Investment in its staff is paying dividends for Swedish bank Handelsbanken. Two-thirds of the 403 employees earn more than £35,000, and staff say they are happy with the pay and benefits they receive, giving a top 15 positive score of 75% in our survey.

Handelsbanken was founded 26 years ago and provides services ranging from personal banking to corporate finance, investment banking, trading and life insurance. There are branches across Europe, including 461 in Sweden, 39 in Denmark, 44 in Finland, 46 in Norway and 50 in the UK. Staff say they love working for the bank (83%).

Oktogonen, a profit-sharing scheme, ensures staff are rewarded when the company is performing well, with a sum paid out upon retirement. The company also offers free private healthcare, childcare vouchers, personal insurance, life assurance and subsidised gym membership.

Team members can increase the company minimum of 22 days’ holiday through length of service to a maximum of 31 days. If they are promoted to manager, the basic entitlement is at least 27 days a year. Staff rank Handelsbanken second of the 100 Best Companies in the Wellbeing factor, with an 80% positive score.

Related Internet Links

• Company website

• Handelsbanken'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

A top score of 82% is given when staff are asked if they are happy with the balance between work and home life. The company supports flexible working where possible, by providing laptops, mobile phones and internet connection. Another number one score of 75% shows that staff are happy they are not spending too much time at work. Work doesn’t interfere with responsibilities at home (80%), deadlines are realistic (81%), another top score, and most days staff do not feel exhausted when they get home from work (67%, ranking second).

Magnus Uggla has been general manager of the UK operation for two years and has been with Handelsbanken for 24 years. He is a popular figure, with staff feeling inspired by his leadership (76%). He runs the company on sound moral principles, according to employees, who give an 84% score.

Most staff would not leave tomorrow, even if they had another job offer (86%, ranked fifth). Employees give their highest factor score for my company, with an 83% positive result.

People report they are proud to work for the bank (86%) and say work is an important part of their life (81%).

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