THIS LONDON-BASED firm serves up a tasty deal for its employees, who enjoy their jobs and say the balance with their home lives is just peachy. Lexington Catering is ranked seventh overall for the Wellbeing factor in our survey, and people say they are happy with their work-life balance (78% positive, a score beaten by just three other companies on our list). Initiatives available to employees include workshops on energy and nutrition, delivered by energiseYou, an organisation that liaises with firms on workplace health issues. All staff have access to advice on stopping smoking, and a cycle-to-work scheme ensures that they can get on their bikes and stay fit. They say they don't feel under pressure (79%, in sixth place) and agree that managers take an active interest in their wellbeing (both 79%). The company works in partnership with some 30 businesses across London and the southeast, including restaurants, delis, coffee bars and corporations. All the food produced is cooked from scratch using fresh, seasonal ingredients, which are locally sourced, organic and fairly trade where possible. Touches such as Neal's Yard cheeses, Illy coffee and homemade chutneys win plaudits from clients. Staff say Lexinton cares about the environment (86%, ranking fourth nationally). Almost 100 people have joined this growing firm in the past year, bringing the workforce to 560. Although the majority — 73% — earn less than £25,000 a year, they feel they are paid fairly relative to others in the sector (73%) and to their colleagues (71%, with both scores ranking eighth on our list). The business returns to our Best Companies list for the first time since 2011. The company has also joined forces with the University of West London to design a two-year apprenticeship programme, known as the Lex School of Talent, in order to encourage school-leavers to enter the catering industry. Successful applicants are given a full-time, paid contract, along with day release to study for national vocational qualifications. During this period they are mentored by staff and upon completion of the courses have the opportunity to go on and study further in order to gain a degree, at the end of which there is a guaranteed job. Last year, four 16-year-olds won places on the scheme, joining the payroll on a starting salary of £16,000, with all the benefits of a full-time employee. Workers agree that the organisation is run on strong values (85%). Benefits include an extra day's holiday on birthdays, an employee assistance programme to help with personal problems and loans for travel season tickets. All new parents are sent a £25 Baby Gap voucher, everyone gets a £25 supermarket voucher at Christmas and a quarterly bonus of £75 is paid to those who have a good attendance record. People don't feel taken advantage of (76%, ranking sixth). Development for all is also on the menu and everyone — from the company directors to the baristas — is coached according to LexDNA, a set of values in three categories — food, sites and people. These are championed by six ‘Lexy superstars' across the business, with all staff measured against questions in each category, such as their knowledge of food, teamwork and speed of service. Employees agree that the training they receive is of great personal benefit (76%) and say their skills are used to their full extent (63%, in sixth place). They also think that they are treated fairly (79%, a score bettered by just two other mid-sized firms in our survey). www.lexingtoncatering.com
