STUART JOHNSTON HAS only been in the role for 18 months, but already the Experian QAS workforce is giving the managing director a firm thumbs up. They have a great deal of faith in the boss, giving a positive score of 77%. Johnston's secret? He knows what is important to staff because he started his career with the data management company 12 years ago as a salesman. Having worked his way up the ranks, he makes sure he doesn't lose touch with employees, who report that senior managers do a lot of listening as well as telling (69%). New recruits at the London-based company go out for lunch with a board member to welcome them into the fold. Every quarter Johnston addresses the workforce, in groups of about 50, on the business's performance. A 77% positive score shows staff have confidence in the leadership skills of the senior management team, who they say live the values of the organisation (75%). There are business updates over monthly drinks, and staff from around the company are invited for lunch with the managing director and the head of human resources so they can share their opinions and ideas. Everyone is treated fairly (66%), and employees feel their ideas are really valued, giving a top 10 score of 81%. An annual social budget amounts to £467 per employee, and is spent on events including the Christmas party. Teams work well together, with staff reporting that people go out of their way to help each other (81%), their colleagues aren't disruptive (73%) and workmates care for each other (85%, a top five score). A monthly department entertainment budget means colleagues can let their hair down together regularly. Employees also get together to support the local community, something they agree the company does well (64%). The firm allows them to spend three days a year helping good causes during work time, without sacrificing any pay. The company matches staff's fundraising totals up to a maximum of £250. Senior managers don't leave all the good work to team members — everyone on the board has been involved in the firm's Inspire programme, from increasing financial awareness among children, to building a play park in a disadvantaged area of Nottingham. A top 20 score of 64% positive shows that staff think the organisation's support of good causes is driven by a commitment to giving something back rather than a desire for good publicity. www.qas.com
