Latest news with #workplaceWellness
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Fireproof Your Organization: Turn Down The Heat On Urgency Culture
There's a Maxell cassette tape commercial from the 80s where a man's hair is blown back by the power of the playback. That vision comes to mind when I think about the work experience so many people are having today. Except it's not a cassette tape causing our hair to stand on end. It's one emergency after another. Urgency culture is a term used to describe the pervasiveness of the ASAP, 'I need this yesterday' mindset in the modern workplace. Once we had the tools to reply instantly, the expectation that we would soon followed. Now, employees feel constantly under pressure to work at a fast and furious pace despite the well-documented negative consequences. An urgency culture often leads to: Fortunately, leaders can fireproof their teams by taking a few simple actions: One of the leaders I admire most made it a point to publicly and proudly leave the office at 4pm every day. She would work on the commuter train on the way home, but she never displayed any shame for setting a healthy boundary around her departure time. Leadership behavior sets the tone. By providing a few points of additional guidance with a 'quick question,' you can spare your team the frantic activity that accompanies unclear requests. Including language such as 'back of the envelope' or 'don't spend more than 20 minutes on this' helps your team calibrate what you're asking of them. There's nothing worse than finding out after the fact that you destroyed someone's weekend by asking what you thought was a simple question. It's easy to think that 'the team knows what the priorities are' after they have been shared once or twice. But the reality is that there's often a big gap between goals on paper and how people spend their time and energy. Help them focus on what matters by communicating it frequently. For example, 'Our only priority right now is clearing the backlog of customer issues. If it's not directly addressing a customer concern, put it on hold for now.' Leadership is a stressful job, but unfortunately, emotions are contagious. When you are able to keep a cool head under pressure, it helps your team do the same. Before responding to an urgent demand from above, take a deep breath, and try and understand their reasoning. If it is truly urgent, negotiate the trade-offs on other priorities that may be required to deliver on it. If you need to loop in your team, make sure to tell them why it is urgent and how they can also prioritize in order to help get it done. Everything is a fire drill, whether it needs to be or not. Helping your team slow down will improve their thinking, their experience, and ultimately, their outcomes.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- General
- Forbes
How To Feel Better After Crying At Work: Advice For Strong Women
You're reading this because you probably want to disappear right now because you lost control and cried at work. You might even be considering quitting and changing industries entirely to start anew because you believe everyone is thinking about it as much as you are. First of all, they are not thinking about you, and you're not weak. You just got hit with something at the worst time, while unfortunately probably wearing mascara, and you're not alone. A survey from Accountemps found that nearly 45% of workers have cried at work, and women were more likely than men to admit it. That's a lot of tears. So how do you feel better about crying at work? It begins with recognizing why it is not such a bad thing. Your first thought might be that crying will destroy your career. It feels like that because it catches you off guard in the worst way. One minute you're having a normal conversation, the next you feel it coming on and tell yourself to STOP and maybe even pretend you suddenly developed seasonal allergies. It can be so sudden, then when the tears come, crying at work feels like you lost control in a place where control is everything. You might think being 'the strong one' is your entire brand. You've built a reputation on grace under pressure. You're the person who sends calm emails when everyone else is in chaos. And now, after one shaky conversation or performance review gone sideways, you feel like you've just shattered your own image. No. You're the only one replaying it on endless repeat with a mental slow-motion effect. Most people are way too wrapped up in their own nonsense to remember that your voice cracked or your eyes welled up. And those who do remember? They probably feel compassion. They've likely cried at work too. If they are a man and especially if they are older, they probably already forgot about it. I've talked to a lot of CEOs about this and most of them have had women cry in their office. When I ask them for more specifics, they don't even remember because they didn't think much about it. Research has shown that women tend to display greater empathetic responses than men, which may be why women are more likely to respond supportively when someone cries. With all the people I have interviewed and asked how they feel about seeing someone cry at work, not a single one told me they even really gave it much thought, unless that person crying was them. In the short term, crying might seem like a shot to the perception of your competence. In reality, crying has nothing to do with how well you can do your job. If you show up, deliver results, and act like this isn't your defining moment, others will too. Crying doesn't cancel out years of being a rock star. It's just a bad moment that everyone but you has forgotten about. Instead of obsessing about your embarrassment, get curious. Not about what others thought. About what the moment revealed to you. Use questions to guide yourself forward. What triggered that reaction in you? Was it frustration, feeling unheard, something unresolved? What does this moment say about what matters to you? What boundary was crossed? What story did you tell yourself about what happened? How can you communicate better next time if this situation repeats? What would you say to a friend if this happened to her? Did this moment teach you anything about what you want more or less of in your work life? If you can answer even a few of those honestly, you will grow from it and see that there will be less to cry about. You get up. You wash your face. You give yourself a moment in a bathroom stall like a pro. Then you send an email, check something off your list, or walk to get coffee. Action is your antidote. You're not erasing what happened. You're reminding yourself that you still run the show, even if it doesn't feel like it today. It will feel a little better tomorrow when you show up at work and see no one cares and eventually you might even laugh at it. If you're a man who cries at work, you're not weak either. Emotions don't disqualify you from leadership or respect. They show you're human. Acknowledge the moment, recover your footing, and continue with what matters. Most people respect vulnerability far more than a robotic performance. If you're a man witnessing someone else cry, especially a woman, resist the urge to fix it or make it awkward. Just hold the space. Ask if they're okay. Don't jump into advice. Sometimes saying 'I see you're upset and I'm here if you need anything' is enough. Presence is powerful. And remember, no one is keeping score of your most emotional day. What matters more is how you show up afterward. What If Crying At Work Happens Again? getty If it happens again, it just means you're human. If anything, it shows you care deeply and have come back to work for more. It didn't break you. If it happens again, you'll survive again. And someone else might see it and feel less alone because of you. Tell yourself this: 'That was rough, but it's over. I'm allowed to have feelings. I'm still competent, still respected, and still the person who gets things done.' Then do something small that feels like control, create something powerful at work, text a friend who's cried mid-presentation and lived to tell the tale. You didn't lose your strength. You just proved you care and that means a lot. Does Crying At Work Mean You Care Too Much? getty For many women, the only time they've experienced crying at work because they cared deeply and were frustrated. Or because they had to make a hard decision, like quitting a job they once loved. That kind of emotional response tells you that something matters to you, maybe more than you realized. For example, quitting is one of the hardest moments to avoid tears. That was true for many of us when we were younger. Now, for some, crying seems almost impossible. As you age, for this one situation, lack of hormones might actually help you. Or just time and perspective helps too. The truth is, the older you get, the less likely you are to cry at work. Not because you're tougher, but because fewer things rattle you. And while that might sound like growth if you don't cry anymore, it's also kind of sad because that was passion that made you cry. You felt something real. You showed that you're not hardened. Not yet. You still care, and that's a good thing. Ask yourself this: Do you want to be the cold fish who never cries? Or the person who has enough empathy to feel something and still move forward? If you're the latter, welcome to the club. You'll be just fine.
Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Times
115 best big places to work 2025
The A-Z of top employers: Abel & Cole to Zenith Media Abel & Cole At this London organic food delivery firm the 570 staff have access to all kinds of goodies – not least a free weekly fruit and veg box. Benefits include life insurance, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, 24/7 GP and emotional support access plus online exercise classes. A free staff shop at the main production site helps cut waste, while a profit-share scheme supplements pay packets. No wonder nearly 25 per cent of employees have been there for more than 10 Aberlour Children's Charity Every role comes with a tailored training plan at Scotland's largest children's charity, which works with disadvantaged young people. Learning and development opportunities for the 670 employees range from formal programmes to peer support and job shadowing. The Stirling organisation, which celebrates its 150th anniversary this year, is an accredited Living Wage Employer. Benefits include a pension scheme paying up to 10 per cent of salary, an employee assistance programme and enhanced paternity pay with four weeks' leave on full Ainscough Crane Hire Founded in 1976 with just six cranes and a van, this Wigan company now has 820 employees across 30 locations UK-wide. They enjoy hybrid working, combining time in the office – which is essential for collaboration – with time at home, life insurance, an annual health screen, discounted health insurance and fitness memberships. A benefits portal provides access to various retail discounts, and a cycle-to-work scheme promotes sustainable commuting. A recently launched paid volunteering day encourages staff to give back to the AirHop To help its 1,600 staff keep a spring in their step, this trampoline park company offers all kinds of perks, from an employee of the month scheme to referral rewards for recommending a friend. Headquartered in Bristol but with 26 locations across the UK, from Aberdeen to Wrexham, it has a confidential wellbeing platform to look after the emotional, financial and legal needs of workers. But best of all are the free after hours sessions where employees can bounce to their hearts' content with a Alcumus Career prospects are good at this Cardiff workplace safety and compliance services firm. Last year 29 per cent of roles were filled internally through promotions, secondments, or lateral moves. The company, which has offices in London, Manchester and Bath, employs a team of 655 aged from 18 to over 70. Alcumus launched an award-winning apprenticeship scheme last year and its focus on equality has led to a reduction in its gender pay gap in each of the past four Alzheimer's Society The charity, headquartered in London, offers its staff paid wellbeing and 'taking stock' days, as well as flexible working. The 1,929 employees – along with some 6,000 volunteers – help an estimated 100,000 people throughout the UK. Staff benefits also include pension, life assurance, a Bupa cash health plan and Thrive mental-health app. Paid time off is available for those undergoing fertility treatment, transitioning or dealing with a Society wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Disabled Employees 2025 Spotlight Apadmi A sleep and mindfulness coach holding virtual one-to-one meetings and group sessions is among the benefits offered to the 274 staff at this Manchester mobile app developer. Employees can buy and sell holidays, and a loyalty leave scheme gives them extra days for long service. Weekly funded CrossFit sessions promote wellbeing, and there is a colleague assistance portal providing access to counselling and a Armstrong Watson Staff are the biggest asset at this Carlisle accountancy, business and financial advisory firm, which employs 674 people across 19 regional offices, including Glasgow, Newcastle, Leeds and Manchester. Recent initiatives, including enhanced mental-health support, flexible working arrangements and a focus on diversity and inclusion, have resulted in high retention rates. The wellness programme includes mindfulness workshops and every office has wellbeing champions trained in mental-health first Aspire Housing Home working contracts, up to 32 days of annual leave – on top of bank holidays – and time off over Christmas mean the 450 employees at this Newcastle-under-Lyme social landlord can meet professional and personal aspirations. The 25-year-old housing provider and property developer owns and manages more than 9,000 homes across Staffordshire and Cheshire. Staff can progress their careers through the Aim High and management development programmes. They get two paid volunteering days and an option to buy two extra days' Aventum Group At London insurance firm Aventum Group, there is a strong culture with little bureaucracy where talent among the 530 workers is rewarded. Wellbeing initiatives include an in-house mentoring coach, counselling, a masseuse, independent financial and legal advice, and free language courses. A peer-to-peer recognition scheme sees employees share each other's successes, while a Dragons' Den-style initiative to inspire innovation offers team members the chance to make a tangible difference to the company. All staff have share Awin Staff work four days but get paid for five at this marketing specialist. The global firm, which has 17 offices worldwide, including one in London, also offers hybrid and remote working options as part of its people-first culture. Annual Rural Retreats enable the 412-strong UK workforce to meet and collaborate from different locations. More than 50 programmes and 450 courses provide staff with training in soft skills, bespoke knowledge and management development to help them thrive in their wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Marketing and Advertising sector (Big) Baily Garner This London construction consultancy wants to 'positively impact people's lives', including those of its 256 employees. It has twice-yearly salary reviews, monthly one-to-ones to support personal and professional development, and flexible working. Staff must spend one day per week in the office, with core hours of 10am-4.15pm, making time for commuting and family commitments. Benefits include life assurance, a Medicash plan that includes 24/7 mental-health support and a virtual GP, and access to the SkinVision melanoma Barhale Holdings This civil engineering and infrastructure specialist, based in Walsall, has launched a wellbeing, stress and resilience programme for the 1,231 people it employs at venues across the country. The business, which has been running for more than 40 years, last year celebrated more than 70 internal promotions, and increased its number of mental-health first aiders. Core employee benefits include life assurance, private medical insurance, loyalty days for long service and a profit-share Bella Italia At restaurant chain Bella Italia the emphasis is on creating a work environment in which the nationwide staff of 1,400 can be the best version of themselves. Teams are supported through training programmes for internal development, and flexibility in shift patterns is encouraged to meet the work-life balance. The company enables colleagues to access a percentage of their wages before payday, and a 24/7 GP service is provided. Other benefits include employee discounts and a bonus Benifex This Southampton tech business knows a thing or two about rewarding people. Its OneHub platform is used by 2.2 million employees across 80 countries, including its own workforce of 650. They can choose between 31 benefits, from private medical insurance to menopause planning, while the OneHub Wallet gives them £50 per month to spend as they like. Employees can take their birthdays off as well as two 'time for you' half-days, and they can buy five extra days of holiday per wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Technology sector (Big) Brewers Decorator Centres Despite having 206 stores and 1,588 staff across the UK, this Eastbourne firm is a family-run business. Mental-health support and counselling are available through a dedicated employee assistance programme, there is a virtual GP service and a health cash plan. Interest-free loans, salary advancement and independent financial advice aid economic wellbeing, too. On top of benefits such as enhanced maternity/paternity leave and life assurance, staff can book one of two company holiday homes for a free Decorator Centres wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Employees Aged 55+ 2025 Spotlight Butcombe Group At this Bristol craft brewery and pub group, the aim is to put people first and foster a culture where the 1,700 employees feel valued. The company is dedicated to supporting employee wellbeing and strives to create an inclusive environment, offering a network of mental-health first aiders. Benefits include long service awards, while access to free mortgage advice is offered, alongside a cycle-to-work scheme and lifestyle discounts. Sabbatical leave is available, as is additional holiday Champneys Family-run spa business Champneys, with headquarters in Henlow, Bedfordshire, is in its centenary year, and believes