50 Best Workplaces in the UK

In 2008, Totaljobs Group, part of Reed Business Information, was recognised as one of the 50 ‘Best Workplaces in the UK’ by the Great Place to Work Institute, which produces annual lists of best workplaces in 30 countries around the world.

Having scored well in the Reed Elsevier Employee Opinion Survey (EOS) in 2006, senior management at Totaljobs Group wanted to check they were continuing to provide a good work environment for staff. Totaljobs Group had experienced very rapid growth, with more than 150 people hired since the EOS 2006 was undertaken.

“On advice from Hilary Harris [Organisational Development and Leadership Director] and Carla Gaynor [Totaljobs Group HR Manager], they decided to use the Great Place to Work Institute survey,” said Shobhan Gajjar, Chief Operating Officer at Totaljobs Group. “The Institute is dedicated to helping organisations understand and practice behaviours that lead to the creation of great workplaces.”

When considering what makes a workplace great, the Institute looks at dimensions such as credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie. Employees from participating organisations are asked to complete a questionnaire and the organisations are ranked relative based on responses. In addition to the surveys, Totaljobs Group had to provide supporting evidence about the ways in which it strives to be a great place to work, for example through communication, reward and recognition.

The topline statistics were impressive:

  • 83% of Totaljobs Group staff completed the questionnaire, demonstrating that results are representative of the organisation.
  • 82% responded positively to the statement: Taking everything into account, I would say this is a great place to work.
  • 90% responded positively to the statement: When you join the organisation, you are made to feel welcome.
  • 93% responded positively to the statement: This is a friendly place to work.

Shobhan noted, “Everyone should feel proud about making Totaljobs Group a great place to work,” he said. “Totaljobs Group is a truly diverse organisation, with offices as far afield as Glasgow, Cardiff, Nottingham and Amsterdam. We’ve had an impressive start to the year and we have every reason to be excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”