IFF Research
Social and market research agency, IFF Research, uses feedback gathered in regular internal surveys and employee listening sessions to improve the working environment for its staff from addressing increased workloads to supporting a new virtual book club and ensuring staff can enjoy their time off.
IFF introduced a time bound email signature saying: “I'm sending this at a time that works for me. I'm not expecting a reply at a time that doesn't work for you” so staff working flexible hours from home didn't feel they always had to be online.
Private sector IFF, which provides services including data collection, data analysis and reporting, has conducted some of the most high-profile independent UK research. Specialising in seven key sectors including learning & skills, higher education, business & enterprise and housing, it helps public, private and voluntary organisations make better decisions.
While much has changed at IFF over the last 55 years, including a move from a Shoreditch warehouse to an airy office overlooking the Thames, the genuine focus on people and strong sense of team remains the same, led by its three core values: Be human first, Making a difference and Impartiality and independence.
A diverse social and wellbeing agenda has been critical to maintaining IFF's friendly culture during lockdown. In addition to weekly Friday drinks, it has run quarterly all-staff virtual parties including escape rooms, cooking and cocktail masterclasses, quizzes and a horse racing event. It has also encouraged virtual post-project team celebrations, providing drinks and food vouchers.