What are companies doing with regards to 'Personal Growth'

A company car scheme allowance is offered to staff that have been with the company for 12 months. Enabling employees to purchase a new vehicle they may not have been able to other wise afford, the deal also provides a reliable means of transport meaning disruption to work is less likely.  

Managing Director, Mark, along with supporting staff, have been getting stuck into a garden project at their local hospital. The project, started by one of their clients who had previously received treatment there, aims to improve the communal gardens through the planting of trees and flowers in the grounds.

A ‘Think Green’ campaign put a focus on the environment thanks to its aim of improving the energy efficiency of buildings through engagement programmes for both employees and student residents. The campaign included both e-learning and building technical programmes, as well as encouraging better recycling and simple tips for energy conservation.

Leaders consistently refer to iQ’s values through communication, live events, or business updates and play a key part in recognising when the values are being demonstrated. Recently, the Senior Management Team sponsored and supported the development and rollout of a behavioural framework aligned to the values, which is now being adopted across the business.

Yobota's engagement survey picked up that new starters felt isolated because they couldn't see their new workmates in virtual meetings. Employees are now encouraged to switch on their cameras to create a sense of cohesion, boost social interaction and, of course, meet new joiners.

Staff have been able to see an online counsellor or ask them questions via Slack. A new online portal features a large wellbeing section which includes advice on mental and physical health. Food and snacks are delivered to people's homes to enjoy during business updates.

YASA likes to reward good service with bespoke gifts aligned to staff members' hobbies and passions. One worker with a passion for the sport of cycling got to meet an Olympic cyclist, thanks to an experience gift to mark his 10-year anniversary with the company.

Staff are given three days off a year to volunteer in the local community. This includes anything from helping to dredge canals to supporting worm farms or lending a hand at food banks. The company offers work experience to school pupils.

A pot of money is given to the directors to award to employees they feel have gone above and over expectations. This could be because they have shown integrity, worked collaboratively, taken an innovative approach to their work or exhibited exceptional customer service

All frontline workers were sent care packages containing hand cream, chocolates, tissues, bath bombs and thank you cards. Virtual sessions were held on mental health and working from home in the winter and December's ‘Festive Fridays' included posting advent calendars to all staff, a Christmas quiz and seasonal giveaways.

Wellness Wednesdays at the end of each month focus on mind or body, health and lifestyle. All staff have 24/7 support from an employee assistance programme offering a confidential service. Everyone had a call once a week during the pandemic to check how they were doing, and if anyone needed any extra help

The team set a fundraising target of walking, running, cycling or rowing 2,000 miles – about 43 miles each – to raise £2,000 for laptops and digital equipment for children to use while homeschooling. The amount was match-funded by the company's charity foundation. Colleagues also donated unneeded devices to local schools.

VINCI developed a one-stop online resource called ‘Our Wellbeing' to guide staff on staying healthy through Covid-19. It used Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day to focus on kindness and compassion. A 100 virtual steps challenge was run in partnership with Mates in Mind, the workplace mental health charity.

In April 2020, VINCI made £10m of funds available worldwide to fight Covid-19, of which £400,000 was allocated to the VINCI UK Foundation. Beneficiaries included a primary school; Awyr Las, the charitable arm for the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board; and the Co Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust charity.

It wasn't possible to hold the annual bowling night and meal and so socialising went virtual. Beer, gin, wine, cheese and chocolate tasting sessions provided a great opportunity for staff to mix informally with each other. Friday night drinks were enjoyed together at virtual pub nights

VCG has donated six new laptops to a BBC campaign to provide computer equipment for schoolchildren to learn on at home during lockdown. Staff wore yellow and took their teddy to work to raise money for Children in Need. They also joined in Save the Children's virtual ‘Christmas Jumper Day'

As the stress levels rose and employees juggled working from home with home-schooling, mental health awareness training was introduced for managers. This training was tailored to the pressures of the pandemic and helped managers feel supported when talking to employees about their mental health.

The agency has been striving to cut its carbon footprint since 2006 and new KPIs will increase the reduction in CO2 emissions from transport. Other environmental measures range from an annual ‘Green Week' to a rolling programme of technology upgrades to ensure the most energy-efficient systems are in use.

Management development includes a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) accredited programme designed by Multiverse in partnership with Mind Gym.  Delivered over 13 months, it includes 1:1 monthly sessions with a career coach and covers the management of self, management of others and core functional skills, such as project management and budgeting.

Each month, one star performer is thanked for Going the Extra Mile with a GEM award. Introduced in 2020, the scheme recognises employees who exemplify Vashi's core values and use their initiative to improve not just their work, but also that of their team.