NOT BEING AFRAID to have an opinion, being nice and not spending your entire life at your desk are all part of the job description at Mindshare Media UK. In addition to an open and friendly atmosphere, the London-based media agency, which provides media planning and buying services for clients such as Nike, Unilever, Ford, Nestlé and Argos, offers workers plenty of opportunities for self-development. The 371 staff find the experience valuable for the future (83% positive and a top-15 ranking) and say the job is good for their personal growth (80%). Mindshare, a subsidiary of the global communications group WPP, runs a structured training programme equipping staff with a range of skills from negotiating to selling, and its scheme to develop future leaders offers 10 account managers a 12-month learning programme that includes networking with senior members from the WPP group and being mentored by Mindshare's senior management team. Staff recognise that the training on offer is of great benefit to them personally (75%). Recognition includes “star of the month” awards for workers in the exchange programme, taking advantage of the company's global network placing two people in the Bangkok office for a fortnight. Two employees of the year also each get £2,000 for a holiday of their choice. A coaching culture led by managers across the agency helps employees reach their potential. Staff report their bosses are good listeners (72%) and that they feel they can tell them when things go badly (75%). Feedback is promoted through surveys, an employee forum and training questionnaires.Mindshare encourages charitable activities (81%), and last year launched a workplace giving scheme which allows employees to support a good cause tax-free from their pay. The company adds an extra £10 to their donation if they choose to support the firm's charity partner of the year, currently Great Ormond Street Children's Charity. Benefits include private medical insurance, permanent health insurance, free fruit twice a week, in-house yoga classes and a monthly contribution of £20 towards gym membership. Work, though, is an important part of life for staff, who are proud to be at Mindshare and have lots of fun with colleagues (both 81%). Social events include Christmas and summer parties and there are regular events organised by the firm's social club, with employee contributions matched pound-for-pound by the agency.