About Wates Group

Sponsored by Workplace Giving UK

About 1,000 of the 1,730 Wates Group employees took part in voluntary or charitable activities last year. One of the firm's campaigns saw the distribution of reusable water bottles, shopping bags for life and low-energy light bulbs to demonstrate that every individual can help the world turn greener. Every Wates business unit has a sustainability champion and the firm has increased the amount of waste it diverts from landfill to 84%, from 45% in 2006. Staff believe the construction services group works hard to protect the environment (79%, and a top 15 score nationally).

Wates Giving, the company's charitable arm, invests about £1m annually to support grassroots projects that include redeveloping community centres and stopping antisocial behaviour. About 2.5% of pre-tax profit goes to charity and Wates matches employee fundraising by up to £250. Staff say profit and budget concerns aren't the only factors driving the company (61%), they believe it is making a positive difference to the world (68%) and is run on strong

values (77%).

Unemployment affects many of the communities in which Wates works, and its Building Futures course has helped more than 200 people find work or go on to higher education. The company supports 40 apprentices annually and helps fund 40 Prince's Trust Get into Construction programmes each year. Employees agree the firm puts a lot back into the community (a 71% positive score) and are proud to work for it (79%).

What is it like to work for Wates Group

Leadership

81% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

The CEO and his executive colleagues hold an annual road show at 3 venues across the country, meeting with over 1000 people and updating them on business progress, strategy and achievements. The road show is an interactive experience. Business Unit Directors hold Divisional briefings at least once a year. Q&A sessions are key parts of these briefing. A speed dating approach was taken this year with each member of the leadership team spending 5 minutes on a table answering questions before moving on to the next table. All the Company offices are open plan. Executive Committee members also sit in open plan at the Head Office. They have a Company newsletter "TeamTalk". The Executive Committee regularly hold meetings on some of the large projects.

81% of staff agreed:

This organisation is run on strong values / principles

Giving Something Back

84% of staff disagreed:

I believe this organisation does not do enough to protect the environment

Wates has always had a culture of providing a service which goes beyond building buildings. This is based on their deep rooted values that come from being owned by one family since 1897. The Wates family has always believed business has a role to play in society by supporting the communities where they live, work and build. One of the ways they invest in communities for the long term is through a unique charitable programme, Wates Giving invests in local projects which are proposed and championed by their employees which will improve communities for the long term. Through Wates Giving they complete projects which include redeveloping community centres, supporting programmes to reduce anti-social behaviour, investing in prisoner rehabilitation schemes and supporting education resources. In 2002, Wates Group became one of the first UK construction companies to achieve ISO14001. They also work with their customers and suppliers to deliver innovative waste solutions which include reviewing off-site fabrication, reducing packaging and introducing take back schemes for materials.

84% of staff disagreed:

I believe this organisation does not do enough to protect the environment

My Company

87% of staff agreed:

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

The Performance Recognition award makes sure that an individual gets the company-wide recognition they deserve for quietly going beyond the call of duty in the course of their work. Any employee can nominate a fellow colleague who they believe demonstrates exceptional commitment to a project, community or customer for the title of Wates Champion. The Chief Executive is very proactive and sets a leadership example in recognising employee contribution, thanking people in person and through personal emails for their achievements. Business Excellence Awards are designed to recognise and reward outstanding contribution to the delivery of the Company’s 2012 Vision. The focus is on identifying examples of best practice, operational improvement and innovation that have made a tangible difference to Wates’ business over the past year. The winner of each category receives £1000 to donate to a charity of their choice together with a voucher to celebrate with friends and family. A celebratory voucher to the value of £150 is given to an individual winner and a £400 voucher is given to a winning team.

87% of staff agreed:

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Holidays

Companies offering a minimum of 25 days annual leave
Gym

On-site gym or subsidised gym memberships
Charity Activities

10% of staff undertake charitable activities during business hours
Childcare

On-site nursery or vouchers
Pensions

Companies offering a final salary or non-contributory pension scheme
Long Service

40% of employees with more than 5 years' service
Maternity

At least 10 weeks' leave on full pay
Health Insurance

Full family cover

Company Statistics

Sites:

100
UK sites:

100
Staff Turnover:

16%
Number of Staff:

1730
Staff:

1730
Earning £35,000+:

58%
Male : Female:

80% / 20%
Graduate Vacancy Locations:

Production Management Trainee, Commercial Management Trainee