Latest BCI Score
685.4
The pioneering ENGINEER Ove Arup set up his business in London in 1946. Within 30 years, the organisation’s reputation had become truly global thanks in part to the completion of the Sydney Opera House. Owned in trust for its employees, the company has grown into an international consultancy with a wide-ranging portfolio of work and a huge number of specialists operating in 35 different countries.
Mentoring is seen as a key component to Arup’s success. So far, more than 100 of its directors have attended three-day coaching workshops and have been encouraged to use skills acquired there to get the best out of their teams. The firm also gives financial support for work-related qualifications and offers time off for study, in addition to job-shadowing and internal management training.
In our survey, staff report that their jobs are good for personal growth, with a 77% positive score, and say that experience gained will be valuable in the future (78%). Arup returns to our list this year after last appearing in 2009.
The consultancy gets it highest overall ranking of 22nd nationally in the Giving Something Back category. The firm’s 3,561 employees in the UK are very active in fundraising and the company supports their endeavours through contributions from its Ove Arup Partnership Charitable Trust. To further recognise such volunteering enterprise there is a biannual competition that rewards offices that raise the most money per head. Prizes are cash donations to local community projects of the winner’s choosing.
Profit and budgets aren’t the only things driving Arup, say staff (72%, a top-10 result) — it also has a strong social conscience (81%) and encourages charitable activities (83%).
The firm’s commitment to sustainability is outlined in its policies and embraced personally by employees. OvaGreen is a corporate initiative that supports efforts to reduce environmental impacts. Members meet on a regular basis to discuss practical solutions and to support events such as ride-to-work day. Staff say Arup genuinely cares about the environment (80%,) which contributes to their pride in the company (84%).
www.arup.com
Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here
On-site gym or subsidised gym memberships
On-site nursery or vouchers
Companies offering a final salary or non-contributory pension scheme
40% of employees with more than 5 years' service
Dental insurance offer to all employees
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