There are no official job descriptions or department budgets at Edward Jones, which believes in growing its own leaders. Associates define what their results will be and are trusted to handle the firm’s money wisely.

The global financial services company, a subsidiary of US-based Jones Financial Companies, employs 507 people in the UK in its 153 branches and London headquarters. Its main clients are serious long-term individual investors.

Responsibility, respect and reward are the three Rs at this firm and employees revel in them. Workers say their job is good for their own personal growth, earning the company an 85% positive score and feel they can make a valuable contribution (86%), the third and second highest scores in these key areas respectively.

The prevailing management style at Edwards Jones, called responsibility-based management, encourages partnership, trust, accountability and personal initiative. It’s an approach employees like. They think Tim Kirley, country leader for the UK, runs the firm on sound moral principles (89%, ranking third) and that it operates on strong principles (92%, ranking second), and believe that senior managers truly live up to them (91% and the highest score of all for this).

Associates who experience Eureka moments can enter the firm’s annual good idea programme, now in its 26th year, to win an extra week’s paid holiday and an all-expenses-paid trip for two to exotic destinations such as Antigua.

More than 40% of the firm’s operating income is typically paid out in profit-sharing or bonuses. This meritocracy earns the company an 84% positive score for acknowledging its workers’ contributions. Not surprisingly, employees feel fully involved at work and excited about where the organisation is going (both 87%). It’s a friendly place to be too. Staff say colleagues go out of their way to help each other (85%) and there is a strong sense of family (83%).

Working hours at Edwards Jones are flexible and the company offers profit-related pay and free private healthcare for all the family.

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