INCOMING

Business Cornwall recently launched its inaugural search for the Best Places to Work in Cornwall. What ingredients make for a great workplace?

The big question

Jointheconversation

/businesscornwall @biz_cornwall /businesscornwall/

businesscornwall.co.uk

JOE NICHOLLS

Stephens Scown

The workplace has been redefined at scale over the last few years. For many, it is no longer identifiable by physical premises, but by a culture. That has perhaps always been true to some degree, but it is the broader environment that really attracts and keeps people engaged and enjoying what they do.

Engagement is fundamental to creating that environment. It is achieved by ensuring a clarity of expectation in any given role or project, in recognising the value that each employee has, both in terms of what they bring and what they deserve to receive, and in empowering people to become accountable for their part in the bigger picture. However, it is also about balance. It is about developing a culture of understanding that work is an important part of someone’s life, but only a part. Through providing flexibility and recognition of the attractions, enjoyment and challenges that life outside of work brings, employers can reduce or remove the barriers to fulfilled and sustainable careers with them. Finally, there is fun to be had at work and encouraging this is essential.

TONY SAMPSON

Naked Solar

I think there’s a lot of key ingredients to make work great so in no particular order….

1. A goal/target for the whole team to work towards.

2. An agreed purpose for the company (purpose over profit).

3. Regular team activities to ensure everyone gets to spend down time with everyone.

4. Role swaps to get a view of what everyone in the company does so you appreciate them more and are more appreciated yourself.

5. Caring and compassionate approach to each other and to customers.

6. Benefits like health insurance, travel insurance, extra holiday options, flexibility, gym membership, employee discounts… all the usual stuff.

7. Structured career paths with training and pay to ensure achievement is clear, progressive, achievable and rewarding.

8. Dogs in the office!

JOE TURNBULL

Bull & Wolf

For me there are two key things. A workspace that looks nice, has great facilities and is generally a nice place to work in. Think plants, well stocked drinks, comfy chairs. But more importantly, it’s about the culture you create. You can have the nicest workspace, but it means nothing if your environment isn’t friendly, kind and collaborative.

NEIL EAMES

Federation of Small Businesses

There are so many things that can make a great place to work. Ultimately, it is determined by the people, who create the culture of the business. Great workplaces have a unique culture, which should be fun, collaborative, positive, encouraging, and trusting. This can be enhanced with strong leadership, and good company values, but always focussed on the people, ensuring support, recognition of employee contributions, and creating an environment that encourages a positive and sustainable work/life balance.

CAROLINE CHILDS

Careers Hub

Decent coffee, great colleagues to work alongside, approachable leaders, access to natural light and fresh air, a place for well-behaved furry companions too!

LAURA WHYTE

Whyfield

A workplace is made great by the people. Of course, leaders need to be innovative and empowering but if the team aren’t invested with the company ethos it won’t feel genuine. People should feel safe and supported in their work environment and around their peers, and able to enjoy a role where they can develop and strive to be the best they can without judgement or constraints that stop creativity and collaboration from happening.

TOM BEAUMONT

St Petrocs

A great workplace unites colleagues around a clear purpose and a shared set of values that are firmly embedded into the fabric of the organisation: for us at St Petrocs, our mission to end homelessness in Cornwall unites staff in all aspects of our work. In a great workplace, employees are treated fairly, compensated generously, developed continuously, and trusted whole-heartedly.

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CHRIS THOMSON, CEO, MARWICK MARKETING

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