My Company

Property

Umega

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In partnership with the Scottish Association for Mental Health, Umega has implemented five "ways to wellbeing" in Its working practices: "learn", "connect", "give", "be active" and "take notice". Workshops, clubs, external spaces for people to socialise and company meetings that are about getting to know one another provide the means to put them into practice.

Building on skills learnt over the past two years, Umega is using recorded communications to bring company policies, insights and analysis to life. Everyone is given access to them. The move has built trust and understanding because the spirit and tone of a message is communicated better than it would be in writing.

Staff are encouraged to gain the Association of Residential Lettings Agents Propertymark qualification. The company pays for exams, provides time off for study and pays for Propertymark membership once they are qualified. It also supports continuing professional development.

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Business Services

Here East

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Here East has a flat structure that encourages staff to seek support from those in different departments should they need it. One-to-one mentoring is available for those who need a safe space to discuss anything personal or work related.

During the summer, team days take place in the local park. Games are played, staff have picnics and take part in interactive workshops. There is an all-team meeting every month, during which there is a fun team-building game. A social committee arranges regular events, in addition to the Christmas and summer parties.

All staff are paid 14% above the London Living Wage. On top of this, the business gave everyone an allowance of 4.8% in April to help support them when the cost of living increased. A Team Stars recognition scheme gives monthly rewards to staff and there is an annual awards ceremony rewards Here East Heroes.

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Housing Associations

Accent Housing

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Two-thirds of staff are women, but the association recognises the need for greater female representation in senior leadership roles to reflect the make-up of staff. At manager level, 59% of roles are held by women, but Accent Group is committed to ensuring there are progression pathways to make more senior leadership roles available to women.

The association has recently launched a new performance framework and provided training for all managers. Its people business partners have a specific customer base, which enables them to act as supportive critical friends with each manager within that. Part of this includes providing bespoke training for people-related processes.

In response to the financial burden the pandemic was placing on people across the country, Accent was instrumental in setting up the More Than Homes campaign. It seeks to raise £1m for the Trussell Trust, an organisation that supports the UK’s largest network of food banks. The campaign has become a sector-wide initiative.

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Accountancy

Anderson Anderson & Brown

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The AAB CommonHealth Games gives staff the chance to connect with team mates, while competing against other teams for prizes. From walking, cycling, gardening, meditating and baking, to arts and crafts, there is something for everyone. The event encourages staff to become involved in activities that boost their wellbeing.

AAB believes in celebrating success and a special breakfast is laid on for those who have gained qualifications. Staff are also given a shopping voucher on their birthday. When Covid meant the cancellation of the annual Christmas party in 2020, the leadership team delivered gifts to every team member's home.

A two-day training programme is available for those looking to develop their role and their management skills. This year more than 50 staff have signed up to attend. The courses cover a range of skills, including building effective relationships, delegation and managing in the changing environment of remote working.

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Law

BDB Pitmans

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A health and wellbeing fortnight each January aims to increase staff understanding of aspects of health and wellbeing, as well as identify what they can do to boost their own health. Events over the two weeks include training on mindfulness, exercise, sleep and nutrition. A Mental Health Awareness week also takes place in May.

Five business impact groups operate within the firm. Their mission is to raise awareness of particular issues. They are Shine, the firm's multicultural network, Best Self, its LGBTQ+ group, Breaking Even, which focuses on gender equity, Mind and Body, centred on mental health and disability and Balance, for working parents and carers.

Two new programmes are being launched this year: Building Better Managers and Building Better Leaders. The management training will provide participants with the skills to motivate and energise their teams. The leadership scheme is open to those who already have experience and will develop their abilities to inspire people to perform better.

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Technology

One Beyond

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An anonymous suggestion box allows staff to voice their opinions freely, without having to talk to someone. The company receives feedback from it every two weeks. A survey on employee satisfaction revealed that staff were missing the social aspect of working in the office. The company responded by giving staff £30 to buy a webcam.

The company's Ella – 100 Days programme was developed for a customer, but DCSL liked it so much it decided to use it. It is a digital leadership development programme that provides the inspiration and practical tools needed to succeed in the first 100 days in a new management role.

DCSL's chosen charity is the Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice, in Farnham, Surrey, near the company's HQ. All of its charity events raise funds for the hospice, along with donations that are made for every Best Companies survey completed.

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Education & Training

Fennies Day Nurseries

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A weekly webinar is hosted by Kirstie Davis, Fennies' Head of People and Culture and internal trainer, Jamie Atkins. During the webinars Kirstie and Jamie update staff on company news, there is a live Q&A session and staff make shout-outs for colleagues who have gone above and beyond their duties.

Fennies provides external support and counselling for those that need it and staff are encouraged to stay physically active. 'Wellness Wednesday' posts include tips for a midweek pick-me-up which can range from a mood-boosting podcast to uplifting playlists and recipe recommendations.

The remuneration package includes a competitive salary, a bonus scheme, a cycle-to-work scheme, lunch and staff discounts for well-known brands. There are also monthly rewards, a refer-a-friend bonus, continual development and up to 40% off childcare.

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Marketing & Media Agencies

Hotwire

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Hotwire is invested in diminishing the stigma around mental health, ensuring people have all the resources they need to educate themselves, take care of their mental health and support colleagues. The company developed a mental health toolkit with valuable resources that employees can access 24/7, as well as an Employee Assistance Programme.

The Hotwire Ignite Possibility Programme, part of its diversity, equity and inclusion strategy, is directing up to $1 million in pro bono brand, marketing, and public relations services to qualifying tech and tech-enabled organisations that are minority-led or provide a product or service benefitting minority communities.

After four years' service, employees can take a sponsored sabbatical choosing between three-months' leave at half pay, six-weeks' leave at full pay or a one-off bonus instead of the time off. Hotwire has extended this to offer six weeks' leave at full pay after every four years of continuous service.

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Manufacturing

Howdens

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Howdens is unusual in that it rewards team effort. Everyone within each depot benefits from team bonuses, based on the profitability and collective success of the depot. This approach encourages team motivation, camaraderie, commitment to excellence and a shared sense of responsibility for customer service.

At focus groups, chief executive Andrew Livingston meets six depot managers over dinner to listen to their feedback on any topic. Engagement surveys are run in depots to understand how employees are feeling and to get feedback on local issues. Regional directors lead the follow-up for swift, targeted action.

The company has just celebrated a 10-year partnership with Humberside Fire and Rescue. It supports 14 on-call fire fighters and two medical first-responders. They’ve attended more than 1,800 emergencies and 1,140 medical first-response calls since 2011, saving more than 60 lives.

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Law

Jefferies Solicitors

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Jefferies Solicitors are passionate about giving back to the community. The team has been involved in many charitable activities in 2021, including running the Hackney Half Marathon for ActionAid, participating in Pretty Muddy for Cancer Research and hosting a bake sale for the British Red Cross to support their work with Afghanistan refugees.

Staff are encouraged to take regular breaks and exercise, be it stretching at the desk, a walk, yoga, gym or home workout. Awareness and top tips for good sleep practices are available and a wellness day was held to promote healthy habits across the business.

Jefferies holds companywide sessions annually to discuss the firm’s strategy, performance and direction. Team feedback is then facilitated in groups in order to generate ideas, promote change and improvement where needed. In addition a brand new intranet has been developed to increase communications and access to organisational clarity.

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What are companies doing with regards to 'My Company'

What affect will focus on the 'My Company' factor have?

Umega

Here East

Accent Housing

Anderson Anderson & Brown

BDB Pitmans

One Beyond

Fennies Day Nurseries

Hotwire

Howdens

Jefferies Solicitors

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