LEO BURNETT HAS always encouraged an open-door policy but the communications agency has taken things a step further by getting rid of all offices. All managers now sit alongside their staff. "The best thing about Leo Burnett is the people on my team, and the energy and enthusiasm of the senior management," says one employee. Workers have a great deal of faith in Paul Lawson, the chief executive (scoring 80% positive), and have confidence in the leadership skills of other senior bosses and those of their own managers (both 77%). Colleagues also care a lot about each other (81%). Founded in Chicago in 1935 by ad man Leo Burnett, the international firm is now part of the French group, Publicis, and the 343 staff in London work with clients from McDonald's to Kellogg's and Shelter. Employees, who are proud to work for the award-winning firm (81%), find their jobs good for their own personal growth and think the experience is valuable for their future (both 78%). Outstanding performers have the chance to win a trip to the firm's Windy City head office for three days and, to mark Founder's Day each year, employees receive the sterling equivalent of $1 for each year of business. In addition to basic salary, which for an accounts manager is just over £29,000 on average, benefits include birthday leave plus an additional three days at Christmas on top of annual holiday entitlement, subsidised sports facilities, staff discounts and weekly massages. Work is an important part of life (81%) for staff, who are allowed to undertake charitable activities in office hours. The firm does its bit for the local community (67%, a top 20 score). www.leoburnett.co.uk