its 1,068 employees make it special. Employee benefits include wellbeing initiatives and products for staff, free meals and parking, as well as discounted stays. Colleagues are recognised in monthly and annual employee awards. The company believes its success comes from the charm of the teams it employs, and many colleagues have served the business for more than 30 Checkatrade The online marketplace for home improvements and repairs helps consumers connect with the 100,000 trusted trades in its directory. Its 462 employees offer their services, too, helping good causes with up to five days' charity leave a year. The London organisation, which has an office in Portsmouth, supports staff growth through its talent programmes, study leave and regular challenges. Benefits include gym membership, a holiday buy and sell scheme, birthdays off, discounts (including at B&Q) and recipes from Chisholm Hunter This family-owned jewellery and gift store has been trading since 1857, so it knows a thing or two about staff retention. With headquarters in Glasgow and stores throughout the UK, it prides itself on the fact that 80 per cent of its managers have been promoted through the ranks, and has a gender pay gap of zero. Benefits for its 348 workers include sales commissions, life insurance and private healthcare, while the wellbeing provision allows access to counselling services, plus alternative options such as massage, reiki and Clarion The 310 employees at this Leeds law firm are encouraged to get involved with every aspect of the business, from developing fulfilling careers to joining the netball and football teams and taking part in fundraising activities for its chosen charity. Recent learning initiatives include a firm-wide technical training programme and bespoke management and leadership development training for managers. Benefits include chair massages and yoga classes, as well as a bank holiday CLS Group Staff working for the London arm of the world's largest foreign exchange settlement firm can switch it up by pursuing new opportunities in different parts of the organisation. The hybrid working model, which includes monthly office days and meeting-free Fridays, enables the 714 staff to find a pattern that works for them. Weekly videos from the leadership and all-colleague calls every month keep them in the loop on business matters. A busy calendar of social activities and volunteer days foster Group wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for Ethnic Minorities 2025 Spotlight Award Convex Insurance This London international specialty insurer and reinsurer has got its 430 employees covered, with benefits from generous maternity and paternity leave to an annual learning and wellbeing allowance and a monthly pop-up pub. The firm, founded by Stephen Catlin and Paul Brand, holds an annual Dream Pitch where one employee gets the chance to fulfil a lifelong goal, which has included someone rowing across the Pacific Ocean. Every employee gets a thank-you hamper at Christmas and their birthday Croud Professing itself to be not just a company, but a community, this London media agency has offices from New York to Dubai. Though it offers flexible working, its 304 employees are encouraged to get together every Thursday, and there are free lunches on Mondays and Wednesdays to help team bonding. The online Croud Campus is built for learning, while the UnCrouded programme is all about mental health, helped by wellbeing initiatives such as walking lunches and breathwork Culinera Prizes such as trips to Italy or France are among incentives for excelling as a chef or baker at this Amersham-based schools caterer. Culinera recently launched its own cookery school to maintain the skills of its 367 staff, serving schools at more than 50 locations across the south of England. The company offers paid training that can often be done remotely to fit around work hours. Benefits for staff also include private healthcare and confidential support through an employee assistance programme. Regular social events include go-karting and Currie & Brown The emphasis is on investing in people at this construction and cost-management consultancy. Based in London, but with offices all over the world, it offers its 638 workers a range of apprenticeship, leadership and mentoring programmes, as well as the chance to request personal development reviews at any time. Employees also get a £400 per year allowance to invest in their own health, while an annual wellbeing week might include anything from mindfulness to laughter Dakota Hotels Members of the 520-strong team at Manchester-based Dakota can enjoy a 40 per cent discount on stays at its six hotels across England and Scotland, and there's 25 per cent off for family and friends. The Dakota Academy has offered bespoke training sessions to more than 400 employees in the past year, as well as mentorship and career progression advice. The YuLife app gives access to a virtual GP, an employee assistance programme and a range of health Hotels is Highly Commended in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for 16 to 34-Year-Olds 2025 Spotlight Dementia UK This charity's specialist Admiral Nurses provide support to families of people living with dementia, and the same ethos of care extends to its 290 employees. Virtual Pilates, support from mental-health first aiders, flexible working policies and an inclusive, people-first approach keep wellbeing high. The 2025-30 strategy was co-created with staff, who have monthly meetings with the chief executive. Benefits include access to a specialist Admiral Nurse for staff affected by dementia, 33 days' leave plus bank holidays, and eight per cent pension UK wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Non-Profit and Charities sector (Big) Digby Brown At legal firm Digby Brown, initiatives have been put in place to allow the 327 employees to have a say in how the business is run. The company offers a hybrid working policy with core working hours, and dress-down Fridays in the relaxed office spaces across Scotland. An annual trip to the Crieff Hydro spa resort for all staff boosts morale. The company's wellbeing scheme is partnered with a Glasgow psychologist to provide one-to-one support to Dishoom This London Indian restaurant chain ensures employees feel valued by dishing up tasty rewards including a trip to Mumbai after five years' service and a month's paid holiday plus a travel voucher after 10 years. It nurtures the talent of its 1,699-strong workforce with learning and development programmes including Babu Master Class, Kitchen Academy and Dishoom MasterChef. All restaurants enter a team for an annual cricket tournament at Lord's and an advent calendar quiz offers prizes such as trips to Dorchester Collection & The UK Hotels At London's Dorchester Collection hotel group, the company believes that guest and employee satisfaction go hand in hand. Learning programmes are provided for all 1,200 employees, and an internal succession programme has been redesigned to ensure that every staff member feels they are listened to. Benefits include complimentary hotel stays, family stay discounts, long service awards, celebration leave and study leave, alongside flexible Collection & The UK Hotels wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Hospitality sector (Big) Drake & Morgan High street discounts at the likes of John Lewis and Selfridges and innovation trips to Europe, the Middle East and the US are among the benefits of working for this hospitality business. The company, which has 17 bars and restaurants across London and Manchester, believes in promoting from within its team of 495. Thanks to initiatives such as a training school, individual development plans and access to external qualifications, the internal progression rate sits at 65 per cent. Perks include paid days off for birthdays and easyJet holidays AccelerateHER, a programme to develop female talent, is among initiatives for the staff of 380 at the Luton-based firm, named Travel Weekly's Employer of the Year 2025. Its new Destinations graduate scheme is designed to help youngsters build careers in the industry. The state-of-the-art headquarters has dedicated quiet areas and prayer rooms and an on-site canteen. There are enhanced family-friendly policies, private healthcare for everyone and an employee assistance Exeter College The tertiary college, with 12,500 students, was deemed 'outstanding' by Ofsted in 2022. Facilities for its 1,061 staff include an on-site restaurant, a gym and fitness classes. A staff development fund allows employees to apply for funding for qualifications and external courses, while development days offer the chance to learn anything from portraiture to paddleboarding or pickleball. High achievers are celebrated at an end-of-year staff awards ceremony in July and the Be Exceptional Staff Awards at FGH Security Staff at this Lancaster security firm run once a week after launching a Couch to 5K challenge for all its office teams. The company, which supplies security staff for a range of sectors including events and festivals and close protection, has 777 employees and offices in Liverpool, London and Manchester. Team