ESTABLISHED DURING A recession in a small office on Tring High Street, performance improvement company Grass Roots has grown in 34 years into a global organisation with offices in 15 countries and a group turnover of more than £300m. Grass Roots UK provides everything from mystery shoppers and employee engagement programmes, to incentive schemes, reward packages and sales promotions, for businesses looking to maximise good service, productivity and loyalty from both staff and customers. In the UK, the firm's 392 employees work with household names such as John Lewis, Sainsbury's, Santander, BMW, Roche and O2. Commitment isn't an issue at Grass Roots, where half the staff have worked for the company for five or more years, with almost one in five notching up at least a decade of service. Low levels of stress and a good balance between work and home life contribute to its 26th ranking in our Wellbeing category, while the company's support of good causes and a helpful and friendly workforce also make a major contribution to staff job satisfaction. Colleagues go out of their way to help each other (79%) and work doesn't interfere with people's health (79%). Nor does the job prevent them from fulfilling their responsibilities at home (70%). The company encourages charitable activities (87%) through its dress-down Fridays and by giving employees up to two days a year to do good deeds. In addition to matching funds raised by its people — more than £100,000 is realised this way annually — the firm also supports sports teams and the local theatre. Employees think it puts enough back into the community (71%, just 11 firms scored higher). It does its bit to protect the environment, too (76%, 18th), through initiatives such as allocated parking for those using environmentally friendly cars and lift-sharing. Employees enjoy socialising together, particularly at company-wide events organised by the firm at Christmas and in the summer, and everybody receives a gift on their birthday. They don't feel taken advantage of by their managers (75%), don't have problems with disruptive colleagues (73%) and don't feel under too much pressure to perform well (70%). www.grassroots.uk.com
