SUPERHEROES DON'T JUST appear on screen at Unruly. Each quarter, this social video marketing firm rewards its own “superhero” employees with £1,000 bonuses.The London-based private firm, founded in 2006, has featured in the Sunday Times Tech Track for its rapid growth. It helps brands such as Volkswagen, Dove and Coca-Cola predict the impact of promotional videos, and get them watched. It has tracked 365bn videos through its viral video chart. Its mantra is “share the love” — and the success — and few people feel taken advantage of by management (an 87% positive score). “We want to create dozens of dollar millionaires, a set of alumni with the cash, kudos and confidence to go out and do it all again,” the firm, which has 12 offices worldwide, explains.“Ultimately, we want someone touched by our success to start the next Facebook/Google/Microsoft, but out of Shoreditch, not Silicon Valley!” Unruly's 78 UK employees say the experience is indeed valuable for the future (88%). There's a mentoring programme that partners people on a skills basis, while dedicated “Unrulies” — as employees call themselves — have networking opportunities such as lunch at 10 Downing Street and invitations to the opening of the market at the London Stock Exchange. The spot “superhero” bonuses worth £1,000 are awarded quarterly to anyone nominated by managers across the business internationally. Everyone has the “latest and greatest tech gadgets”, and training includes a study allowance, days off, inhouse “lunch-and-learn” sessions and a monthly “show-and-tell” event on industry trends. The firm invites City University to run occasional “Unrulyversity” courses and this is excellent for personal growth (89%). Managers share important knowledge and information (85%). Everyone has a 37½-hour week, and there's a relaxed, family-friendly culture that ensures nobody's health suffers because of work (86%): children are welcome in the office, including nursing infants, and there's also the flexibility to accommodate other commitments. Pay is fair compared with similar positions elsewhere (74%) with software developers making almost £54,000 a year, plus bonuses, private healthcare and share options. www.unrulymedia.com
