London-based Octopus Investments doubled its staff last year and, although the investment management company isn't immune to turbulence in the financial markets, it manages some £570m for more than 18,000 individual investors and is still receiving large inflows of funding. Employees continue to be excited about where the organisation is going (earning an 89% positive score). When Octopus decided to re-evaluate its mission, everyone had two days off site to come up with their collective dream. Employees settled on 11 company values, including boldness, innovation and team development, and these aims flash up when people log on to the intranet. The 91 staff members say the company is run on strong values (83%) rather than being driven by profit alone (76%). Chief executive Simon Rogerson might not have octopus arms, but he knows how to reach his workforce. He and senior managers take fortnightly “brown bag” lunch meetings, and there are all-company monthly get-togethers. Employees are inspired by their leader (88%), have faith in his abilities (90%) and confidence in the leadership skills of senior managers (87%). These people truly live the firm's values (85%) but they listen as well as make decisions (78%). Jobs are stimulating (83%) and there are plenty of chances to learn and grow (75%). There is a heavy workload, though, and staff aren't all happy with the balance of work and home life (61%, ranking 93rd). They are content with pay and benefits, however (73%), with almost half of the staff earning more than £55,000 a year and fund managers on £78,500. The business spends more than £83,000 a year on fun. Twice a year, there's a brainstorming event followed by a meal or party, to net the firm its team values of service, quality, integrity and delivery.
