Today, some of the most progressive and exciting companies working in and with the property industry have gathered at The Brewery in London to celebrate this year’s Best Places to Work in Property.
We reveal the 52 companies that made the cut – and how they did it. It was by no means an easy feat. Best Companies Group, which collated the list for Property Week, subjected companies to rigorous employer and employee surveys and evaluated them across eight key metrics: overall engagement; leadership and planning; culture and communication; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training and development; and pay and benefits. It is a measure of just how tough the process was that only two thirds of participants made the grade.
Follow #bestplacestowork on Twitter throughout the day for insights from our panel debate at The Brewery
What unites them is that they all go above the call of duty, often across multiple metrics. There is no lip service being paid here to flexible working or employee engagement. When these companies go for it, they really go for it. That deserves recognition. Hence the individual awards for companies that achieved top scores across each of the eight metrics.
Winners
- Overall Engagement: Deverell Smith
- Leadership and Planning: BE Design; The Workplace Company; Carterwood
- Culture and Communication: Hubble; Goldcrest Land
- Role Satisfaction: Hubble
- Work Environment: Union Street Partners; Wrenbridge Land
- Relationship with Supervisor: Hubble; Goldcrest Land; Carterwood
- Training and Development: Hubble; The Workplace Company
- Pay and Benefits: PKF Cooper Parry
Next year, it would be good to see even more join the list of Best Places to Work in Property. If you aspire to be among them, find out what it takes from the class of 2018.
Abbatt Property Services
Average salary: £33,983
UK staff: 26
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: An agency that provides property managers with a wide range of temporary and permanent staff from cleaners, concierges and caretakers to fully outsourced staffing provision.
Why it’s one of the best: Recruiters of permanent staff earn an above-industry-average bonus of between 10% to 17.5% of the recruitment fee, while temp recruiters get 10p for every hour their candidates work. Additionally there is a profit-sharing scheme and a wide range of other benefits including private medical insurance and legal advice. There are cash bonuses for new-hire referrals.
Abbatt is a family-friendly employer that offers childcare vouchers to all staff and prides itself on its commitment to flexible hours, minimal overtime and the opportunity to job-share as standard.
Finally, there are regular paid team breakfasts, massages are available in the office and a gym membership scheme and free healthy snacks are provided.
Accouter Group
Average salary: £28,500
UK staff: 58
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A creative portfolio of companies specialising in prime real estate services, luxury interior design and furnishing.
Why it’s one of the best: Accouter prides itself on understanding the value of downtime, giving everyone a day off on their birthday. In addition to the paid leave allowance, the office is closed at Christmas for at least two weeks. Last year, the firm launched a new sabbatical scheme that allows employees up to an extra 60 days leave at 50% pay, depending on length of service.
Quarterly KPI reviews take place for non-commission-earning staff, with a cash sum linked to each KPI. Design teams can win £500 of luxury shoe vouchers under a strategy incentive scheme and there is an energy bar stocked with nuts and Berocca for all. Accouter encourages agile working practices through the use of digital collaboration tools such as Slack and DaPulse.
AEW Architects & Designers
Average salary: £32,100
UK staff: 68
Paid leave: 31 days
What it is: An architecture practice active across the UK, but predominantly in the north and North West.
Why it’s one of the best: A casual dress code, pool table and dartboard – not to mention on-the-spot bonuses payable for exceptional performance – contribute to the ‘energy and buzz’ in this Manchester-based architect practice. Tax-free bike purchase through the cycle-to-work scheme is encouraged, and there are showers and lockers provided so that wannabe pedallers find it easier to take the plunge.
Staff who go the extra mile can expect to receive an email from a director thanking them personally, and regular charity dress-up days include Onesie Wednesday and Football Shirt Friday. There is also an employee assistance programme providing professional counselling to anyone suffering with personal problems such as divorce or substance abuse.
