Employee-owned, Rider Levett Bucknall offers its staff a culture of openness and inclusivity where everyone is encouraged to get involved. All staff members know that they have easy access to the management team and that the organisation is committed to developing its people, presenting them with good opportunities in the UK and throughout the world.

Survey results speak for themselves. Staff say that their work is an important part of their lives, giving a 76% positive score, and that they are proud to work for the organisation (78%). They feel they can make a valuable contribution toits success (79%).

The company’s history dates back to 1785, when the quantity surveyor Henry Cooper & Sons was founded in Reading. Today the construction consultancy provides advice at every stage of a build, from strategy through to feasibility and the actual workmanship.

Clients include governments, developers and investors in all sectors ranging from airports through to supermarkets. The firm’s particular strengths include commercial properties such as hotels, tall buildings, retail and residential developments, theme parks and sports stadiums. It operates from 11 sites in the UK and from more than 65 offices worldwide.

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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

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In the UK, the organisation has 373 employees and a low staff turnover of 12%. About 79% of workers earn more than £25,000 and employees can expect a maximum 30 days’ holiday, depending on their role and length of service. Other benefits include performance- and profit-related pay, free private healthcare, and dental and life assurance

The company has an employee assistance programme, consisting of a freephone service available 24 hours a day to staff and their families, offering advice and assistance from qualified legal, debt, financial and consumer experts. Specialist occupational health support is available for all members of staff, and the service offers effective assessments to ensure that people are either fully supported while battling illness or, if they need to be absent for a while, are supported as they return to work.

Rider Levett Bucknall employees generally feel that they receive fair pay for their responsibilities (65%) and happiness with pay and benefits scored 70% positive.

Management recognises that there may be times when flexible working is called for, whether or not employees meet the criteria covered by legislation. For example, employee Tom Williams is training for an Iron Man triathlon, which necessitates time off for preparation and for the actual competition.

Department heads treat all requests seriously and review them carefully to see if the flexibility needed can be achieved. Other work options include job sharing, working from home, compressed and school-term hours, sabbaticals and career breaks.

Employees report that their deadlines tend not to be unrealistic (65%), they do not suffer stress-related symptoms (75%) and their health is not suffering because of work (76%).

The company has set up the Rider Levett Bucknall Academy to focus on staff development. Even after obtaining a qualification, people are continually updated with fresh courses. A robust graduate training scheme includes shadowing directors and attendance at national business forums, with the aim of encouraging a broader personal development as well as fostering a more in-depth knowledge of the business.

All this means that employees feel their work is stimulating (74%), that the experience gained is valuable for the future (77%) and that their jobs are good for their own personal growth (78%). People love working for the company, giving a 73% positive score for this question.

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