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Glasgow Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow company named one of the UK's best workplaces
Financial mutual Scottish Friendly was included in The Sunday Times' list of the top 115 large employers for 2025, earning praise for its "friendly" and "supportive" environment. The recognition highlights the company's strong employee experience, as well as its focus on wellbeing. Read more: New park could become 'destination' attraction for Glasgow families Stephen McGee, chief executive officer at Scottish Friendly, said: "This achievement reflects the dedication, passion, and teamwork that make our company such a fantastic place to be. "It's based on our engagement scores for 2025 – scores that are a direct result of the commitment and positivity that each and every one of you brings to work every day. "Creating a workplace where people feel valued, empowered, and inspired is at the heart of everything we do. "This recognition is not just an award – it's a testament to the culture we've built together." The Sunday Times' Best Places to Work list, compiled in partnership with employee experience platform WorkL, celebrates organisations that excel in employee engagement and inclusive workplace culture. The list also recognises excellence in supporting women, the LGBTQIA+ community, disabled employees, ethnic minorities, and workers of all ages. Organisations are ranked using WorkL's employee engagement survey, which measures factors such as rewards, recognition, pride, empowerment, wellbeing, and overall job satisfaction. Read more: Glasgow city centre road to close for 2 months tomorrow - what we know Scottish Friendly, which employs 352 staff members was commended for its employee wellbeing initiatives, including a dedicated wellbeing week, regular events, and development opportunities through its learning team. The company's customer service team does not work evenings or weekends, and employees benefit from flexible hybrid working arrangements. Other perks include a company pension, private healthcare, generous annual leave, and an upcoming electric car scheme.
Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Times
The best places to work in the UK 2025 revealed
Happier staff make for more productive businesses, according to The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025. The results show that those employed by firms that win a place on our lists are more content than other workers at home and abroad — and more motivated, too. This year's workplace awards also saw a significant increase in the numbers of Big and Very Big organisations taking part, even as businesses grapple with the WFH office exodus, national insurance hikes and trade wars, along with staff recruitment and retention issues. Research by the employee experience specialist WorkL, which conducts the survey, shows the correlation between engaged employees and productivity. Higher survey scores equate to harder working, more loyal employees and thus lower staff turnover, fewer sick days and the pick of the crop from an increasing number of applicants. • 26 best very big places to work 2025 The supermarket chain Iceland features in the Very Big category for a second consecutive year. It saw applications for jobs in its shops go up by 50 per cent, while interest in manager roles was 80 per cent higher and there was a 500 per cent increase in applications to the head office after its appearance on our list in 2024. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work survey is the UK's biggest study of employee engagement. It looks under the bonnet of British working lives — whether in investment banks, burger chains, charities or anywhere in between — to find out how people really feel about their jobs. • 115 best big places to work 2025 The lists come in four sizes to reflect the different challenges companies face. This year we have pinpointed the 26 Best Very Big Places to Work, 115 Best Big Places to Work, 187 Best Medium Places to Work, and 202 Best Small Places to Work. Jon Yeomans, business editor of The Sunday Times, notes: 'Happy workers make for good businesses. Staff retention rises, recruitment costs fall, good ideas are fostered and the company's top line swells. Generating a healthy corporate culture does not have to cost the earth, either. • 187 best medium-sized places to work 2025 'This year's Best Places to Work have each brought clever and inventive ideas to bear: whether entrusting every employee with a company credit card, introducing suggestion schemes with a cash prize or simply training staff sensibly so they feel empowered and enthused about their jobs.' Other companies showing initiative in this year's awards include Miller Insurance, which offers 12 weeks of neonatal leave and up to five days of carers' leave a year. At ivolve Care and Support in Chesterfield, staff in certain roles get driving lessons paid for; while pet bereavement leave is offered to employees at Herd Consulting, a Sheffield management consultancy which features in the Best Small Companies list. • 202 best small places to work 2025 The Sunday Times has also launched industry-specific awards this year. Among the winners is marketing specialist Awin, which as well as appearing in our main list of Big organisations is a winner in the Marketing and Advertising industry sector. Staff at the London office of this global firm work four days a week and get paid for five. They can also choose hybrid and remote working options as part of the company's people-first workplace culture. The winner of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Disabled Employees 2025 award is the Alzheimer's Society, where benefits include paid wellbeing days and 'taking stock' days without meetings or emails. The business case is clear. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work celebrates the extra mile that these companies go to make their employees feel happy, fulfilled and supported at work, from training and professional development to striking a healthy balance between work and home lives. The Sunday Times Best Places to Work analysis uses 26 questions from WorkL's employee engagement survey, developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace. To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organisation must score well across WorkL's six-step framework, each of which consists of three to five key elements measured on a 0-10 scale: • Reward and recognition • Instilling pride • Information sharing • Empowerment • Wellbeing • Job satisfaction An organisation's overall engagement score is the sum of all question responses, divided by the maximum possible value as a percentage. Employees also respond to statements including: • I am happy with the hours I work• I am fairly paid• I am recognised when I do something well• I do something worthwhile• My views are heard at work• I understand the organisation's plan• I am trusted to make decisions• My employer cares for my wellbeing • I rarely feel anxious or depressed about work• I am treated with respect• I have a good relationship with my manager• I work in a well-run organisation To be accredited as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, organisations must achieve a minimum 70 per cent overall engagement score. The top ten companies are those which achieved the ten highest engagement scores within each of the four size groupings. All employee numbers were correct at the time of survey. Those participating had to reach these minimum average response rates to qualify: Very big, 40 per cent; Big, 50 per cent; Medium, 50 per cent; Small, 60 per cent.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
The Hindu partners with WorkL to scout for best places to work in India
The Hindu has joined hands with WorkL, a global employee experience platform, to find out the best places to work in India. As part of the initiative, The Hindu Best Places to Work Awards are now open for organisations across India to enter the prestigious list, which would help businesses attract and retain talent. The survey, which entrants will send to their employees via a personalised link, will comprise 29 questions centered around WorkL's widely approved employee engagement theory: Six steps to workplace happiness, which include reward and recognition, which are integral to retaining talent. Developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties, the survey would accurately monitor employee engagement and wellbeing in the workplace. To achieve a high overall engagement score, a company must consistently perform well across its six-step framework, encompassing reward and recognition, instilling pride, information sharing, empowerment, wellbeing and job satisfaction. Each of WorkL's six steps consists of three to five key elements which are measured on a scale of 0-10. The awards will recognise organisations with the highest levels of employee engagement, wellbeing and satisfaction and businesses on four main categories: • Best Places to Work: Small Organisation (10-49 Employees) • Best Places to Work: Medium Organisation (50-249 Employees) • Best Places to Work: Big Organisation (250-1,999 Employees) • Best Places to Work: Very Big Organisation (2,000+ Employees) The deadline for entry is February 28, 2026. The results will be announced early next year. 'Launching these awards with The Hindu will help employers in India to better understand their workforce as well as support employees looking for the best places to work. We are delighted to be in partnership and look forward to a fruitful working relationship,' said Lord Mark Price, founder of WorkL. 'We are delighted to launch The Hindu Best Places to Work Awards in partnership with Workl, a global leader in employee engagement. At The Hindu Group, we believe people are the cornerstone of our, and every organisation's success. These awards will recognise Indian workplaces that prioritise employee wellbeing and engagement, helping them stand out in an increasingly competitive talent landscape. With Workl's robust, science-backed framework, this initiative offers not just recognition, but real insights to help organisations grow from within. We invite businesses across India to participate and be celebrated as truly great places to work,' said L.V. Navaneeth, CEO Of The Hindu Group.
Forbes
02-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Reclaim Your Power: How To Deal With A Toxic Manager
Toxic managers create fear and uncertainty getty Toxic managers are a common feature of toxic workplaces. These are leaders who undermine their teams' performance by damaging their confidence, productivity and wellbeing. Examples of toxic manager behavior include setting unrealistic expectations, micromanaging, picking favorites, public criticism, taking credit for other people's ideas and blaming others for their mistakes. Their actions can be hard to predict and they specialize in creating fear and uncertainty. Unfortunately, toxic managers cause people to leave jobs in their droves. In fact, a study of U.K. employees by people analytics provider Visier found that 43% of workers have left a job at some point in their career as a result of their manager. So, what are your options if your own manager is toxic, but you don't want to quit? 'Toxic managers erode confidence, damage morale and cultivate a stressful work environment,' notes Dorothy Herson, a mental health activist and author of The Rag Doll Contract. 'They often employ divide-and-conquer tactics, creating false alliances where they pit colleagues against each other, making you feel isolated and undermining team trust.' According to Herson, the first step toward dealing with a toxic manager is acknowledging that your manager's toxicity isn't about you. 'Many people internalize criticism, doubting their own competence,' she says. 'Detach emotionally from their behavior and remind yourself that their issues are not a reflection of your worth. It can help to mentally reframe them as someone whose approval is neither necessary nor valuable.' Don't try to navigate the challenge alone, either. 'Speak to trusted colleagues, mentors or HR for guidance,' Herson advises. 'Toxic managers thrive in isolation, so building a strong support network ensures you're not gaslit into believing the problem is you.' 'Dealing with a toxic manager can be challenging, but there are ways to navigate the situation while protecting your wellbeing and career,' argues Lord Mark Price, author of Happy Economics and founder of workplace happiness platform WorkL. Document everything, he advises. 