Barnsdales
Average salary: £22,000
UK staff: 28
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: A chartered surveyor, land and property agent providing commercial and residential property advice, mainly in Yorkshire and the East Midlands.
Why it’s one of the best: Barnsdales is an inclusive employer that actively recruits from the disabled community and also works hard to accommodate employees of all ages. It is big on work/life balance, offering flexible working, home working and job sharing options as standard. It is also happy to consider employees doing a compressed working week. Overtime is kept to a minimum and additional paid time off is provided for employees to undertake charitable or voluntary work. Every Friday is dress-down Friday and ‘laughter is encouraged’ in the office.
BE Design
Average salary:£25,320
UK staff: 19
Paid leave: 34 days
What it is: A provider of architectural, civil and structural engineering services to commercial developers in the UK and Europe.
Why it’s one of the best: BE Design has a wellness-focused team culture and boasts a regular weekly running club, fortnightly five-a-side football and yoga and free use of the local tennis courts. It is inclusive too – there are monthly challenges at boules and table tennis, plus healthy cooking competitions for less sporty employees.
Everyone is eligible for an annual bonus based on profit and turnover targets and there is a ‘vibrant’ CPD culture that involves regular knowledge-sharing lunches, workshops and development sessions.
The firm offers a modern ‘virtually paperless’ working environment with energy-efficient lighting and heating and extensive recycling. Ride sharing and the use of public transport are encouraged, as is the selection of environmentally friendly vehicles by those who do drive.
BE Offices
Average salary: £38,364
UK staff: 127
Paid leave: 35 days
What it is: An owner and provider of flexible serviced offices, with 700,000 sq ft of space in a number of locations across London and the South East.
Why it’s one of the best: There is a strong emphasis on work/life balance, with generous paid leave, birthdays off for all employees and three extra paid charity days a year for volunteer work in the community. The firm also organises an annual family fun day. Onsite gyms in all business centres encourage wellness, as does the company stop-smoking programme that offers staff wanting to quit £100 a year to spend on nicotine patches and other aids.
BE Offices also runs a ‘gems of the month’ scheme, whereby staff nominate colleagues who have done an exceptional job to receive either the diamond, ruby or sapphire award, chosen by the directors and with cash prizes to match.
Bond Davidson
Average salary: £48,000
UK staff: 70
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A firm of quantity and building surveyors and project managers based in Surrey, providing a tailored service across all construction industry sectors.
Why it’s one of the best: It has a strong focus on health and wellbeing, which is reflected in the provision of ergonomic chairs and Swiss Balls for good posture, as well as sports therapist appointments held on the first Friday of every month. To promote cross-team interaction, there are regular group activities including cycling and training runs and monthly football games.
Cycle commuting is encouraged through the cycle-to-work scheme and the firm offers top-quality changing and showering facilities as well as secure bike parking. CPD is taken seriously at Bond Davidson, which offers fortnightly webinars for all staff and support for APC candidates looking to pass their RICS Final Assessment.
Boyes Turner
(please note - numbers refer to property group only)
Average salary: £32,000
UK staff: 29
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A law partnership based in Reading providing full-service professional legal property advice to clients ranging from small businesses through to UK plcs and major multinationals.
Why it’s one of the best: Boyes Turner provides bonus schemes both for its lawyers and support staff. Fee earners receive a bonus of 5% of billing in excess of individual annual target figures, while secretaries and support workers can earn an additional 2% of salary dependent on group fee and profitability targets.
Onsite personal development and stress management seminars and workshops are also provided. There are pilates, yoga, boxercise and spinning classes, and charity involvement is encouraged via 12 charity events annually, including cake sales and pancake tossing, sleeping out to support the homeless and dress-down days. Additional holidays are provided at Christmas, there is a tuck shop and the firm hosts a wine and cheese staff social at 5pm every Friday.
