What are companies doing with regards to 'Giving Something Back'

Diamond Awards reward staff for their admirable personal qualities, rather than their work successes. They are nominated by their peers for a variety of categories, including 'Advocate for Change' and 'People Champion'. The awards ceremony, which has taken place for the past five years, is popular with staff and wraps up the year.

A new learning management system has been implemented to give access to a wide variety of courses, encouraging staff to explore the learning options open to them. The company also uses cross-training to build confidence among employees about how their role fits into the business and expose them to other departments.

Organic believes that individuals should not be limited to their roles and are encouraged and supported to explore other areas of the business. Each employee is given the opportunity to work with their manager to create a unique and tailored career plan, including professional training funded by the business in excess of £1,000 per person.

The Organic Agency's ethos – Digital for Good – guides its operations and the company is proud to have signed up to B Corps, joining a growing global network pledging to build a more sustainable and inclusive economy, and making the world a better place with a healthier environment and stronger communities.

Quarterly socials, team lunches and company-wide holidays are all ways of bringing colleagues closer together and building meaningful working relationships, along with digital communications software such as Microsoft Teams and Zoom. The firm also holds a 'Global Vision Conference' where employees are given updates on business performance and a 12-month outlook.

A Learning and Development Manager that's risen through the ranks within the organisation is responsible for the training of individuals within the company, adding an experienced and personal touch to their learning pathways. For managers, there's a number of internal development models designed to help them get the best out of themselves and their team.

An external 'health concierge' – a qualified PT and physiotherapist – regularly visits centres for one-to-one sessions with staff to discuss their wellness goals and how to achieve them. He also runs video Q&As for anyone who would prefer to speak to him anonymously. In addition, the company runs mental health and wellbeing awareness courses.

Employees and their families get engrossed in The Porsche Retail Group Annual Review. The glossy 108-page book with a gold leaf Porsche Logo on the cover is now onto its third edition. It contains a month-by-month review of the year, news highlights from the UK and beyond and Group and individual achievements.

Management development is supported by an external consultant, The Management Academy, which trains in essential management skills. Development areas are identified during RH Amar's appraisal process and managed at one-to-one meetings using a development plan that is reviewed regularly.

The company's management team leads by example. RH Amar's values of integrity, passion, accountability, creativity and teamwork are referred to regularly at meetings, and staff who demonstrate that they are living them are recognised. The values are discussed in performance reviews and objectives linked to them are set.

With the introduction of "easy coffees", managing partner briefings and monthly "lunch and chats", there has been increased and improved communication between senior management and staff, who are continually encouraged to discuss concerns and suggest improvements. Quarterly check-ins with line managers and staff allow for less formal communication.

The firm supports individuals to develop their skills and experience through a variety of activities, including professional qualification sponsorships, technical-skills training and leadership development. An apprenticeship scheme is sponsoring three staff.

All line managers can instantly recognise and reward individuals for their contribution and hard work with £100 on-the-spot bonuses. Employees can spend them on anything they like, from spa trips to the latest tech. They simply make their purchase and claim the bonus back through their expenses.

All employees are encouraged to "cash in on your contacts". They're invited to refer potential recruits for vacancies through the company's applicant tracking system. They get £50 should the candidate be invited for an interview, a further £250 if they reach three months of service and a further £1000 if they complete their probation period.

One of the organisation's values is inclusivity, and senior leaders demonstrate their commitment to it by sitting on the diversity and inclusion committee and playing a leading role in promoting inclusive practices. Being supportive is another value and senior leaders aim to help and encourage staff through regular one-to-one meetings.

The online reward and recognition scheme enables staff to send a thank-you card to a colleague who they feel has gone above and beyond. There are employee- and team-of-the-month awards. Individual staff receive an extra day's leave and team winners are given a half-day each.

The board and senior leadership team demonstrate the company values of "we care", "we are helpful" and "we are straight-talking" by having an open-door policy for staff, and staff suggestion scheme. Board members take part in walk-abouts in the warehouses so that the operations team can ask them questions directly.

Family and friends of staff join in at the annual Family Fun Day, which includes children’s games, raffles, refreshments, a local radio DJ, a tombola, an arts and crafts table and Santa’s grotto. Money raised goes to charity. Staff achievements and successes are celebrated on the day with an awards ceremony.

The company aims to ensure that when staff request time off at short notice, it can be accommodated. Close communication has been kept with anybody who is suffering using texts or taking them out for lunch or coffee to engage in supportive conversation.

A visit to a theme park makes up the annual team-building event, and there are others during the year to enhance communication between colleagues. Engagement is also encouraged through Christmas parties, early finishes, dress-down days, exclusive discounts and free treats and gift vouchers for good customer service feedback.