THE FIRM'S PROMISE to make people feel that nobody recognises them like Aviva, applies to staff as well as customers. The company holds regular surveys to see how employees feel, hands out awards for outstanding performance and offers good remuneration and plenty of credit where it is due. Staff say managers regularly show their appreciation when they do a good job, returning a positive score of 77%, a top 25 result. Employees, four-fifths of whom earn in excess of £35,000 a year, are happy with their salary and benefits (67%), which include a share option scheme, profit-related pay, extra holidays, subsidised sports and a contributory pension. In the UK, Aviva spends an average £700 per head on developing its 490 staff, who find that the experience they gain in their job is valuable for their future (76%) and the work stimulating (74%). The firm's Headstart programme for people managers appears to be effective, with staff saying their immediate bosses are not only good listeners and very supportive, they also care about them as individuals (all 76%) and are excellent role models (71%). Staff can take three paid days to do charitable work, which in the past year has included employees walking 100km in 72 hours, painting a school library, gardening and taking part in cookery workshops. Aviva also funds a number of social events, including Christmas celebrations, a summer barbecue, theatre trips and bowling nights. Staff report that people in their team go out of their way to help (80%, a top 30 result), care a lot about each other (80%) and are fun to work with (79%). When it rebranded as Aviva, Norwich Union stationery and merchandise was given to community groups, schools and charities, instead of being thrown away, and 97% of its IT waste is recycled or redeployed into the business. It has been carbon neutral since 2006 and staff think the company is green (72%). Flexible working options include sabbaticals and part-time and reduced hours, and staff say they are not under so much pressure they can't perform well or concentrate (both 72%). Work is an important part of their life (79%). aviva.com
