At QBE the company takes a flexible approach to accommodating requests for time off work, in particular supporting those whose requests are on medical grounds and time off in lieu is offered at manager's discretion. QBE is undertaking a long-term strategy alignment and brand programme which began in 2008 when it embarked on an inside-out approach that saw all UK and European employees attend The Big Difference workshops. The workshops equipped QBE people with the knowledge of who QBE is, where it has come from and where it is going. This continued with The Big Goal where employees were asked to give feedback on how QBE could improve the experiences its key stakeholders have of QBE. This resulted in a number of key initiatives, for example, buying and selling of holiday entitlement.

On average employees receive 8 hours per year of formal training with an average spend per employee on training per year of £550. Examples of the sorts of training activities their employees might undertake are: Technical/Role Specific - e.g. insurance/claims related, Personal/Soft Skills - e.g. effective communications, presentation skills, assertiveness, IT - e.g. system specific, MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, Management Skills – various levels of people management development, development around performance management, Professional Studies – support to various professional qualification studies and qualifications across the business and Induction/Cultural – Welcome to QBE and OPENUP QBE Awareness. QBE uses a variety of training delivery methods and their comprehensive website gives easy access for employees to see the overall offering as well as instant access to eLearning or online reading and recorded WebEx sessions on specific subjects.

Salford Software Ltd ensure that employees feel they are rewarded for their efforts with performance related payments, one off financial and non financial recognition awards.

On average employees receive 8 hours per year formal training with an average spend per employee on training per year of £800. Examples of the sorts of training activities that employees at Salford Software Ltd might undertake are professional qualifications with field of expertise plus regular updates on new products or sytems.

Appreciation is instant and communicated company wide via the electronic mail system. Rewards for ideas or innovation are part of the discretionary annual bonus at the end of the year.

Appreciation is instant and communicated company wide via the electronic mail system. Rewards for ideas or innovation are part of the discretionary annual bonus at the end of the year.

Populous sponsor the ABS fun run as well as taking part and were presented by the Company's Award for the most significant contribution to the ABS in the Course of the year 2010. Populous also donate computers to schools and take part in educational days with school children in addition to donating sports equipment to schools.

Populous have live Q&A surgery sessions at staff meetings. They have no cellular offices so all leader/ senior managers are approachable and work in open plan offices alongside employees. They hold regular staff meetings, talks and office parties and events and all new staff are invited to introduce themselves to the board at a board meeting (collectively). Populous believe that they have approachable leaders.

On average, employees receive 40 hours per year formal training with an average spend of £300 per employee per year. Employees at Ponti's undertake training activities such as: Induction, Fire training, Food Hygiene Supervisory training, Influencing Employee behaviour, Management Development Programme, Barista coffee training, Train the Trainer course and NVQ's.

On average, employees receive 40 hours per year formal training with an average spend of £300 per employee per year. Employees at Ponti's undertake training activities such as: Induction, Fire training, Food Hygiene Supervisory training, Influencing Employee behaviour, Management Development Programme, Barista coffee training, Train the Trainer course and NVQ's.

They reward employees both monetarily with generous pay, bonus, flexible benefits and pension plans, and in broader terms with their commitment to training, support, recognition and opportunities for career development. As well as custom employee award and recognition schemes such as the GEM awards, they also invest a great deal of time in their in-house training programme so that their employees feel fully challenged, developed and rewarded, not only financially but also socially and professionally.

Penspen Ltd say that the e-cards at Christmas are a great idea as they are both sustainable and a great way of freeing up additioanl funds for charity. They also encourage small enterprise giving, supporting charity bungee jumps etc. The weekly 'Ramble and Roll' through Richmond Park also requests a small charitable donation to be given in order to take part. A number of their employees help and support local fundraising activities via small group enterprise eg. by raising money for their nearest Elizabeth Fitzroy Home, which provides support for people with disabilities.

Due to the nature of the business Patton Group have numerous training schemes happening: Site Safety Supervisors, Microsoft Office/Project Planning software, Management and Leadership, Communication Skills, Appraisals Training, Professional Memberships e.g. CIOB, RICS, CIPD, CIM, MSC Project Management/ BSc Construction Engineering, NVQ 3 Bench Joinery, First Aid, Numerous H&S courses, NVQ's in Plant Operation.

Supportive, enthusiastic and driven, the 76 year old Chairman, David Patton is an inspiration to everyone in the Company. He still very actively involved in the company as our Chairman and his son Neil is now Managing Director.

Palmrium Management have access to a dedicated recruitment and training organisation (elite). Management are also given membership to governing bodies i.e. CIPS and ACCA

Palmrium Management have access to a dedicated recruitment and training organisation (elite). Management are also given membership to governing bodies i.e. CIPS and ACCA

Partners are encouraged to give regular thanks and timely feedback. Staff have regular mentor meetings to discuss work and career development. There is a firm wide bonus so that staff can earn an additional performance related bonus when climate permits and budget is exceeded. Legal staff are also on a performance related career structure so that promotion decisions are made on the basis of merit and individual contribution.

A technical training programme is provided for each practice group in the firm. These programmes typically involve a mix of new legal developments, refreshers on core areas of black letter law and practice and updates on key industry sectors. The format of this training range from traditional talks, to workshops based on case studies and where appropriate, more informal group discussions and debriefs. A comprehensive range of skills training sessions is provided within the Client and Business Development Skills area to help support the overall strategy for client and business development in the firm. Courses cover content such as effective client relationship management, client listening, pitch training and creating new business opportunities.

All employees at NuStar are eligible for a bonus. Some employees are eligible for the company's Long Term Incentive plan. NuStar have introduced Total Reward Statements which will be issued to all European employees.

Any support, information or advice is offered through NuStar's Wellness Fairs. All employees are encouraged to raise any issues with their managers. Stress counselling is available free of charge through NuStar's Private Medical Insurance provider.