members receive a learning and development budget worth 10 per cent of their salary, while eight people graduated with university level degrees in 2023/ Firmdale Hotels Doors open for staff at this London boutique hotel chain which offers plenty of opportunities for career development, with training schemes including a graduate programme and chef apprenticeships. The general manager at the Covent Garden Hotel started as a receptionist 25 years ago. The company, which counts Halle Berry, Daniel Craig and John Travolta among its guests, includes 11 hotels in London and New York. The 1,350 employees enjoy free meals on shift, social events and wellbeing and team Flat Iron The steak restaurant chain, with outlets across London, Manchester, Leeds and Cambridge, prides itself on listening to its 929 staff, even redesigning team aprons based on their feedback. The company's recognition workshops are designed to create a culture of appreciation, with managers writing 'beef cheques' to reward their teams. Flat Iron forums invite staff to share their insights for £50 per meeting, and long service is rewarded with bonuses, extra holiday and a fully paid month off every ten Gastronomy Restaurants Comprising 43 restaurants, with more on the way, this Shrewsbury KFC franchise business has its own recipe for keeping its 1,402 staff happy. A fast track scheme to restaurant manager has resulted in more than 75 promotions, with the management team enjoying private medical insurance, critical illness cover, income protection and life insurance, plus enhanced holiday kicking in after five and 10 years' service. Staff get a free meal during shifts, and there is a 25 per cent KFC discount at other Gaucho & M Restaurants Good service is not just for paying customers at this chain of Argentinian restaurants – the 1,130 employees are 'treated with 100 per cent hospitality' too. The London-based organisation caters to a neurodiverse workforce. There is a five-day induction programme including a chance to eat steak and find out about Argentinian wine, training programmes for managers and future leaders, and a 'floor to four' incentive with an extra £1,000 a quarter for those moving to a salaried GenesisCare This cancer care provider, headquartered in Windsor but with locations throughout the country, offers free radiotherapy treatment if needed by any of its 600 employees and their families. Other health benefits include free prostate ultrasounds and testing, plus private medical and dental insurance. Financial benefits include paid professional memberships, long service awards and enhanced maternity/paternity pay. Me Days give everyone the chance to take time off for their wellbeing or for doing something they Hall & Woodhouse The Dorset brewer of Badger beer, with pubs across the south of England, is striving to make hospitality and brewing a career choice, not just a job for its 1,582 employees. The in-house management development programme, launched in 2023, led to 24 promotions last year and initiatives include a reverse mentoring scheme and women's leadership programme. Staff get the Real Living Wage as a minimum and benefit from profit share and bonus schemes, as well as free HaysMac Accountants HaysMac puts people at the heart of its nationwide business. The firm is proud of the number of women in senior positions, having worked to address the gender pay gap across its 600-strong workforce. The flagship employee collaboration initiative helps to keep the wider team connected to the business, with a women's network, charitable giving space and a commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace. Spot bonuses are awarded to staff, while other benefits include private medical wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Business and Management Services sector (Big). HaysMac is also Highly Commended in the Sunday Time Best Places to Work for Women 2025 Spotlight Henry Schein One UK Benefits for the 260 employees at this Kent tech firm, providing management software for dental practices, include access to mental health platform Unmind, a digital GP, heart screenings and discounted gym memberships. Financial benefits include a health cash plan, which covers pre-existing conditions and includes family members, dental cover – either NHS or private – and private medical insurance. The redesigned office has a wellness room for moments of privacy and prayer, and a break room with pool, darts and computer game Holiday Extras Group The 610 employees at travel company Holiday Extras, based in Hythe, Kent, make a real impact in an environment that allows everyone to thrive. Team members' contributions are recognised through long service awards, and career development is encouraged through the mentoring programme. The company puts wellbeing, community, and sustainability at its heart, and provides mental-health first aiders, a couch-to-5k club, and yoga provision. Benefits include eyecare vouchers, enhanced parental leave, and a bond Howarth Timber Group Established in 1840, this family-led Leeds business now comprises five construction and building materials companies. It keeps its 988 staff motivated in a range of ways, including peer-nominated recognition schemes, a group charity and even a company podcast. Employee benefits include 31 days' holiday, with the opportunity to buy and sell more, length of service awards, and enhanced maternity/paternity pay. An employee assistance programme gives access to an online GP and counselling, while the online perks hub offers discounts on travel, cinema tickets and Hunt's Food Group Free passes for Glastonbury are available to staff at this wholesale food outfit, one of the music festival's main suppliers. Family-owned and run since 1912, and based in Sherborne, Dorset, Hunt's has 462 employees across seven depots. Besides benefits such as overtime, life assurance and an employee assistance programme, staff perks include Christmas dinner hampers, a family day at the Hunt farm, where attractions include animal petting and a mini train, and Huntsfest, the company's own themed Incipio Group Development programmes, reward trips abroad and sports tournaments keep spirits high among the 371 staff at this London-based hospitality group. Incipio runs seven venues across the Capital, including Pergola on the Wharf and The Libertine, and is to open a new food and drinks spots at Olympia. Talent is nurtured, with 71 per cent of management teams being promoted through the ranks. The popular Incipio FC play together every Tuesday, with team members including the chief executive and co-owner Ed Individual Restaurants Apprenticeships, a programme for high performers and wine courses whet the appetite of staff at Individual Restaurants. Employee turnover has reduced by 60 per cent at the Manchester group behind the Piccolino, Riva Blu and Restaurant Bar & Grill brands, which has introduced a new reward and recognition programme and enhanced maternity and paternity benefits. The 1,263 employees enjoy team meals on shift and get 50 per cent off the cost of food and drink at any of the group's restaurants, for up to eight IQ-EQ This group provides services such as compliance and asset advice to investors, with more than £750 billion in assets under administration, and it also invests in its 546 UK employees. The London-based firm offers job and secondment opportunities in locations from the Cayman Islands to Hong Kong, generous salaries with bonus and commission plus private medical insurance including a private GP. Employees work from home three days a week and have an early finish on Fridays in JKS Restaurants Multi-cuisine hospitality group JKS Restaurants, based in London, considers itself a dynamic place to work. Opportunities are given to those looking to expand their knowledge of another cuisine, and each of the 545 employees has access to personal and professional development training. Apprenticeships are offered to team members at all levels. Benefits include 50 per cent employee discounts, a paid day for charitable work, and free training with the Wine and Spirits Education Jupiter Asset Management London financial services firm Jupiter Asset Management has focussed on creating a culture that values high performance in its staff of 467. The company conducts regular surveys to hear employee feedback, and supports a range of networks and committees, each with an annual budget to spend on an initiative to champion their network. Since 2020 the firm has operated a flexible working programme, and employee benefits can be tailored to suit individuals' Lakeland Long service is the norm rather than the exception at this Cumbrian family-owned kitchenware retailer, with staff clocking up 30, 40 and even 50 years' service. The Lakeland Leadership Development Programme promotes a common way of working and a leadership culture among the 966 employees working across 59 stores and its headquarters in Windermere. Initiatives to support wellbeing include mental health and menopause awareness training for managers and fundraising events. There are also staff Leo Burnett This London creative agency has invested in a calm satellite office alongside its lively headquarters so staff can