About Telefonica O2 UK Ltd

TELEFONICA 02 UK gets a ringing endorsement from its employees who think they've got a great deal. Staff like its tone on corporate social responsibility, feel in tune with their workmates and very connected with the firm. They care about giving a good service and are proud to work for 02, earning it positive scores of 93% and 75% respectively in our staff survey.

The company's workforce are happier than any others on the list about their pay and benefits, scooping a 66% positive score in our employee questionnaire. They also feel fairly paid for the work they do relative to people in similar organisations (62%). The business comes second overall in our category on Fair Deal, fifth on the issue of Giving Something Back, 11th on how employees feel about their colleagues and 13th for their views on the company itself. Its employees say Telefonica 02 makes a positive difference to the world (63%), people in their team go out of their way to help each other (78%), and they believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the firm (76%) as well as a difference within it (74%).

There are plenty of rewards for the 12,375 staff on top of their basic salary, which for customer service advisers is an average of £16,217. In addition to performance-based bonuses, excellent work is recognised with tickets to sporting events such as Arsenal football matches, England rugby matches, the 02 Arena, or trips away.

Employees can also access a learning fund through the flexible benefits package, which one member of staff used to attend a 10-week course on how to become a stand-up comedian. Other perks include the ability to buy up to five days' extra holiday, childcare vouchers, dental insurance, critical illness cover, discounted and concierge services and a contributory pension. Managers also regularly show their appreciation when staff do a good job (74%).

Employees are encouraged to get involved with charitable causes. The firm, which gives staff an opportunity to work with underprivileged children in South America, also donates up to £1,000 to community projects throughout the UK and supports staff who want to take on roles as a school governor, magistrate or special constable. 02 people approve of such philanthropy and think that the business gives back to the community, and don't believe its support of worthy causes is driven by a desire for good publicity (59% and 55%, both top 10 scores). 02 staff are also happy about its efforts to protect the environment (69%, the eighth highest score on this question). The company recycles the materials used in its 440 offices and stores across the UK, as well as customers' old handsets, routers and laptops. Employees also say managers talk openly and honestly with them (75% ), care about them as individuals (73%) and share important information with them (72%).

In the 12 months to August 2009 the company spent £2.4m on fun and social events from treasure hunts to partying at the 02 Arena. This results in great camaraderie, with staff caring about each other (75%). Colleagues have a good laugh (76%) and are excited about where the organisation is going (69%). www.o2.co.uk