Buro Four
Average salary: £65,629
UK staff: 93
Paid leave: 28 days
What it is: A provider of project management and associated services to construction clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Why it’s one of the best: A graduated bonus scheme encourages employees at every level to perform at their best. The firm offers general incentives for all as well as specific schemes for team leaders and project directors. Wellness is a key focus, and the firm holds regular sessions on topics such as sleep, relaxation and achieving personal goals. Additionally, there is annual onsite health screening. Last year, Buro Four supported Mental Health Awareness week via TED Talks and mental health awareness training for all employees.
A £200 ‘lifestyle allowance’ encourages staff to develop skills outside work via guitar lessons, cookery and water skiing, for instance, while the 4Fun and 4Sport committees organise a programme of activities throughout the year such as cricket matches, bingo, quizzes and cycling events.
Carter Jonas
Average salary: £33,090
UK staff: 689
Paid leave: 35 days
What it is: An agency providing property advice services across the residential, commercial, rural, infrastructure, energy and marine and strategic land sectors.
Why it’s one of the best: Carter Jonas prides itself on recognising outstanding work via a range of means including cash rewards for referrals across different parts of the business, a quarterly award programme for employees with the highest lettings performance, discretionary bonuses for individual achievement and a scheme allowing line managers to reward their staff for exceptional effort with retail vouchers and experience days.
The firm promotes agile working with touch-down desks, communal break-out areas, booths for when privacy is required and fully equipped kitchens. Charity events include space-hopper races, rugby sevens, triathlons and a Carter Jonas speciality, the annual 80-mile Yorkshire Pedalthon bike ride.
Carterwood
Average salary: £28,085
UK staff: 20
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: A multi-award-winning property consultancy dedicated to social care.
Why it’s one of the best: All staff receive a bonus based on company performance, which can be as much as 15% of their salary; gifts are given to those who reach exceptional targets; and staff get an extra half day’s holiday every quarter if company targets are met. Employees also get an extra day of holiday for their birthday.
Staff who want or need extra support with their roles are given time with an external consultant who is an experienced mentor and personal development coach.
There is also an emphasis on ensuring the company is fun to work for and the consultancy holds regular social events including BBQs, bowling, crazy golf and treasure hunts.
Colman Architects
Average salary: £42,000
UK staff: 16
Paid leave: 29 days
What it is: An architecture practice providing design solutions for construction projects across all sectors of the property industry.
Why it’s one of the best: Colman Architects tries to foster a fun working culture. There is a dartboard and table football set up in the conference room, staff are treated to ‘buns and squash’ when a planning approval comes through and social events include lunch in Paris at Christmas. The firm also enters a team to compete in the ELIFAR Challenge charity sports day each year.
The company encourages staff to cycle to work and administer, the government cycle scheme for anyone who wants to buy a bike for the purpose of commuting to work.
Flexible working hours are offered to allow staff to fit work around family commitments including mid- to long-term absences – should a family member fall ill, for example. If an employee needs to take extended leave, the company will try to keep their position open until they are ready to return to work.
Communicate Technology Group
Average salary: £31,479
UK staff: 27
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A specialist technology company providing internet and telecoms services to business park clients and multi-client offices nationally.
Why it’s one of the best: The company offers an ‘employee management incentive scheme’ for all staff and employees are eligible for contractual and discretional bonuses. They are also offered the flexibility to work from home.
The company organises regular social events including meals out and pays for breakfast for all staff every Friday. Employees also benefit from free membership of the onsite gym in a bid to boost health and wellbeing.
Concertus Design & Property Consultants
Average salary: £32,267
UK staff: 110
Paid leave: 23 days
What it is: A consultancy providing a range of services to clients in both the public and private sectors.
Why it’s one of the best: Boasting Investors in People Silver accreditation, Concertus offers a broad range of incentives for staff including employee discounts and cash bonuses for strong performance as well as an annual bonus scheme. Flexible working contracts are in place and staff are paid extra when overnight travel is required.
