Taking care of its people has always been the top priority at Burns & McDonnell, a family of companies designing and building complex engineering projects around the world.

Entirely employee-owned by its 7,600 engineers, consultants and construction professionals, the business is a global leader in power and electrical transmission and distribution and solves complex issues associated with ageing infrastructure and grid modernisation. Its Birmingham base, one of 55 offices around the world, was quick to adapt to pandemic conditions. Senior leaders increased the focus on communication and wellbeing and took steps to safeguard staff in the office and working from home, while continuing to put client service front and centre.

The company's mission, unchanged since 1898, is to make its clients successful. Under a grant system, employees could buy new desks, chairs and monitors to keep at home for ever. The UK office will continue to offer a flexible working policy with the option of working two to three days from home.

In December 2020, Burns & McDonnell ran a Grateful campaign, asking people to identify things they were thankful for. The responses were made into a video and all employees were given a choice of gifts from a range of electronic goods valued at more than £200 each as a sign of the company's appreciation of everything they had been through. Fifteen new recruits have started jobs with the company in the past year.