THIS CONSTRUCTION FIRM doesn't believe in putting up barriers between its staff. The open-plan layout at Tony Gee and Partners' seven UK offices and its overseas sites helps all employees — including the executive managing director, Graham Nicholson — work well together. Employees agree their senior managers are visible and approachable (an 80% positive score), and have confidence in the top management team (79%). The company paid for sign-language lessons to make it easier to communicate with a deaf colleague. Staff believe everyone is treated fairly (75%, ranked 14th) and are proud to work for the business (81%). Based in Esher, the firm specialises in complex engineering projects. A newly appointed learning and development manager helps the workforce form plans for the future, and employees believe they can make a valuable contribution to Tony Gee's success (82%). Staff have online access to company-wide resources and can discuss technical, health and safety matters, as well as sharing news about social and charity events. They say the organisation encourages charitable activities (83%) and is run on strong values and principles (80%). www.tonygee.com
