Claire Owen is used to running a busy recruitment agency, with £22m annual revenues. But last year the founder and managing director of the SG Group found herself mentoring middle-aged people on the joys of internet dating. Owen was eligible for a sabbatical after four years at the firm. And apart from playing Cupid, she took advantage of six weeks' paid and equal time unpaid to enjoy an endurance rally around Sardinia and learn that corporate essential, golf. It was the first break in her 13-year working life. Others have taken the time to work for charities, save endangered animals in Thailand and go diving in Australia — where another branch of the group works in the sun. The firm, which specialises in marketing and human resources jobs, has its main office in Richmond in Surrey, but all employees can work from home, and a third do. Everyone does staggered hours and there is a "flying squad" of three consultants and an executive who cover holidays. People can negotiate their own packages — one employee works two days a week, partly from home, and has an extra four weeks' unpaid leave in the school holidays. No wonder people report no work-related stress symptoms, with an 88% positive score and feel their health is not suffering (91%), both top 10 scores. The company has a listening culture, with a monthly "getting to know you" lunch for all staff, as well as a listening lunch for six people with senior management. People say managers are not guilty of doing a lot of telling and not much listening (81%). Employees feel fairly paid for their jobs (75%) and have a raft of basic benefits including a noncontributory pension, company loans and discounts, and eye, health and dental cover. A mind, body and soul benefit starts at £500 and increases to £1,000 for welfare benefits such as gym memberships or art classes. Each team has a budget of £50 per head annually for fun. Good ideas win a bottle of champagne, and £100 if the suggestion is used. Sponsored activities, such as a day out spent wall climbing at a Center Parcs in Holland, raise money for causes like bringing clean water to a village in Vietnam. Every year Owen hosts a Derby day at her home in Epsom, with nannies for the children, swimming, tennis, Pimm's and a buffet.
