Jenrick Recruitment specialises in niche recruitment for the IT, engineering, commercial, medical and building industries. Judging by the climb of 11 places in our survey this year, another specialism is taking care of its employees. Staff say they love working for Jenrick, giving a positive score of 89%.

With a workforce of just 61 at its Walton on Thames head office, Jenrick may not have the stature to compete with larger firms on benefits, but it is sympathetic to individual circumstances when it comes to working hours.

One employee wanted to work four days a week on returning from maternity leave and a member of staff approaching retirement preferred to work from home. Both were accommodated. Staff give a score of 82% for overall wellbeing, ranking the company sixth in this area.

Staff do not feel work is affecting their health, returning a top 10 score of 90%. They are happy with the balance between their work and home life (84%), don’t feel stressed because of work (85%) and do not feel they are under so much pressure they can’t concentrate (82%).

Related Internet Links

• Company website

• Jenrick's entry in 2007

Turning up the Heat pays off

Strong training and a sense that work is to be enjoyed add up to Heat powering past its rivals into top spot this year

Background

• Hats off to great leadership

• Getting the message across loud and clear

• Fly high with the X Factor

• Why it pays to know what you’re doing

Background

• Charity wins top small company award

• Special awards for best practice

• Rules of engagement

• 100 Best SME's to work for 2008

Multimedia

• Best Small Companies to Work For 2008

• Highlights from the awards ceremony

Chief executive Simon Murphy has led the company for four years. He is doing a good job, according to employees, who say he inspires them (82%) and think he runs Jenrick on sound moral principles (88%).

The company encourages teamwork and, according to our survey, these initiatives are paying off. An 87% score for my team puts Jenrick 13th overall.

Staff say colleagues care for each other, giving a score of 89%, and working in their teams gives employees a buzz (85%).

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