Hall & Partners Europe knows its staff. Bottles of bubbly, pampering spa days and even painting an employee's kitchen are a few of the tailor-made treats that have been dished out to thank people at the market research firm for their hard work. Employees feel the organisation acknowledges the value of their contribution (81%) and say that managers regularly express their appreciation (82%). The brand and communications research company was founded 15 years ago and has offices in London, New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. The firm's vision statement is to "surpass expectations". When it comes to caring for its staff, Hall & Partners is certainly succeeding. Vanella Jackson has worked at the company for 15 years and was made UK chief executive two years ago. Staff find her leadership inspiring (86%) and are excited about the firm's future (84%). Jackson feels it is important to know every employee, so she conducts all interviews. She also gives tea parties for staff to get feedback. Training goes beyond internal courses. Actors from the National Theatre have taught staff skills to help them project themselves and the psychologist from Channel 4's Big Brother has explained how to read body language. Employees say their job is good for their personal growth (86%) and believe the experience they gain is valuable for their future (87%). The company goes out of its way to make sure staff are happy in their working environment, by providing fresh fruit, tea and coffee, an in-house homeopath, head massages and a manicurist. An annual wellbeing fete puts people in touch with useful services, including gyms, dieticians, dermatologists and life coaches. Staff believe the organisation really tries to help them (an 84% positive score). Hall & Partners employees returned their highest scores in the My Team factor of the Best Companies survey. Staff find it easy to be themselves in their teams (84%) and say they are fun to work with (89%). Colleagues have confidence in the abilities of others, giving a 91% score — the third highest in the survey. Free drinks on Fridays, monthly theme nights and motivation days help to keep relationships strong. If a member of staff works late, the company pays for dinner and a taxi home. After four years, employees are entitled to a paid four-week sabbatical. Hall & Partners takes its environmental responsibilities seriously. Trees are planted to offset carbon emissions and recycling is a priority — it includes batteries, paper, glass and toner cartridges. The office floor is even made from recycled tyres.
