WHEN ONE OF Pannone's support staff was off ill for some time last year she received cards from colleagues and calls from her head of department and the head of human resources wishing her well. "On my return I knew there wouldn't be piles of outstanding work because we work as a team and backlogs do not occur as a result of absences," she says. It's not just this employee who appreciates good relationships with colleagues. Responses to our staff questionnaire reveal that staff at this Manchester law firm care a lot about each other, earning it a positive score of 83% on this question and they are fun to work with too (82%). People feel a strong sense of family in their team (76%). Good team spirit is highly prized by Pannone, which sees all company-funded or subsidised social events, of which there are about five a year, as crucial to nurturing a strong esprit de corps. Last summer, for example, although the company scaled back spending significantly, it felt it was important to hold a summer party for staff, particularly in light of a round of redundancies earlier in the year. In addition to two annual company parties, Pannone also pays for everyone in the firm to have a Christmas meal or jolly with their own departments. In the year to August 2009, Pannone spent £179 on each member of staff on events including Halloween cruises, skiing and football trips abroad and treasure hunts. Despite tough times Pannone is one of the best companies for Wellbeing and Personal Growth, ranking 10th and 12th respectively overall on these two issues. Employees are not under so much pressure they can't concentrate (77%), or that they can't perform well (78%). Stress levels are low (82%) and people's health isn't suffering (85%) thanks to realistic deadlines (78%) and a good balance between their life at work and at home (73%). After making 55 redundancies Pannone was keen to ensure it was putting as much, if not more, effort into the development of the remaining staff to demonstrate how confident it was about the future of the business and the part its employees have to play in it. Last year the legal firm introduced a new career structure for all employees. It already subsidises and supports any member of staff who wants to gain legal qualifications. With such opportunities on offer employees find little time to be bored (74%) and feel the experience they gain from their job is valuable for their future (78%). There is plenty of support from managers (76%) who are excellent role models (70%), and work is an important part of employees' life at Pannone (80%). A weekly bulletin tells everyone about cases the firm has won and other successes, so that everyone feels involved in the company's achievements. Employee and team of the month contests recognise exceptional contributions, with meals out as prizes. Team leaders are encouraged to buy cakes or take staff out to celebrate significant work events. Benefits include profit-related pay, free private healthcare for most and subsidised sports. Employees are also offered nursery vouchers, life assurance, a contributory pension scheme and free consultations with physiotherapists and hypnotherapists. As the evidence suggests, people are proud to work for Pannone and love their jobs (giving positive scores of 83% and 78% respectively). www.pannone.com