MORE THAN 120,000 bricks dating back to 1882 were salvaged during BAM Construct UK's building of a new primary school in Ealing, west London, which does well in our survey for its commitment to saving the planet. Employees give the construction-services organisation the third-highest result (82% positive) when asked whether they believe it does enough to protect the environment. Apart from recycling waste materials, the company makes staff aware of how much energy they use and has a cycle-to-work scheme, and employees believe it genuinely cares about the environment (83%). In the past two years, the company has match-funded £100,000 a year for its chosen charity Barnardo's, with 715 employees — almost a third of the workforce — doing voluntary work during paid time off in 2011-12, for which they have an annual allowance of up to two days. They think the company puts enough back into the local community (68%). For £2 a month, employees can join a staff social club that is subsidised annually to the tune of £100,000 and organises 150 events a year. Benefits include profit-related pay, a salary- exchange pension scheme, and private healthcare for most employees. Staff say everyone is treated fairly (70%) and they would not leave tomorrow if they were offered a new job (76%). People aren't bored with the work they do (75%), partly due to the £1m annual spend on training. Working out at about £440 per person, it pays for knowledge-sharing and e-learning schemes. A small number of people get financial support for work-related qualifications and time off for study. Bosses ensure staff are clear on their role and expectations, with daily coaching and annual reviews, and can use their discretion regarding requests for flexible working. Workers do not feel under too much pressure to perform well (69%). Health screening is offered to all employees and rehabilitative support is in place for those on extended sick leave. Weekly hours range from 40 at team-member level to 50 at the top, with 47% saying they are not exhausted when they get home from work.
