About Huntswood

Huntswood has a range of wellbeing initiatives, including free gym memberships, massages during work time, health checks, free fruit, cycle to work, discount shopping vouchers, social activities, a fun and functional office environment and an Employee Assistance Programme service. HR have also recently engaged ‘wellbeing champions’ from across the business who volunteered themselves to help enhance the wellbeing of Huntswood employees. The champions help with the organisation of wellbeing events and initiatives and provide feedback and ideas around what employees want in terms of their wellbeing at work. The HR team also monitors absence closely by accurately recording absence information, holding return to work interviews and offering appropriate support to employees where necessary. HR have an open door policy and employees always feel that they can speak to a member of the team should they need advice or guidance. Managers are given guidance on how best to manage employees that could be at risk of stress and often provide one to one catch ups to monitor these employees. As well as all this where possible flexibility with working hours is permitted to inspire a healthy work life balance.

Huntswood's primarily supports Daisy's Dream, a local charity in Reading that helps children and their families who have been affected by a life threatening illness or bereavement of someone close to them. The company have supported this charity for over three years and this year have raised £39,125.16, with the final quarter's fundraising efforts presented to the charity personally. Huntswood has confirmed that it will continue to support Daisy’s Dream for the foreseeable future, not just financially but practically as well. Huntswood also supports other charities and frequently matches funds that employees have personally raised for their chosen charities. Huntswood allows employees one day per year to volunteer in the community. The CEO has encouraged everyone to make use of this allowance and this year 50% of employees participated in a volunteering day, an increase from 2% the previous year. The company also sponsor the Reading University hockey team.

Every year Huntswood holds a New Year’s party for employees and their partners. Although the concept itself isn't unique, the parties themselves are. The events are extravagant and employees often comment that the Huntswood parties are the best they have ever been to. This year’s party was held at the Grosvenor hotel in London with a Great Gatsby theme. Employees and guests were treated to a three course meal, free bar and entertainment. This year’s entertainment included Flavia and Vincent from Strictly Come Dancing and a big band with dancers. Last year employees received an all-expenses paid weekend in Paris, with entertainment including Michael McIntyre. At the parties the employees of the year award is presented. Throughout the year to celebrate key ‘wins’ or events, the Founder and CEO often treat employees to lunch or gifts. For example, earlier in the year each Friday employees came into the office to find flowers, chocolate or champagne on their desks. Very recently, the Founder of the company hosted lunch for all employees to celebrate the company reaching its 20th birthday, which included Dominos pizza, burgers and Krispy Kreme doughnuts!