Nick Thompson, chief executive at software company One Beyond, soothed staff with his piano playing during company video calls last year — he would even take requests. The regular calls gave employees the chance to take time out and socialise. There were quizzes, staff playing instruments and people showing off their pets.

Staff at the company, which is fully remote, are also encouraged to keep fit by being offered discounted gym membership and home work-out equipment and clothing. Health and wellbeing benefits also include a round-the-clock GP, counselling and legal services.

One Beyond designs bespoke, intelligent and cost-effective web, desktop and mobile applications that help streamline processes for businesses, as well as creating new revenue streams for start-ups and established businesses. Although it started more than 25 years ago, it began to expand rapidly when Thompson, who was an employee, bought the business from One Beyond’s previous owners.

It now has almost 100 employees across Europe, from juniors through to software industry veterans, who enjoy numerous benefits such as life insurance, critical illness cover, health care plans, best-in-class maternity and paternity leave, cycle to work schemes, additional annual leave and tastecard+ memberships.

Great value is put on showing appreciation to employees for hard work. One Beyond has a monthly award in which every employee is asked whether a colleague has been their Unsung Hero for that month. The board of directors scores every response and the employee with the highest score gets the accolade, receiving a trophy and vouchers.