Totemic aims to be the go-to debt-management company in Britain and Europe. Its mission is to deliver personal financial remedies and contribute to the wellbeing of its staff and community. As a business that cares about its clients, it has to be one that cares about its workers.

The East Midlands-based company keeps its staff engaged through team-building activities, effective communication and an open and approachable leadership style. Its annual Derek Day included dragon-boat racing, raft-building, aqua relays and a singing competition. Meanwhile, its new Totem intranet keeps staff informed and gathers feedback through weekly spot surveys. Alongside this two magazines, Tribe, which focuses on employees; activities, and Beacon, which spotlights the company.

Totemic's "state of the nation" year-end update brings the entire business together to keep abreast of the company's performance and learn of plans for the next year. Communication channels help to reinforce the company's purpose and reflect a tone of voice that is in keeping with Totemic's values and purpose. The leadership team updates staff at least quarterly with briefings and business reports. Employees are encouraged to contribute and the down-to-earth communication style fostered by the leadership has enabled Totemic to build stronger relationships

Totemic began in 1992 with four people working in a garage. Now it has around 600 staff working at four sites. Employees centre their day-to-day work around five core values: "Active"; "belonging"; "success"; "for good"; and "vitality".