About Getty Images

They are always seeking ways to enhance their employee experience. Following feedback from the business, the company arranged bike storage for those cycling to work, built additional showers and a break out room for staff to relax in. Staff have access to a local gym with discounted membership rates, and they have a generous weekly fruit delivery for everyone to enjoy. They also have an employee forum which consists of a member from each function in the London office that acts as the voice of the employee population. They meet monthly to discuss how the office is doing and address any areas of concern.

The Getty Images Hackathon has been a great way for employees to create and build cool stuff like websites, mobile apps, online applications, social media mashups and the like that address a business or customer need. This was their 3rd year running the event. This year they had 16 different teams participate and they consisted of employees from all functions, not just technology. This event is all about the employees ideas and feedback, and the changes they would make if they were in charge. Most importantly, the grand prize for the winning team is that the business commits to implementing their idea/product/change.

This year they introduced a new recognition programme called the GROW Award, Getty Images recognition for outstanding work. This programme encourages anyone who has observed a colleague make exceptional achievements, help the company grow, are demonstrating either personal or professional growth or deserve to be recognised for their individual contribution to their collective success, to nominate that colleague for an award. All nominations are reviewed weekly by the CEO who determines the recipients and the cash award amount they will receive. They are really proud of this programme because it recognises both professional and personal growth, and it does so in real time – not just on an annual basis. It is also above and beyond a person’s normal incentive plan. It reveals the great camaraderie their employees share as they have the opportunity to nominate each other and their CEO’s inbox continues to be flooded with nominations. It also speaks to their global connectedness – it is not a location centric programme – everyone at all levels and in every location is included.