BUILDINGS ARE THEIR business but staff at family-owned construction company Wates Group, winners of our Giving Something Back special award, are also encouraged to lay firm foundations for the communities they work in. Last year, on the group's annual community day, 1,000 employees gave more than 10,000 hours of their time to help 89 projects across the UK. The company's charitable trust also stumped up £500 for every project team to donate to a cause of their choice. Employees recognise that Wates Group's commitment to giving something back is genuine and awarded the company the 11th highest score in the list for thinking their organisation does enough for its local community at 71% positive. An eye for environmental sustainability also characterises the firm, which is aiming to send no non-hazardous waste to landfill by the target deadline of this year. Staff say it does enough to protect the environment, a positive score of 79%, bettered by just 12 other organisations. At the helm is Paul Drechsler, who makes himself visible to staff via regular road shows, contributing to the company newsletter and helping run the firm's leadership development programme. Staff have faith in him (77%) and think the organisation is run on strong principles (77%). Employees believe their contribution to Wates Group's success is valuable, scoring this point 79% positive — a top 40 result. Benefits include free private healthcare for staff and their families, dental insurance and an employee assistance programme. There is a generous pension — the company puts 8% of salaries into a non-contributory scheme. Being so well looked after must contribute to the high score of 74% positive for staff not being tempted to leave tomorrow even if they had another job offer. www.wates.co.uk
