Data science and analytics company Peak Indicators runs a Thursday morning Social Brunch where employees are randomly allocated to small groups for a chat. The 30-minute optional meeting is attended by one of the directors and the only rule is everyone has to avoid talking about work. It gives staff across the business a chance to get to know each other better and for new starters to get to meet their colleagues.

Founded in 2008, Chesterfield-based Peak Indicators turns unruly data into really useful information so organisations can make better, faster decisions and use data more effectively in their processes, products and services.

Working across financial services, retail, consumer goods, public sector and telecommunications organisations, its clients include HSBC Bank, AstraZeneca, Legal & General, financial services group, Nomura, Schneider Electric and GO Outdoors.

Peak Indicators grows its own experts through its apprentice and graduate programmes and combines interesting work with a supportive, inclusive culture to help staff reach their full potential.

The pandemic didn't stop staff being their usual social selves with a host of online events keeping morale high. These have included regular quizzes hosted by the leadership team, a virtual escape room followed by afternoon tea for the annual Team Day and chocolate making for the Christmas party. The private sector company also set up a weekly parents' meeting to check how balancing home schooling and work is going and if it could provide support.