10 Standout Employee Engagement Programmes Around the UK

18 May 2016

Looking for the secret formula?

 

In the modern workplace, an engaged workforce makes all the difference. It's no longer just about salary; the best employees are seeking out workplaces that offer a range of benefits. Today we're lifting the lid on how 10 of the UK's best workplaces create well-rounded employee engagement programmes that reward effort, support development and foster a great company culture.

 

10 Standout Employee Engagement Programmes Around the UK

In the modern workplace, an engaged workforce makes all the difference. A company with a strong culture means employees are more likely to be motivated and engaged in their work and focused on achieving business goals.

 

It's no longer just about salary; the best employees are seeking out workplaces that offer a range of benefits. The employers who can satisfy the altruistic and social needs of their workforce are rewarded with a team that's motivated to contribute to the success of the organisation.

 

Looking for the secret formula? Today we're lifting the lid on how 10 of the UK's best workplaces create well-rounded employee engagement programmes that reward effort, support development and foster a great company culture. Or, see how your business can build its best team with our infographic on the top 10 workplace benefits that attract top talent.

 

AKQA

AKQA is one of the leading digital agencies in the world, creating some of the company's most exciting projects from its UK headquarters in London. AKQA has an environment that champions creativity and thought leadership; the company's prestigious client base and raft of interesting projects means jobs are highly sought-after in the industry and done with pride. Add to that plenty of learning and development opportunities, plus perks like fun corporate events, free snacks and an on-site gym and it's not difficult to see why the company has an excellent track record for employee engagement.

 

Expedia

Travel website Expedia's multi-faceted employee engagement programme has helped make it one of the most desirable companies to work for in the UK. Employees value the company's friendly culture and emphasis on work-life balance. The entrepreneurial attitude is a huge part of the environment at Expedia, and special perks like free breakfast and interesting travel opportunities keep the team feeling fulfilled and engaged. 

 

Schuh

With more than 100 stores across the UK, footwear retailer Schuh unites its workforce with a commitment to creating a supportive and friendly work environment for all. The much-loved staff discount also helps foster a deeper knowledge and appreciation for the product; staff receive a generous 40% off full price items after working there for a year.  

 

ARM Holdings

Based in Cambridge, the staff at ARM Holdings are creating innovations that shape the connected world. The microchip designer attracts top talent with its technically challenging and fascinating work; the company believes in fostering a collaborative culture where innovation is recognised and rewarded. There's a passion for progress, individuality and teamwork - and a commitment to maintaining a good work-life balance in an environment that sees its employees as people with unique talents and needs, offering plenty of opportunity for learning and self-development.

 

Google

Google is one of the most recognisable brands in the world and attracts some of the best talent working in digital technology. Its culture of collaboration and innovation helps keep its workforce in Ireland, London and Manchester motivated and engaged. And Google helps foster this environment by designing offices to match; open workspaces and plenty of breakout spaces and meeting rooms encourage teamwork. Added facilities like restaurants and cafeterias serving up free hot and fresh food throughout the day and even an onsite gym mean Google is able to support the wellness of its employees alongside their career development.

 

Peer 1 Hosting

Peer 1 Hosting treats its people as its most important resource, and has created a company culture that blends a dynamic mix of work and play. Their head office in Southampton is an imaginative wonderland for workers; a tree house, pub, pool table, putting green and helter-skelter slide help develop a creative energy in the office that in turn meets the demands of a growing business. Added perks like generous benefits, flexible working hours and fun social events mean employees are engaged and motivated to bring their best to work each day.

 

Skyscanner

Headquartered in Edinburgh, Skyscanner is one of the most innovative tech companies in the world. Employee empowerment and engagement is at the heart of Skyscanner; it's a culture of ownership and independence where problem solving and creativity help foster employee empowerment and encourage thinking outside the box. The company also offers a range of incentives to support its staff - there are learning opportunities through its Skyscanner University initiative, community charity days and a focus on work-life balance with flexible working hours and a Home Country Working policy that makes it possible to work on the move.

 

London Underground

Employees at the London Underground take huge pride in what they do; providing an invaluable public service with an outstanding standard of service helps employees feel engaged and connected to their work. A generous pension scheme and free travel on the underground, plus a 36-hour work week means staff feel appreciated and are able to achieve the work-life balance that's essential to the happiness of the modern day worker.

 

John Lewis

John Lewis has long understood its employees are essential to its success. Here, staff members are part of the Partnership, where everyone gets a say at how the business is run. This shared feeling of responsibility for the company and its outcomes helps empower people to take responsibility for what happens at John Lewis whether in the head office or on the shop floor. Sharing in the responsibility also means sharing in its success; staff enjoy a share of the profits with an annual bonus payment.

 

Better Bathrooms

The amazing success story at Better Bathrooms stems from the company's ability to retain a sense of personality and motivation throughout a period of rapid growth. An easy, approachable management style, flat structure and supportive working environment means every employee is bought into the company's success, creating a workforce that's engaged and passionate about what they do. They have the rewards to prove it; Better Bathrooms was the winner of the Deloitte Employer of the Year in 2015 at the National Business Awards UK.