You don't need 20/20 vision to see that Specsavers Optical Superstores (SOS) is a good employer. Employees can see clearly that is the case with an 84% positive score for being proud to work for the company Founded in a spare bedroom by Doug and Mary Perkins in 1984, SOS is the largest privately-owned optical retailer in the UK and, despite the economic downturn, continues to grow and expand. Employees say they feel they can make a difference in the company (77%), believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation (79%) and are excited about where the company is going (82%, a top 10 score). In addition to quarterly bonuses, employees can also be awarded up to £500 for ideas taken up by the business. There is private healthcare and dental cover for all. A variety of other health initiatives include free fruit, bottles of water and flu jabs, and discounted health checks, Indian head massage and reflexology. Staff say they are paid fairly for their responsibilities within the company and also relative to people in similar firms (both 65%). Flexible working is encouraged. Many employees report no stress-related symptoms in the past 12 months (75%) and say their health is not suffering because of work (76%). The Perkins family make themselves accessible to all employees and send every staff member a birthday card. All of the company's main board members have an open-door policy and all participate in quarterly staff meetings as well as in charitable events. Employees find their leaders inspiring, giving a 78% positive score, say the firm is run on solid values and principles (78%) and have a great deal of faith in Doug and Mary Perkins (80%). The company has its own academy, which provides training and development opportunities from induction through to senior management. There are annual performance reviews as well as mid-year reviews with every Specsavers employee attending a “making the most of your performance review” workshop. The business also offers managers the opportunity to learn new skills through external courses or work shadowing, mentoring and secondments. Employees say their work is stimulating (76%), the experience gained is valuable to their futures (77%) and that their jobs are good for their personal growth (78%). It is the firm's family values that set it apart and probably garner the most loyalty from the workforce. Last year, at the annual ball, the company even provided babysitting at the hotel where the event was held. It follows that employees love working for Specsavers (78%).
