STAFF KNOW THEY are on solid ground working for construction firm ISG Pearce. By offering great career prospects, stimulating work and good rewards in a friendly environment, the Bristol-based firm has built a loyal and content workforce, almost half of whom (46%) have been on the payroll for at least five years, while 13% have worked for it for more than 15 years. Employees think the firm provides a great service to clients, winning it an 86% positive score in our staff survey. They are proud to be part of ISG Pearce (81%) and would not leave tomorrow even if offered another job (79%, a top 10 score). The company's 382 staff work in sectors from retail and health to education and defence on jobs ranging from small refurbishments and refits to projects such as the new £19m naval headquarters at Portsmouth. While many employed in the construction industry are struggling, the firm has expanded by opening an office in Exeter and now operates at 41 sites across England and Wales. Staff think Colin Forrest, the chief executive, runs the business on sound moral principles (80%) and have a great deal of faith in him (79%). Forrest attends every new employee induction session, is visible sitting alongside employees at the head office and is happy to address any issues or concerns from within the company. Managers are also good listeners (72%) and that may be down to the strong practice of internal promotion at ISG Pearce. Two of the three operations directors joined the company 12 years ago as junior managers and many middle and senior managers have worked their way up from graduate or trainee positions. New starters follow a structured induction course and staff are clear about what is expected of them (73%). There's no time to be bored (75%) with the variety of work on the books, and the training provided includes scaffold safety inspection, time management, NVQs in subjects such as business improvement techniques, as well as university and college courses. Regular performance reviews enable staff to develop tailored plans to help them realise their goals and aspirations, and they believe they can make a difference in the organisation (77%) and a contribution to its success (79%). ISG Pearce promotes an environment of recognition and spends £220 per member of staff on social events to thank them for their efforts. Christmas parties and family outings as well as team building activities, from archery to the annual away day, strengthen the bond between employees who have fun with their colleagues (77%) and feel a strong sense of family (73%). The average salary of a site manager is £33,362 and almost 60% of the workforce gets paid more than £35,000. On top of this, staff can benefit from the success of the company through profit share and share option schemes. Other perks include free private healthcare, subsidised sports facilities, childcare vouchers, an employee assistance programme and a contributory pension scheme. As well as looking after its people, ISG cares about the planet. The firm, which delayed a project in order to protect a group of nesting otters, diverts almost 92% of waste from landfill, in an industry where the average is 70%, and staff believe it does plenty to be green (74%). Employees, who are allowed time off for St John Ambulance training and to get involved in the Territorial Army, have not had stress-related symptoms in the past 12 months (75%) and say work is an important part of who they are (76%). www.pearce.co.uk