choose where they work best. The 252 employees can work from home two days a week and, as part of the Publicis Groupe, from any of its offices worldwide for six weeks a year. Wellness Wednesdays, social events and generous annual leave boost wellbeing. Staff get 25 days' holiday plus six-and-a-half discretionary agency Lina Stores Founded more than 80 years ago in Soho, London, this chain of Italian eateries has spread to Manchester and Japan. As well as staff meals, discounts and social events, its 311 employees can benefit from management-training and leadership programmes, and a wellbeing platform. An employee assistance programme offers 24/7 access to mental-health support and a GP and prescription service, and all managers are trained in mental-health first aid. Annual trips to Italy keep the authenticity levels Lomond Mentor Bench, a new venture at this real estate, rental and leasing specialist, helps employees learn from colleagues in different parts of the organisation. Headquartered in London but with teams across the UK, Lomond has 1,855 staff and its annual awards ceremony recently honoured more than 200 winners. Perks include paid charity days, a holiday purchase scheme, smart tech schemes, discounted shopping vouchers, and incentive trips to destinations such as Paris and loveholidays This London online travel agent invests in the professional journeys of its 423 staff through on-the-job experience, training sessions and professional qualifications. Employees have individual learning budgets so they can choose what works for them and there are also programmes for managers and leaders to learn best practice and share their experience. Staff work three days a week in the office and can work from abroad or elsewhere in the UK for two weeks a year. Discounted holidays are part of the Lowell The 1,580 people at this Leeds debt collection firm are all singing from the same hymn sheet – at least, that's the aim of a company choir that 'brings colleagues together through music'. It has a purpose-built office with a wellbeing floor, prayer rooms, onsite gym and subsidised deli, plus unusual perks like free yoga and 'immersive sound bath experiences'. The group, owned by private equity firm Permira and the Canadian OTPP pension fund, offers flexible benefits and a profit-based Manning Gottlieb OMD New quarterly half-training-days and monthly 'All Together' days promote personal development and connectivity among the 553 staff at this London media agency. Flexible working arrangements include the option to work from anywhere for up to two weeks annually plus early finishes on Fridays and throughout the summer. The firm offers a £5 daily food subsidy in its canteen and a £200 work-from-home allowance. Staff can join the social club for £5 a month and enjoy a subsidised annual ski Menzies The Better Place to Work culture at this London business advisory and accountancy firm has resulted in office refurbishments and improved benefits including a commitment to agile working and events to promote inclusivity and wellbeing. A career sponsorship programme for qualified employees pairs them with senior colleagues across offices to gain fresh perspectives and mentorship. Benefits for the 689 staff include a week-long Make a Difference Day programme and a sabbatical MHR International This Nottinghamshire HR payroll and finance software provider saw staff numbers grow by more than 200 last year, with further new hires in 2025 bringing its head count to 927. It fosters growth and development with a range of internal and external training courses and promoted 120 people in 2024. The company, which is investing in a new suite of offices at its Ruddington headquarters, holds an annual company day and rewards loyalty with long service awards. There are two subsidised Miller Insurance With more than 120 years in the business, this London insurance broker with offices from Brussels to Bermuda knows how to prepare its 1,169 staff for the best – and worst – eventualities. It offers private medical insurance, mental health support and an online GP, generous allowances for carers and new parents and menopause benefit for all female employees. The Miller Academy learning platform aids career development and all staff complete a chartered insurance Mills & Reeve Achieve more together. That's the mantra of this London national law firm and that goes for the workforce of 1,404 as well as clients. Employee networks, inclusive leadership training and educational sessions on subjects including mental health, foster a supportive environment. The team, almost 70 per cent of whom are women, can work half of their time away from the office. Other benefits include enhanced family policies, a charitable day and a performance-based Moat Homes This Dartford social landlord started in 1966 managing a single block of flats in Chertsey, and now owns and manages more than 21,000 homes across Kent, Essex, Sussex and London. The not-for-profit invests in its 522 employees through training, secondments, coaching, mentoring, and networking groups. Young talent is nurtured through its apprenticeship scheme, with several former apprentices progressing to management roles and it has also recently launched a graduate programme. Two extra days of leave were added to everyone's allowance last Mother To ensure its 270 staff feel nurtured, this London marketing and advertising agency provides free home-cooked breakfasts and lunch five days a week, served on communal benches. It also makes everybody rotate desks every six weeks, so they get to know one another. A free in-office gym, £1 per day personal wellbeing fund and a £1,000 bonus for stopping smoking aim to improve health, while free museum passes encourage cultural engagement. The social programme includes everything from meals to free ski Motorpoint This nationwide Derby-based used car specialist steers the careers of its 799 employees in the right direction with personal development programmes, technical training, apprenticeships and support to gain professional qualifications. The firm's One Big Dream scheme gives staff paid time out once a month to do something that matters to them. Chief executive Mark Carpenter holds Happy Hour sessions where the team can ask questions and discuss any issues. Benefits include a Save As You Earn scheme and £400 car Mowgli Street Food With outlets from Glasgow to Bristol and 902 employees, this Liverpool Indian restaurant chain is all about delivering the personal touch on a large scale. It recently reduced hours for its managers, who benefit from a medical cash plan for them and their dependents. It also offers 30 days' paid leave per year – plus birthdays and festive holidays – as well as free lifestyle advice and a flexible pay scheme. Meals are free at work, with a 50 per cent discount at other Nedbank Private Wealth Based in the Isle of Man, but with an international reach, this financial services firm wants its 329 employees to share the wealth. To this end it offers private healthcare for staff and their families as well as financial support for early childcare up to the age of five. The benefits package includes a company pension with employer contribution and a salary sacrifice scheme, life and income protection and paid time off policies that encourage a healthy work-life balance. Paid volunteering work and sabbaticals are also NHS Professionals Established by the government in 2001 to reduce the use of expensive external agencies, the country's largest NHS staff bank fills gaps across the health service. The Hemel Hempstead-based not-for-profit helped the NHS save more than £6.5 million in agency costs last year. It offers its 1,100 employees flexible working, professional development and a supportive environment. Benefits include generous annual leave with the option to buy and sell holiday, recognition programmes and an electric car Northern Ireland Hospice Several years ago, Northern Ireland Hospice faced some critical challenges, including financial pressure, recruitment difficulty, staff burnout and high employee turnover. Now, thanks to a wellbeing and people-focused strategy, its 350 employees – alongside more than 800 volunteers – give it an average 80 per cent score for happiness. Clinical burnout and 'compassion fatigue' are kept at bay with wellbeing café events, raffles and calendars, inclusion initiatives, a monthly meeting for employee representatives, a staff appraisal process and a training Octopus Electric Vehicles Employees drive change for customers and themselves at this London company. Part of Octopus Energy Group, the organisation, which since 2018 has been on a mission to make it easier for more people to get behind the wheel of an EV, has introduced free gym membership, access to financial coaching and mental-health therapy following staff feedback. The package on offer to the 450-strong team includes free breakfast, unlimited paid holiday, flexible hours, hybrid working and money towards an electric OneFamily Employee networks covering LGBTQ+, ethnicity and culture, and neurodiversity mean every one of the 593 staff at this Brighton-based mutual society can feel part of the family. The 50-year-old organisation, which