"Work is something we do, not somewhere we go" is how Weaver Vale Housing Trust sums up its agile working approach.

The Northwich-based organisation – which has almost 300 employees supporting customers in 6,300 homes across Cheshire – encourages its staff to work flexibly, making the most of its newly refurbished head office to achieve a better work-life balance.

The new set-up reflects how staff said they wanted to work when they were in the office. There is now a mix of quiet and collaborative working areas and café-style breakout spaces to suit all working styles.

The Trust is committed to improving its customers' lives, investing in the services, play areas and other assets it owns. This is also reflected internally, with the organisation priding itself on its "caring and family-orientated attitude and culture."

It recognises that challenges in the community – such as the impact of cost-of-living increases – can also affect its own staff. In December, they were all given a £100 shopping voucher, with an extra £100 added to their January pay packet.

In addition, staff who regularly use their cars for work have received a one-off payment to help with fuel costs. And all employees can choose to put their annual wellbeing payment towards the cost of their energy bills and seek advice from the internal customer Energy Advice Team.