EVERYONE WHO HAS has ever worked at the firm was named in a book produced last year to celebrate its 21st birthday. The 76 employees feel they have a great future, reflected in a positive score of 87%. The Reading-based firm, specialising in recruitment for IT, engineering and financial services, achieved a £31.5m turnover last year. GCS aims to nearly double that to £60m by 2015, and employees feel they can make a contribution to its success (91%). The company values taking responsibility for actions and recognising outstanding performance, and makes it clear what it expects of people (86%). Each year all staff sit down for a “vision” meeting to take stock and talk about next year's goals. The business, winner of our Innovation in Engagement Practice special award, has promised that if it meets annual targets this year GCS will take everyone on holiday, whether or not they meet personal goals. The workforce voted “overwhelmingly” to go to Ibiza. It has also promised to plant 21 trees for every week it hits its target. Staff believe GCS cares about the environment (88%, in 11th place, its highest ranking). Last year the business donated more than £26,000 to good causes. A new human resources department has been created to improve staff development, and employees find their training is of great personal benefit (79%). Opportunities to learn and grow feel unlimited (78%) and the company is more proactive than reactive (72%). GCS Academy graduates are encouraged to give feedback so the training system can evolve.