manages Child Trust Funds, a range of ISAs and over-50s life insurance, runs a leadership programme for women which has led to 42.5 per cent female representation at senior level. Rewards include annual Values awards, discretionary bonuses, sales incentive schemes, up to three paid volunteering days and pension contributions of up to 9 per Optegra Free sight tests – and even free eye surgery – are among benefits offered by this London-based eye healthcare provider to its 550 employees. Salaries are reviewed and benchmarked yearly, staff get 33 days of holiday, rising to 36 for the more senior roles, and there are awards and recognition programmes. Benefits also include private medical insurance and access to counselling and Paragon Skills This Bournemouth-based apprenticeship provider, operating in the care and education sectors, promises to enhance 'the financial, physical and emotional wellbeing' of its 379 employees. The Hastee app gives staff the option of accessing a portion of their wages before payday, partner HSBC holds financial seminars, and there is a Christmas savings club. Alongside a healthcare cash plan for medical expenses and an employee assistance programme for confidential counselling, employees also get additional leave for IVF, on becoming grandparents and when children are starting Parogon Group At the head office of B Corp-certified Parogon, an independent restaurant group based in Staffordshire, the company is focussed on developing its 598 employees. Each has access to a career development map to track their progress, and a strong team culture is fostered. Colleagues are recognised and rewarded through employee of the month competitions, and internal promotions are prioritised. An employee assistance programme is provided, offering wide-ranging support, while flexible working is Paxton Security technology firm Paxton believes in listening to its 392 employees so that each one can reach their full potential. A café at the Brighton office offers a menu of healthy options, while recreational facilities are provided to allow colleagues to recharge without leaving work. Employees can job-swap to learn more about the company, while the inclusion group helps to ensure that everyone is heard. Mental-health first aiders are provided in addition to discounted health Permanently Unique Group Collaboration across departments, four new development academies and investment of more than £200,000 in facilities for the 600 employees have proven to be a winning recipe for this Manchester-based restaurant group. The business, which operates the Tattu, Fenix and Louis brands, had staff turnover fall by 20 per cent last year. The menu of perks includes 50 per cent off food and drink for a table of four midweek and a meal on the house at any of its restaurants after two years' PossAbilities CIC An advent calendar with a top prize of a holiday for four and the chance to bid for a share of £35,000 to learn something new were among the possibilities on offer last year to the 678 staff at this social enterprise based in Heywood, Greater Manchester. The organisation, which primarily supports people with learning disabilities, dementia and those leaving care, has a pet farm and a one-acre wellbeing garden at its headquarters. Staff were gifted an £800 voucher at Real Chemistry UK employees at this American-owned global healthcare insights and marketing communications company can apply to spend a week in its New York or Chicago offices. Real Chemistry's British arm is based in London, with additional offices in Manchester and Edinburgh. Development opportunities for the 264 staff range from curated training programmes to more than 15,000 LinkedIn Learning courses. The inhouse recognition programme SPARK (Shoutouts, Praise, Appreciation, Recognition and Kudos) and annual company awards recognise outstanding Red Engine Staff can aim high at this growing London-based hospitality group, which runs competitive socialising venues Flight Club and Electric Shuffle. Many staff who joined as barbacks or runners are now venue managers, key members in head office teams, or have transferred to work for franchise partners opening venues around the world. Last year almost 22 per cent of team members were promoted. Perks for the 1,000 staff, 81 per cent of whom are under 34, range from bonuses to free meals on shift and gratis darts and shuffleboard Rightmove Property website Rightmove, with its headquarters in Milton Keynes, is centred on its team of 907 people. Ideas are welcomed and successes celebrated, culminating in an end-of-year awards ceremony. Hard work is recognised on employee appreciation day, giving all staff members half a day to spend doing something they love. Mental-health first aiders are on hand, and the company supports eye test vouchers and a cycle-to-work scheme. Benefits include enhanced parental leave and private Sandicliffe A management development programme and a range of training courses ensure the careers of the 460 staff at this Loughborough car dealer are heading in the right direction. The family-run business, which operates 19 car dealerships across the East Midlands, buys lunch for the team on employee appreciation day and values day, and celebrates religious festivals, successes and achievements. The deal includes a minimum 24 days' leave, in addition to bank holidays, employee discounts and a cycle-to-work Savoy Hotel 'You don't just work for The Savoy, The Savoy works for you,' is the motto at this venerable London hotel. Its 366 employees get discounted room rates, 31 days' annual leave and their laundry done for free. In-house facilities include a free restaurant, a ping-pong room and a training academy looking out over the Thames. Staff parties might involve anything from an exclusive boat charter to a Venetian-themed gala. The Savoy Experience is an immersive opportunity to see what it feels like being a Scottish Friendly This Glasgow mutual financial services provider aims to create a supportive and friendly workplace for its 352 staff with initiatives including a wellbeing week, a calendar of events and training provided by the learning team. None of the customer service team work evenings or weekends and 17 per cent of staff are on part-time or flexible hours, while the hybrid option allows staff to work three days from home. Benefits include a pension scheme, private healthcare, generous annual leave, and an upcoming electric car Sigma Connected It is not just careers that grow at this outsourcing specialist. Every employee who passes their probation is gifted a tree they can watch grow from seed. Founded in 2011 by Gary Gilburd and Mike Harfield, Birmingham-based Sigma Connected offers outsourced services that cover customer services, collections, complaint management and staff training across sectors including energy, water, financial services and telecoms. Benefits offered to the 1,221-strong team include discounted gym membership, volunteering opportunities and holidays that increase with length of Slim Chickens Opportunities for professional development at this Solihull-based American fast-food chain are far from slim. The business, which has more than 60 restaurants with plans for more, offers apprenticeship and leadership programmes as well as secondments to its support centre. More than half of management teams have been promoted from within. Free meals on shift, a tasty 50 per cent discount across its brands, gym discounts and a generous refer-a-friend scheme are on the menu for the 1,300 So Energy Making a difference is key for this sustainable energy supplier. The Chiswick outfit, which has 479 employees, recently doubled its professional development budget, and encourages giving back with three paid volunteering days per year, two paid blood donation days, various charity events and a sustainable community library. As well as an annual bonus scheme, staff can access 4,000 benefits through Perkbox, and mental-health resources, therapy and life-coaching via Unmind. Monthly socials, twice-yearly team events and value awards keep spirits Starcom UK Promising to make its London office 'worth the commute', this global communications planning and media outfit offers a range of appealing in-house activities. Although hybrid working is available, its 463 staff may find themselves tempted in by initiatives such as bring-your-dog-to-work days or an office choir. Other benefits include enhanced parental leave, private medical insurance and mental health support, with access to various wellbeing options, from guided meditation and reiki to massage Stephens Scown This regional law firm based in Exeter is employee-owned, which means the 342 staff can be involved in decision-making, and each employee receives an equal annual profit share. As a signatory of the Mindful Employer charter, the company is committed to staff wellbeing. It provides private medical insurance and free counselling and there is a wellbeing room in each of its four offices in the southwest. Hybrid and flexible working is available and staff get 25 days' leave plus bank holidays, and time off to give Stephensons Solicitors Regular training sessions and a buddy scheme for new starters