STAFF TURNOVER AT System C is three times lower than the norm for the IT industry — and it's not hard to see why. The company aims to help improve patient care and safety through the effective use of its healthcare information systems and tries to keep workers happy and motivated by nurturing their talents and providing them with a satisfying job. Work is fun (77% positive) and good for personal growth (75%) and staff feel they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the firm (81%). The company ranks 30th overall in our Fair Deal category. Employees, more than two-thirds of whom earn in excess of £35,000, are happy with their pay and benefits, earning System C a top 20 positive score of 70%. There is an annual performance-related bonus, awards for outstanding work and a benefits package which includes generous maternity and paternity policies, a share option scheme, free private healthcare, nursery vouchers, critical illness and a bike-to-work initiative. The business provides a contributory pension scheme plus a non-contributory scheme for senior managers, and employees are given extended holiday to take part in charitable events overseas. Good managers and strong internal communications are key to the success of the company and have been key in integrating new people during its rapid growth over the past three years, over which time it has doubled in size. Staff turnover is just 8.6% at the Kent-based firm and people view it as a place to stay and develop — 30% of the workforce of 262 have been on the payroll for five or more years and 34 senior managers have been promoted from within. System C employees have a great deal of faith in chief executive Dr Ian Denley (82%, a top 20 result), who likes to get to know staff and muck in, and they think he runs the business on sound moral principles (78%). The relaxed environment encourages employees to voice their opinions, give suggestions and take part in social activities funded by the business at a cost of £130,000 a year. Workers say bosses show appreciation for a job well done (78%) and talk openly and honestly with them (80%). Colleagues go out of their way to help each other (81%) and stress levels are low (74%). The company recorded revenues of nearly £22m in the last financial year, including pre-tax profits of just over £4m so it's not surprising that employees are excited about the future (77%). System C supports individual fundraising and has a dedicated budget for charitable events. Staff don't think this backing for worthy causes is driven by a desire for good publicity (67%, just 10 firms got higher scores). www.systemc.com
