ALL GUNS POINT outward at Jefferies, where internal squabbling, being territorial, politics and pettiness are frowned upon. So reads one of the eight core principles of the company, which is part of a global securities and investment banking group with more than 3,600 employees worldwide. Staff say there are few individuals who are disruptive (76% positive) and colleagues go out of their way to help one another (79%). Another company value states one of the best aspects of working at Jefferies is that there is no place to hide. Stars are quickly recognised, as are those who are "not engaged", and the company is the "ideal place for a motivated self-starter who is looking for responsibility". Staff are only too happy to grasp the nettle, saying that opportunities to learn and grow are not restricted (72%) within Jefferies, which operates in more than 25 cities worldwide, and they think they have a positive future ahead of them (82%, which is beaten by only two others). With the knowledge that women make up just 23% of the 714-strong workforce in Britain and just 56 out of 397 middle and senior managers, the Jefferies Women's Initiative Network was set up in 2010 and extended to Britain last year. Its focus is on making the company a more inclusive, diverse place to work. Nevertheless, staff feel they can make a difference (82%, which is placed fifth) and that everyone is treated fairly (72%, 22nd). Happy people with satisfying personal lives make better partners, according to Jefferies, which is celebrating 50 years since it was established. The firm says a lack of balance between professional and personal lives will lead to burn-out and urges employees not to bother sticking around at the office "for the sake of corporate politics" and to feel no guilt about taking holidays. Staff do not feel as if they are under too much pressure at work to perform well (78%, a score surpassed by only five others). A senior vice-president can expect to earn almost £150,000 a year, excluding bonuses, and employees are happy with the pay and benefits they receive (71%) and say that they receive fair remuneration for the responsibilities they have (68%). Both scores are ranked 10th. Leadership gives Jefferies its highest category ranking of 10th, with an 81% factor score. Chief executive Richard Handler updates all employees on key decisions made by the company with regular emails, along with Brian Friedman, chairman of the executive committee. www.jefferies.com