ensure the 302 employees at this Wigan law firm are well briefed. Social activities including sports, quizzes and parties help build strong workplace relationships while flexi-time, remote working and career break options enable the team to balance personal and professional lives. Stephensons, which has offices in Bolton, Manchester, St Helens and London, boosts morale with a range of initiatives such as Wellbeing Wednesday, Thank You Thursday and Fun Switalskis It's the little things that count at this Wakefield solicitors with offices across Yorkshire and one in London. From breakfast 'butty runs' to Easter eggs, its 383 staff are made to feel valued. Whether celebrating neurodiversity or fasting together for Ramadan, its equality, diversity and inclusion network aims to bring staff together. And the bonus scheme is transparent so nobody feels left out. Enhanced maternity/paternity pay, a Bupa wellbeing plan and discounted legal support round out the Tandem Bank At Blackpool-based Tandem Bank, a tree is planted for every new starter. Monthly town hall meetings bring all 507 employees together, and business-wide networking groups promote an inclusive culture. Colleagues are encouraged to take two volunteering days a year and an additional day off is given to celebrate special occasions. Menopause champions and mental-health first aiders support their peers, and there is a mentoring scheme. Benefits include enhanced family leave programmes and a cycle-to-work The Edwin Group Established in 2021, and with its headquarters in Newcastle, this education alliance has 315 employees at locations across the UK. It offers an annual wellbeing week, sessions on menopause, initiatives addressing breast cancer awareness and men's mental health, and a digital GP. Benefits range from commission, bonuses and enhanced pension contributions to income protection insurance and death-in-service payments. Family-friendly policies include enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, plus reduced working hours in the school The Lancaster Landmark Hotel Company Continuous learning opportunities, development programmes, mentorship, and clear career pathways help staff make their mark at this London-based international hospitality company. A team of 650 people work across its UK collection of luxury hotels comprising the Landmark London, Royal Lancaster, K West Hotel & Spa and Basil Street Apartments. A new four-day week option for team members plus generous time off policies and flexible working arrangements boost personal and professional the7stars There are no traditional job titles at this independent London media agency which prefers to let staff focus on their strengths. Comprehensive training programmes cater to all experience levels with employees, who have access to eight coaches, receiving more than 1,600 hours of training last year. Every employee is encouraged to participate in leadership teams to drive initiatives from sustainable practices to mentoring. Free lunches, payday events and sports teams foster camaraderie among the team of Travel Counsellors The world opens up for staff at this Manchester-based travel company, with perks including global immersion trips, travel showcases and conferences abroad. The technology platform-based business's 442 employees support more than 2,000 home-working franchisees across six countries. A calendar of free events and socials including summer and Christmas parties and family days foster camaraderie. Hybrid working enables the team to work two days from home. Benefits include a Moments that Matter day, free massages, discounted holidays and free Costco TravelPerk A work-from-anywhere policy, allowing employees to base themselves abroad for up to 20 days a year, and a paid four-week sabbatical after five years' service are perks of the job at this international business travel platform. With its headquarters in Barcelona, it has 364 UK employees across the Birmingham head office, Edinburgh and London. Everyone is enrolled in the stock programme, with high performers receiving stock top-ups, while other benefits include 12 free therapy sessions a year and a £1,000 annual travel Turning Point Scotland Because People Matter is the motto of this national, social care not-for-profit which supports vulnerable people across Scotland. The Glasgow-based organisation provides a wide range of services, from alcohol and drug recovery to support for homeless people and those with mental health conditions and autism. More than two thirds of the 1,200 staff have a recognised disability or a close lived experience of it. A training and development programme and promotion from within enable employees to grow Point Scotland is Highly Commended in the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for LGBTQIA+ Staff 2025 Spotlight Unum UK This specialist employee benefits provider, part of the Unum Group, is on a mission to help the working world thrive – and that includes its 965 employees. In addition to hybrid working and opportunities for professional development, staff have access to its core products including life insurance and critical illness cover. There is also a gym, tennis court and extensive grounds at its Dorking headquarters. Staff get time off to volunteer, with 60 per cent doing so in Urban Pubs & Bars When it comes to the smooth running of 54 pubs, bars and restaurants across London, it's all about the staff. To invest in its 950 employees, this hospitality business offers new recruits hands-on mentoring, and there is a supervisor training academy to identify future leaders. Staff can access 50 per cent of their pay early via Wagestream, get 30 per cent off food and drink, and win awards for exceptional behaviour. End-of-year grand prizes have included trips to Cuba and South Vertex Pharmaceuticals Wellness Wednesdays at this biotech firm mean that, between the hours of 12 noon and 2pm, employees can disconnect from their work to focus on themselves. The 717 employees have access to mental health support through an employee assistance programme, mindfulness app Headspace and financial wellbeing app Nudge. All of the company's offices, in London and worldwide, are closed for a full week in August and Victrex A new apprentice academy, a graduate programme and opportunities to move roles internally provide staff with room to grow at this Lancashire plastics manufacturer. The company, which specialises in high-performance polymers used in smartphones, aeroplanes, cars and medical devices, employs around 1,110 people worldwide, including 800 in the UK. Victrex, which awards a percentage of salary in share options to all new joiners, offers sabbaticals, career breaks and school-term working as well as remote/hybrid Visit Britain/Visit England This company's 318 staff can choose where they work under its Locate for your Day initiative, and may work for two weeks a year from anywhere worldwide that the organisation has a presence (at their own expense). They can also volunteer on campaigns in other countries through an internal exchange scheme. A new hub was opened in Birmingham last year and the company has an office in London that allows staff to take Friday afternoons off in the Vorboss This superfast internet company for central London businesses does not just make customer connections – it reaches out to all of its 300 employees. There are secondments for people who want to try working in a different team, a new 'expert track' programme to train installation technicians to become experts, and personal training budgets for all. Staffers benefit from private healthcare, a good pension scheme, mental-health resources and a share plan linking them directly with the company's Waltham Forest College Staff get Golden Time at this Ofsted outstanding further education college in Walthamstow. The initiative provides dedicated periods for employees to catch up in their teams without interruption. The college also provides the 410-strong team with opportunities for career progression through continuous training and upskilling programmes, offering a minimum of five dedicated development days a year. Benefits include staff awards, bonus payments, long-service lunches, generous pension schemes, free breakfasts, an on-site hair and beauty salon and free Watson Ramsbottom Solicitors Based in Blackburn, but with offices throughout Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cumbria and the southwest, this legal firm prides itself on looking after its 277 employees with the motto: 'We've got your back'. This means a flexible working environment with no clocking-in system and remote working where possible. All staff have access to Bupa healthcare, and holiday entitlement increases by a day for every three years worked. An in-house conveyancing academy and an apprenticeship programme encourage on-the-job Wealth at Work This Liverpool-based financial wellbeing and retirement specialist, founded 20 years ago, offers its 438 employees perks ranging from performance-based incentives to flexible working, including the chance to buy additional leave. Comprehensive health insurance allows access to mental health services, dental care plans, flu vaccinations and an