THE GLASS IS most definitely half full for staff at the Orchid Group. Working in its 249 pubs, bars and restaurants won't make them rich but good training, great colleagues, incentives and the group's commitment to the community make it a great experience, according to the workforce. People love working for the company and wouldn't leave tomorrow even if they were offered another job, returning positive scores of 72% and 71% respectively for these questions in our employee survey. Good people management has resulted in high spirits at the St Albans-based group, which moves 15 places up the list this year into the top five, and wins two special awards, for Wellbeing as well as most improved company. "People are the lifeblood of our business. Without their passion, commitment and motivation Orchid would not continue to prosper," says Rufus Hall, chief executive of the group, who is an inspiration to staff (69%). Workers have a great deal of faith in him (74%) and confidence in the leadership of the senior management team (77%) and their own leaders (80%). Bosses are supportive (79%) and are excellent role models (73%). "We believe by recruiting, training and motivating our staff we will reduce [staff] turnover, improve morale and increase productivity — ultimately leading to increased profits," says Hall, who champions Orchid's many charitable projects and can often be found mucking in himself. Orchid motivates its 5,190 employees with a range of innovative initiatives. New schemes include sending staff birthday cards, video updates from Hall, back-to-the-floor-days for members of the board and a monthly Orchid lottery draw, with prizes ranging from hot air ballooning to a fashion makeover. Managers regularly express their appreciation when staff do a good job (76%) and the firm's annual Halo awards recognise hard work and give everyone a chance to get dressed up for a night out. Top managers can join Platinum Partners, a membership group with benefits such as free family private healthcare and a percentage of their pub's profits. Their teams also benefit with 50% off food and drink at the venue. Clear communication and camaraderie means workers know just what is expected of them (80%) and they feel a strong sense of family in their teams (77%). Staff are the least stressed of all workers in the big list, which could be because they have so much fun (both 85%) and don't feel taken advantage of (64%). Benefits for employees, the majority of whom work part-time or reduced hours, include childcare vouchers, subsidised sports, life assurance, dental insurance and discounted services. orchidgroup.co.uk
