IN SEPTEMBER, 150 youth hostels, bunkhouses and camping barns organised local events to celebrate the YHA's success in helping people broaden their horizons and travel. The family activities, skills workshops, barbecues and live music were part of the second YHA Day, and afterwards people shared their experiences across social media sites including Facebook and Twitter. YHA Day is one example of how staff at this mid-size organisation have fun in their teams (an 83% positive score and a top-five ranking), but there are other, more formal events too, and members of the newly formed marketing, business development and e-commerce team have spent a lot of time together to agree its strategic priorities for 2014. People love working at this new entry to our list (75%) based in Matlock, Derbyshire. More than 60% of the employees across all its sites are aged 34 or less, and a young advisers group has been set up to collect feedback from younger workers, who are being asked for their views on volunteering, young person's membership, hostel design and the allocation of bursary funds. The lifestyle within YHA lends itself to flexible working, the organisation says. “We make it really easy for people to take responsibility for their own hours. It's not uncommon for staff to zip through the cleaning in the morning, take the afternoon off surfing and head back later on their split shifts,” a spokesman explains. The association has a strong social conscience (76%) and runs a summer camp for children aged 8-17. It has provided £30,000 from its bursary funds so that those from disadvantaged backgrounds can take part. More than 100 volunteers are recruited to help and their involvement enhances their CVs. Managers regularly express their appreciation for a job well done (70%). The YHA Spirit awards recognise the achievements of employees and volunteers who have lived by one or more of the organisation's values: sustainability, passion, responsibility, inclusivity and trust. Bosses talk openly and honestly with people (78%) and communicate at business update meetings held throughout the year, also through the staff magazine and intranet, and line managers host weekly and monthly team meetings. There is a scheme called “brainwave” that everyone can contribute suggestions to. These are then reviewed by the relevant department and the executive team and implemented where appropriate. Anyone who submits an idea is given feedback and progress updates. The group has gained an Investors in People Gold award. Chief executive Caroline White, who joined YHA in 2008, was one of 23 female business leaders inducted into the Women 1st Top 100 Club at the 2013 national Shine Awards. She joins other women who have reached the top of their careers and become role models, including chef Delia Smith and television's The Hotel Inspector, Alex Polizzi. www.yha.org.uk