eyecare scheme. Employees can also purchase shares in the at Work wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Financial Services sector (Big) West Brom Building Society A part of local life for 175 years, this West Bromwich institution has embraced its nickname 'the West Brom' in official communications too. It is a mark of a friendly employer with people-focused policies, 742 employees from diverse backgrounds and a listening approach. Four in five people work flexibly, social activities encompass everything from juice bikes to Zumba sessions and perks include private health insurance, life insurance and pensions plus a benevolent fund to support those in personal whg Styling itself whg, the not-for-profit Walsall Housing Group provides social housing across the Midlands. Its 800 employees have access to Boost, a reward and recognition platform, which lets them purchase extra annual leave, get support for their mental, physical and financial wellbeing and use salary sacrifice schemes like car leasing and cycle to work. A social recognition wall lets colleagues celebrate each other's achievements and, this year, the company will have its first ever colleague recognition Whisper Named Best Place to Work in TV seven times by Broadcast magazine, this London production company gives its 251 staff flexi-time, hybrid working and a 4pm finish on Fridays. Wellbeing initiatives include a 24/7 employee assistance programme for emotional, legal and financial support; access to a virtual GP, counselling and health checks; as well as income protection and life assurance. To encourage diversity, equity and inclusion, the company supports the MAMA Youth Project, which helps people from under-represented backgrounds get ahead in the industry, among other William Jackson Food Group A sixth-generation family-owned food business based in Hessle, East Yorkshire, William Jackson treats staff like one of its own with benefits including £2,500 financial support for employees' children when they go to university and £600 awards to support colleagues' sports teams. It develops its 1,860 workforce through apprenticeships, on-the-job training, in-house programmes and an annual two-week learning festival. Staff receive two 'thank-you' gifts a year, and get a paid day off to volunteer plus long-service awards after 10, 25 and 40 years with the Willmott Dixon This Hertfordshire-based construction and interior fit-out specialist rewards loyalty, with £750 after five years' service which can be used for sustainable home improvements or to gain new skills. A third of the 1,943 employees are female and the firm is aiming for a 50/50 gender balance by 2030, when it also hopes to have increased the number of women in key leadership roles from 60 to 100. Benefits include a Bupa menopause plan, discounts on gym memberships, leisure activities and breakdown Dixon wins the Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2025 Industry Award in the Construction and Building Materials sector (Big) Xalient Staff are happy to be part of this IT crowd. Founded by Sherry Vaswani in 2015, Leeds-based Xalient specialises in cybersecurity for clients including Kellogg's and Hamleys. It has 320 employees in the UK plus teams in the US and across Europe. Leadership development programmes, mentorship opportunities and personalised training help staff realise their potential. Flexible working options and enhanced leave help the work-life balance and other benefits include performance-based bonuses, regular social activities and private YouLend Monthly breakfasts, quarterly company-wide social events, birthday cakes and sports clubs promote camaraderie and wellbeing among the 426 employees at this business lender. The London business provides financing to small and medium-sized firms. The remuneration package includes stock options, subsidised lunches, monthly massages, access to a free gym in Holborn and private medical insurance with enhanced dental Yü Energy This energy and utilities expert, based in Nottingham and with another office in Leicester, holds regular pay reviews for its 350 staff and offers bonus schemes and benefits such as enhanced paternity, maternity and adoption leave. Employees get three days off for weddings and civil partnerships, and when experiencing bereavement. There is an employee assistance programme, and colleagues receive recognition through the Yü Made a Difference and Kudos Zenith UK Work your World allows employees of this London-based marketing company to do their jobs from abroad for six weeks of the year. More than 30 per cent of the 319 employees have been on the staff for over a decade. Prizes for high achievers include an extra day's holiday for the Star of the Month, and a £250 voucher for Idea of the Quarter. Extra days of leave are available for personal reflection and
CTV News
21-05-2025
- General
- CTV News
Heartbreak leave from work?
Ottawa Watch Should workplaces offer heartbreak leave? We chat with Gord St. Denis from Ottawa's Pure Country 94!
ABC News
18-05-2025
- Health
- ABC News
How often should you turn off your phone and devices?
When was the last time you powered down your phone or laptop? If you're like me, the work laptop is switched off at the end of most workdays, unless I'm rushing out the door. When it comes to the phone … not so often. We asked two technology experts how often we should be turning off our phones and devices, and the risks to battery life and our data if we don't. Dr Erica Mealy explains we can think of device shutdowns like cleaning a messy car — relatable. "It's a bit like, you have your kids in the car, and they eat in the car, and crumbs start getting everywhere," says Dr Mealy, who is from the Sunshine Coast /Kabi Kabi land. "That turn-off is like a reset, getting the vacuum [cleaner] in there, and it's just getting all the crumbs out of the way. "When we reset and turn off and turn on, generally, all of that gets cleared out." Switching devices off and on can also improv your battery life, according to Dr Mealy. "[Your device can be] running lots of things all the time, and it switches in between all of those," she says. "You might notice your computer, or your phone gets more sluggish, and that's just because it's trying to keep doing all of these things. "If we can shut that down, and some of the extra bits and pieces get shut down with it, then the computer can go, 'Oh, I've got less going on'." She says turning off phones and devices at least weekly is recommended to maintain good digital hygiene. "So [digital hygiene] is this idea that you don't store information you don't want to have accidentally leaked," she says. Dr Suelette Dreyfus, from Melbourne/Wurundjeri lands, says restarting your devices at least once a week can prompt important software updates such as "patches". Patches are small bits of software that stop malware from getting into your iPhone or Android or desktop. For Windows machines, these are generally released on the second Tuesday of each month (known as "Patch Tuesday"). "Some software checks for updates [patches] and downloads them when the device is powered off and on," Dr Dreyfus says. "Particularly when you've enabled auto-updates." She says sometimes patches are released in response to an identified threat. If you want to check your device is up-to-date, Dr Dreyfus says to go to your system control panel and look for updates from your device maker — and run them. Our experts say closing apps and browsers before turning off a phone or device may also be helpful for security. This also applies to private or incognito browsing, which doesn't guarantee that your data can't be found. "Your machine can keep this information temporarily in memory while your browser window is active, even if your device is 'asleep',' Dr Dreyfus says. "Fully powering off a device should remove this material by wiping that volatile memory. "If you just put your machine to sleep ... and then you never close the incognito browsing window, then third-party tracking may be alive and well." Dr Mealy says this is when you can be susceptible to hackers and data breaches. "If you've got multiple tabs open and your browser's set to reopen them when you come in [or turn it back on], sometimes it might not completely clear everything out," she says. We should be changing our passwords as often as we're changing our toothbrushes, every three months or once a season, Dr Mealy says. "It's annoying, and it's the kind of thing you have to set a reminder for but it can really help in making sure that passwords [which] have been leaked aren't being reused," she says. Ms Dreyfus also recommends changing your device settings to auto-install manufacturers' patches/updates as soon as they are released. "That simple tweak can save you weeks of heartache from having to clean up device infection," she says. And it is also recommended to set up multi-factor authentication (a security measure that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, such as an online account or application). "You need to dip into the settings for all your valuable online accounts and turn it on," she says. "Yeah, it's going to take you 15 minutes to set up but then … smooth sailing."
