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Great Places is 61st best UK company to work for
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| Monday 9th March 2009 |
Great Places Housing Group is one of Britain’s greatest places to work, according to a highly-respected business survey.
The Manchester-based group of housing associations has been rated 61st in the annual Sunday Times Top 100 Companies list.
Staff are absolutely delighted with the honour which recognises and rewards strengths like good leadership, looking after employees’ welfare and providing quality training.
Results were announced at an award ceremony in London, where Great Places took its place among the very best employers around.
Great Places works in 30 council areas, on a wide range of housing, regeneration and community development projects. The group prides itself on offering flexible working and great benefits for staff such as 39 weeks’ maternity leave at full pay, flexitime without core hours and home working.
Chief executive, Stephen Porter, said: “This is a fantastic achievement. There is so much to be positive about. Wherever we work and whatever we do, we do it with creativity, commitment and sheer enthusiasm – and that’s all down to the great people who work for us.”
Best Companies’ verdict said: “Great Places does what it says on the tin. It creates great places where people want to live and, according to employees, is also one of the UK’s best companies to work for.
“Staff say it does a lot for the local community and does its bit to protect the environment. The workforce say the organisation is run on strong principles and isn’t just driven by budget concerns. Staff don’t get bored in their work and feel they can make a difference to the organisation.”
Employees filled in emailed questionnaires from Best Companies about working for Great Places. As well as a place on the list, Great Places has been given a two-star Best Companies accreditation.
The survey also reveals areas where businesses can improve. The Top 100 companies list was published in full in the Sunday Times on March 8.
Staff at Great Places include 25% black minority and ethnic, 3.5% with a disability and 72% female. They are kept up to date on corporate matters with an extensive communications network and an employee engagement officer.
Its staff committee, Voice, runs fundraising events and awareness-raising initiatives including diversity and wellbeing weeks with cultural and social activity.
The group has a link with the Walk Centre in Nakuru, Kenya, which works to improve the lives of street children who live on a rubbish dump. Great Places staff visit yearly for a month of fun and educational activity with the youngsters that’s a life-changing experience for everyone involved. |
| Posted by Kim for Great Places Housing Group |
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