'Keep records of interactions, unreasonable demands or inappropriate behavior. This can serve as evidence if you need to escalate the issue.' Price emphasizes the importance of remaining professional as you deal with your toxic manager. 'Avoid emotional reactions and maintain calm and composed,' he suggests. 'Respond with facts and logic rather than frustration. Toxic workplaces can be mentally exhausting, so engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.' 'Toxic managers hold their teams hostage,' says George Kohlrieser, co-author of Hostage at the Table. 'Not with physical restraints, but through fear, control, and psychological pressure. Many employees feel trapped, believing they have no choice but to endure abusive leadership. No one has to remain a hostage to toxicity, however. The key lies in reclaiming personal power, fostering emotional resilience and engaging in effective dialogue.' Recognize that you are not powerless, Kohlrieser advises. 'Toxic leaders thrive on emotional hijacking, triggering fear and compliance,' he says. 'Instead of reacting with hostility or avoidance, use confident, non-confrontational dialogue. Frame your concerns in a way that speaks to the leader's goals. Say 'I want to improve team efficiency; how can we align expectations?' rather than 'You're micromanaging me.'' If your manager's toxicity involves appropriate behavior such as being abusive, then you should report them to HR, says Nik Kinley, a leadership consultant and author of Rewriting Your Leadership Code. But the situation may not necessarily be that extreme or clear-cut. 'A common challenge is that you may think they're toxic, but others might not, and the leader themselves certainly won't,' Kinley observes. 'So, a critical step forward is establishing that there is a problem – something you can both agree isn't right and can work on together. The most effective approach here is often to focus on how they can help you to be at your best or achieve some objective. They're more likely to respond positively to a request for support than a complaint.' Kinley recommends planning out what you want to say before you speak to your manager. Then keep the conversation focused on practical issues – for example, you'll be able to do X if they can do Y – and be sure to keep emotion out of it. 'You're trying to solve a problem together and your objective is to get them to change their behavior, not tell them how you feel,' he emphasizes. 'Dealing with a toxic manager can be difficult, but there are strategies to protect your own wellbeing while navigating the position you are in,' says Lee Chambers, a psychologist and author of Momentum: 13 Ways to Unlock Your Potential. Firstly, advises Chambers, it is essential to establish clear boundaries, define acceptable behavior and communicate your limits. Then find a trusted person to give an objective opinion on your manager's behavior. This can help you to build your support network and manage the stress of the situation. Finally, don't forget to take create space for yourself. Chambers says: 'Whether it's through small wellbeing moments like mindfulness, activities that bring you joy and energy, or professional support, be kind to yourself during this period to reduce your stressors.' Unfortunately, dealing with a toxic manager can suck all the joy out of your working life. If you reach that point, moving on might be the best option – no matter how reluctant you are to leave your role. As Herson says: 'Above all, remember you deserve to work in a healthy environment. If the situation becomes unbearable, exploring exit strategies – whether an internal transfer or a new role – can be the ultimate act of self-preservation.' If dialogue and boundary-setting fail, Kohlrieser also recommends considering your exit strategy. 'Staying in a toxic environment can damage mental health and limit professional growth,' he says. 'The most successful professionals are those who refuse to be hostages, either by transforming the situation or stepping away to regain control of their career. Toxicity persists when it is tolerated. Choose leadership over victimhood. Choose freedom over fear.' Enjoyed this article? Follow me by clicking the blue 'Follow' button beneath the headline above.
Emirates 24/7
26-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Dubai Duty Free Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the UAE
Dubai Duty Free has earned a place as one of the Best Places to Work in the UAE for 2024 within the 'Very Big Organisation' category, as announced earlier this year in the official Khaleej Times Best Places to Work in the UAE. Organised by Khaleej Times, in partnership with the leading employee-experience platform WorkL, the award is based on a comprehensive employee survey developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace. Dubai Duty Free who achieved a high overall engagement score of 89% was awarded for its exemplary workplace culture. In addition to being awarded in the 'Very Big Organisation' category, the airport retailer was also Highly Commended in the 'Best Places to Work for 55+ Year Olds' category. Commenting on the award, Ramesh Cidambi, Managing Director of Dubai Duty Free said, 'This recognition reaffirms our efforts in establishing a positive work environment, with a supportive and encouraging workplace and an outstanding working culture that helps our growing team to thrive and succeed in our business.'. Dubai Duty Free has managed to make employees feel part of the 'DDF Family', the result of a strongly people-focused management culture championing diversity and exclusivity. It has provided the maximum possible career growth and development opportunities for Dubai Duty Free employees and is one of the reasons why the company has an enviable low staff turnover ratio and high levels of employee loyalty and commitment. The list of winners recognises organisations with the highest levels of employee engagement, experience and wellbeing in the UAE. To achieve a high overall engagement score, an organisation must score well across WorkL's six-step framework: 1. Reward and Recognition, 2. Instilling Pride, 3. Information Sharing, 4. Empowerment, 5. Wellbeing and 6. Job Satisfaction. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
