INGEUS, which trains unemployed people to prepare them for the workforce, feels that helping clients to be their best is its mission. It takes the same approach to its own workforce, ensuring the wellbeing of its teams and rewarding them with industry-leading pay and benefits. Founded in 2002 with just three members of staff, the organisation is now a primary provider of personalised support to tackle unemployment. The London-based company has 1,592 employees operating from 79 sites throughout the country and has so far helped 160,000 individuals back into the world of work. In our survey, the organisation is ranked fifth nationally in the Fair Deal category, thanks to an overall positive score of 74%. An adviser's basic salary is about £29,000, and 55% of workers earn £25,000 or more. Maternity and paternity leave exceeds the statutory minimum with an initial six weeks at full pay. New parents also receive a hamper on the birth of their baby, and new mothers a £1,000 cash bonus when they return to work. Staff also have access to free private healthcare, life assurance, loans and discounts. They say they are paid fairly for the work relative to others in similar organisations (78%, the top score) and are happy with their pay and benefits (76%, just seven other firms score better). Achievements are recognised by managers at weekly team meetings, which, along with “rev-ups” at the start of each day, are used to keep everyone up-to-date on the latest news. Managers regularly express their appreciation (75%) and talk openly and honestly (77%). Teamwork is seen as integral to the organisation's success and managers are empowered to use their local budgets for team-building. An “Ingeus World Cup” provides an annual opportunity for colleagues to come together for a day of friendly sporting competition. Colleagues help one another (76%) and are fun to work with (78%). All staff are encouraged to contribute ideas to improve the company via the internal Splash crowdsourcing website — successful posts earn points which can be redeemed for prizes such as iPods or hampers. Staff don't think their health is suffering because of work (68%), according to our survey. Each year the firm's team of inhouse physical and mental health experts designs a company-wide wellbeing strategy. Employees are encouraged to get involved in activities such as nutritious lunches, office sports and free Pilates lessons, thanks to the regular publication of health-themed articles. www.ingeus.co.uk
