MONEY MAY NOT buy happiness, but Practicus has a theory that happiness can help to make money. The consultancy, which helps other businesses manage change and recruit key people, has developed a “positive mindset programme” to measure the difference it makes, both in and out of the office, when you really believe in your work. The most recent graduates found they were 21% happier — and generated 32% more revenue. Our survey shows that the 57 employees are happiest about Leadership at the firm, scoring 91% positive, in eighth place among small firms. They have great faith in Jason Luckhurst, the chief executive and co-founder (93%). He updates everyone on the business through a monthly video and runs the firm in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, according to the strong values on which it was established in 2004 (94%, sixth). These include honesty and integrity, being passionate about work, going the extra mile and showing empathy. Staff say senior managers truly live these values (93%, sixth). Each month the staff member who has best embodied the company values wins a trophy engraved with his or her name, a coveted prize although it carries no financial incentive. Go-karting, horseracing and skiing trips also result in a strong team spirit, and our survey found that people go out of their way to help each other (91%, in third place). The firm has featured on the Virgin Fast Track list of fastest-growing companies and has recently expanded to Australia and Hong Kong, but it tries to maintain a family feel, providing Easter eggs engraved with the names of employees' children, organic turkeys for Christmas and a day off for staff on their birthday. Bosses recently asked employees what benefits they would value, then introduced the wishlist: a health cash plan, life assurance, cycle-to-work scheme, childcare vouchers and paid volunteering days. Senior consultants typically earn £30,000 a year, and most staff have share options. They work long hours (45 hours for team members and managers, 50 for senior managers) but few would leave their jobs tomorrow if the chance arose.
