Practices: “We know people do a better job when they feel happy with the organisation so we make sure Wychavon is a great place to work.” So says Wychavon District Council, which tracks how happy people are in their jobs and asks them how they could be even happier.

Staff are rewarded for the organisation’s successes. Recently they got to choose between taking £100 or a day’s leave. Individual contributions and ideas are recognised through a customer service award of the year and a long service award for employees for 20, 30 and 40 years of continuous service.

The council used a theatre-based training company for its equality and diversity training. Wychavon offers training on a variety of topics, including excellence in customer care. This focused on the need for staff to be happy and enjoy their jobs so they can provide the best possible customer experience.

Social responsibility is fostered. The council says it empowers all staff to be “ambassadors in the community”. Employees are able to participate in voluntary charitable activities during work hours without losing out financially.

Wychavon’s leadership aims to engage and interact with all its staff “to build awareness, understanding, friendship and confidence among staff”. Managers and councillors attend team meetings so they can build strong relationships.

Pay and benefits: All employees are offered a free health check. Plans are under way to introduce subsidised private medical insurance.

Flexible working options are on offer, including job sharing, home working, reduced hours, term time only contracts, flexi time, school hours contracts and staggered hours.

Statutory maternity pay is topped with 12 weeks’ half pay, and dads get one weeks’ full- paid paternity leave on top of the statutory requirement.

www.wychavon.gov.uk

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