Pampering, relaxing and soothing away troubles is day-to-day business at Ragdale. But it's not just the fluffy white-bathrobed guests who are in a zen-like state: more than four out of five employees say they have suffered no work-related stress in the past year. Just 10 companies in our survey have less stressed employees.
The views must go some way towards calming the nerves; the spa hotel is set amid rolling Leicestershire countryside, and well-kept grounds surround the turreted hall — first mentioned in the Domesday book and added to and embellished over the centuries. Michael Isaacs and Gary Nesbitt bought Ragdale in 1990 after selling their 1980s success story, Our Price records. Although Nesbitt died two years ago, ownership remains with his family and Isaacs, who all visit regularly, leaving a senior managing team in charge.
About 80% of staff are female, reflecting the 90% female client base, and a third are still in their teens, though these are mainly part-timers. However, there is a good spread of age groups and the business accommodates women who have returned to work after raising their families, and is flexible in terms of hours and rotas (nearly three-quarters say work does not interfere with responsibilities at home), a top 15 score.
Julie Sim worked in administration before leaving to have twin boys. She returned to a part-time job in the boutique and gift shop. "Wherever I was in Ragdale, I'd be happy," she says. "It is hard when you've had a career break."
Close teams and understanding managers form the framework of the supportive structure; 84% say they laugh a lot with people in their team, 78% are confident in their team's abilities and 75% say they can be themselves. Four out of five say they have their manager's support when they need to learn new skills and two-thirds say managers utilise the talents of staff, both top 30 results.
Much of the faith in managers stems from a commitment to promoting from within, thus providing inspirational role models whose hands-on experience is valued. Ten of the 15 managers or supervisors appointed between January 2003 and October 2004 were internal promotions, and there are good training and appraisal processes in place.
First-time home-leaving employees can live at one of Ragdale's staff houses in nearby Melton Mowbray, and the company is a big employer in the local area. "My mum works here and my brother has worked here," says receptionist Gemma Forrester.
Charity raffles and competitions regularly benefit from Ragdale donations of residential breaks, day packages and hair studio vouchers, although the company is looking to formalise its approach to charitable giving.
Exceptional performance is rewarded with prizes such as high street vouchers and Ragdale Hall restaurant meals. There are discounts on treatments and all staff receive a gratuity bonus every three months, taken from an optional service charge on guests' bills. Social events are organised within departments and company-wide, either paid for or subsidised by Ragdale.