at least 80 associates across the complex are recognised annually. Starwood has enhanced the "Wall of Fame" concept, by recognising any associate who is named in a positive guest comment. The comment is posted on the wall, with the associate's photograph and the associate receives an instant £10 voucher for Zavvi or HMV.

The company has a generous budget for training and opportunities for employees to step in to ‘acting up' roles to help them develop.

Employees enjoy the corporate away day that all staff attend, in addition to this they also hold team away days.