The Works

Inspiring reading, learning, creativity and play - making lives more fulfilled.
Hidden mission statement
http://www.theworks.co.uk

Officially a Very Good
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Officially an Outstanding
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Officially a World Class
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Officially a Global*
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Best Company
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The Works is a leading family-friendly retailer in the UK. Established in 1981, The Works has been continuously evolving and adapting. Today, it boasts 508 stores across the country and a vibrant online platform. The company's diverse product range, including arts, crafts, toys, books and stationery, is designed to inspire customers to read, learn, create and play.

The company's ambition "To be one of the most loved retailers in the UK – the go-to place for reading, learning, creativity and play" is brought to life through its 'Better, not just Bigger' strategy. This strategy, along with the company's purpose "To inspire reading, learning, creativity and play - making lives more fulfilled" was launched at an event with over 70 senior leaders and cascaded to teams through various communication channels.

The Works prides itself on its vibrant culture and values which are embodied by its dedicated and hardworking team. Its senior leadership team leads by example, living by the company's values and ensuring everything they do is in line with its strategy and purpose. The company runs annual leadership events to further embed its culture and values into the management teams' ways of working.

Engagement initiatives such as the People Choice Awards, eCards and Store Standards awards provide ample opportunities for employees to celebrate one another's successes, particularly when demonstrating their 'crafty, caring and can-do' values. Moreover, The Works' new starters programme is tailored around its brand and behaviours, ensuring that all colleagues understand and experience the company's culture from day one.

A spotlight on

The Works

View the latest achievements

Featured Workplace Factors

Wellbeing

68% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

The Works continues to have a strong partnership with the Retail Trust, who offer an Employee Assistance Programme option for all staff, and provide proactive support. The organisation has also launched a Wellbeing Warrior programme where colleagues across the business are trained to offer support and signpost resources available.
My Team

87% of staff agreed

My team is fun to work with

This year, The Works upped its game with the second year of WorksFest. The celebration event, where colleagues came together to hear business updates, took part in summer fayre-themed activities, had a meal from the food truck and lemonade stand, and raised money for the organisation’s charity partners through a raffle and bake off competition.
Personal Growth

65% of staff agreed

The experience I gain from this job is valuable for my future

The Works is passionate about providing impactful and engaging development opportunities for colleagues that will have a lasting impact on their continued development, personal growth, and wellbeing throughout their lives. It continues to develop content of its Learning Academy - the Can-Do Academy - which hosts hours of learning covering current role and extended learning.
Wellbeing
%

68% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

The Works continues to have a strong partnership with the Retail Trust, who offer an Employee Assistance Programme option for all staff, and provide proactive support. The organisation has also launched a Wellbeing Warrior programme where colleagues across the business are trained to offer support and signpost resources available.
My Team
%

87% of staff agreed

My team is fun to work with

This year, The Works upped its game with the second year of WorksFest. The celebration event, where colleagues came together to hear business updates, took part in summer fayre-themed activities, had a meal from the food truck and lemonade stand, and raised money for the organisation’s charity partners through a raffle and bake off competition.
Wellbeing
%

68% of staff agreed

I am happy with the balance between my work and home life

The Works continues to have a strong partnership with the Retail Trust, who offer an Employee Assistance Programme option for all staff, and provide proactive support. The organisation has also launched a Wellbeing Warrior programme where colleagues across the business are trained to offer support and signpost resources available.

Quick Facts

Organisation established in
1981
Total number of UK employees
Number of UK locations
36
Employee average age
26% : 74%
Male : Female employee ratio
5%
Employees earning £35k+
37%
Employee turnover (voluntary)
Quote from the top...
Our colleagues are what makes The Works such a unique and special place and for that reason colleague engagement is a vital part our business strategy. We are proud of the journey we are on listening to colleagues feedback every step of the way to keep them involved and continuously improve our ways of working.

Debbie Jamieson, Chief People and Retail Officer - The Works

Benefits

Gym / Sports

Companies offering free or subsidised sports facilities / activities / gym memberships to all employees.

Women in Senior Management

At least 40% of senior managers are women.

Holidays

Companies offering a minimum of 26 days annual leave to all employees.

Latest Achievements

National Ranking
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10
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National Ranking
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10
Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for in the UK
National Ranking
#
10
Best Mid-Sized Companies to work for in the UK
National Ranking
#
10
Best Large Companies to work for in the UK
National Ranking
#
10
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National Ranking
#
10
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London
#
9
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London
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9
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London
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9
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London
#
9
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London
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9
Best Big Companies to work for in London
East of England
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46
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The Midlands
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The East Midlands
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26
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The West Midlands
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48
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The North East
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20
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The North West
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68
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Northern Ireland
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5
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Scotland
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The South East
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78
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The South West
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38
Best Companies to work for in the South West
Wales
#
17
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Yorkshire & The Humber
#
46
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Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
Best Companies to work for in the UK
Sector Ranking
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13
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National Position
#
10
Best
Big
Company to Work For in the UK
Regional Position
#
9
Best
Big
Company to Work For in London
Regional Position
#
46
Best Company to Work For in the East of England
Regional Position
#
20
Best
Company to Work For in the North East
Regional Position
#
68
Best
Company to Work For in the North West
Regional Position
#
5
Best
Company to Work For in Northern Ireland
Regional Position
#
Best
Company to Work For in Scotland
Regional Position
#
78
Best
Company to Work For in the South East
Regional Position
#
38
Best
Company to Work For in the South West
Regional Position
#
17
Best
Company to Work For in Wales
Regional Position
#
46
Best
Company to Work For in Yorkshire & The Humber
Regional Position
#
26
Best
Company to Work For in the East Midlands
Regional Position
#
48
Best
Company to Work For in the West Midlands
Sector Position
#
13
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The Works
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