Helen McIvor used to work in The Mall in Falkirk. Now she works for it. The former shop manager joined the company nearly 18 months ago as a car park operative and has never been happier. “This is a really good company,” says the 50-year-old. “They are very appreciative of what you do. I have been employee of the month twice. You get a certificate and a bottle of champagne. It's silly wee things like that that make you feel good.” The Mall owns and operates 23 shopping centres across the country from Aberdeen to Southampton. The company, which sponsors the TV quiz show Family Fortunes, prides itself on giving its 380 employees a great place to work. From the training opportunities on offer to the pay and benefits and the friendly relaxed atmosphere, staff enjoy coming to work at The Mall. Employees say they have fun at work, earning the company an 82% positive score. Workers care about each other (81%) and go out of their way to help each other (77%). This strong team spirit pays dividends, too, quite literally. Every employee is eligible to benefit from the firm's discretionary performance bonus which is based not only on business performance but collective performance by staff, so it's all about working together. Regular management and team meetings plus the two-day annual conference and the popular company newsletter strengthen camaraderie and help staff feel part of one big family. Easy, dynamic and caring are the values of the company and its staff. “The brand values are so in line with what I believe,” says Suzanne Arkinson, 34, general manager of The Mall Falkirk, who is also impressed with the generous bonus scheme, good salary and benefits such as private healthcare and car allowance. “There is a great atmosphere. I love shopping and I love watching people shop. It is a dream job. I can't believe I get paid for doing it.” Senior managers at The Mall's offices in London and Aberdeen work closely with the teams on the ground and give staff autonomy to make decisions. Workers feel their jobs are secure (78%) and believe that they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation (77%). The company's reputation and its charity programme Mall Cares, which supports more than 50 local charities around the country, make staff feel proud to work for it (78%). Employees say there is a high regard for health and safety (87%) and a range of flexible working options gives staff a good work-life balance. People have a great deal of faith in Ken Ford, the chief executive (76%), and much of that comes from the way he values his workforce. “I am sure that one day someone from our cleaning staff will become a general manager,” Ford says.