Trainee programmes, which include mentoring, are available and a ‘continuous improvement’ group has been set up for employees. There is also a confidential comments box where staff can raise issues they think should be dealt with.
There is a communal ‘non-work’ area complete with table football, table tennis, TVs, board games and a Wii console. Staff are paid to take part in local fitness challenges and fresh fruit is available at all times. The company also hosts ‘Beer Friday’ in the office once a month.
CS2
Average salary: £39,400
UK staff: 74
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: A provider of commercial project management, building surveying, dilapidations and cost consultancy advice to investors and occupiers across a number of sectors.
Why it’s one of the best: CS2 fosters a democratic approach that allows employees to have a say in various decisions. They suggest and vote for the charity they’d like the company to support each year and the ‘Surveyor of the Year’ award is voted for by all surveying staff. The firm’s monthly newsletter includes a section on wellness and employees are offered regular health screenings.
The firm promotes participation in charity events, such as the Three Peaks Challenge, during working hours and fee earners are given two additional days’ leave to take part in the company’s annual ski trip.
Staff receive a 2% bonus based on profitability and a discretionary bonus based on contribution. A company car scheme is offered among other benefits. Graduates are encouraged to sit their APC to qualify as a chartered surveyor and sponsorship is available. Those who pass are recognised and rewarded at the Christmas party.
Darling Associates Architects
Average salary: £32,000
UK staff: 63
Paid leave: 23 days
What it is: An award-winning architecture practice focused on providing architectural design services to developers and financial institutions.
Why it’s one of the best: Darling Associates nurtures a social atmosphere by organising regular events including monthly cinema screenings, gallery visits and sports activities. Lunch-time ballet and boxing classes are paid for by the company and employees benefit from a 50% subsidised gym membership. The practice also hosts wellbeing seminars giving staff the opportunity to discuss happiness, mental health issues and social needs. The practice allocates 27.5% of its profits for staff bonuses, which are around 5% of salary on average – there is a ceiling of 10%.
The company offers employees continuous support at every stage of their career through one-to-ones, reviews, seminars, focus groups and team-building exercises. Requests for training and further education are always met.
There is a bar in the office that opens at 4pm on Fridays; all staff are invited to join the company on a fully paid trip to a European city each year; and employees enjoy time with the studio dog Luna.
Deverell Smith
Average salary: £37,000
UK staff: 54
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A specialist property recruitment consultancy providing permanent and interim recruitment solutions and career advice across the UK real estate industry.
Why it’s one of the best: Employees at Deverell Smith are offered an impressive list of rewards to incentivise high performance ranging from small prizes for booking interviews and meetings to bar tabs, lunches, team away days and VIP, all-expenses-paid trips to places such as Las Vegas and Croatia for those who hit targets.
The commission structure enables consultants to earn up to 50% of the value of the placement fees they secure for the business. There is also an ‘employee of the month’ competition, voted for by colleagues, and the winner gets £250 of travel vouchers.
The company has a dedicated talent development director and, on average, each employee receives 100 hours of training annually.
Flexible working arrangements are in place for those who observe religious holidays and the company has partnered with Daisy Chain to support new parents back into work. A gym is being installed in the office and there is a ping-pong table in the boardroom where staff take part in a monthly league.
DeVono Cresa
Average salary: £40,000
UK staff: 43
Paid leave: 28 days
What it is: An occupier-only commercial property adviser.
Why it’s one of the best: DeVono Cresa is committed to the welfare of its workforce. It offers free activities such as pilates and yoga and hosts lunchtime sessions on healthy eating, mindfulness and stress management. The kitchen is well stocked with healthy foods and snacks that employees can help themselves to at any time. The company also provides study leave – and occasionally funding – for staff looking to gain qualifications. Regular one-to-ones are intended to help boost career development.
The employee of the month is rewarded with a £100 Amazon voucher, successes are celebrated with lunches, experiences and days out and high-achievers are rewarded with trips abroad.
The company maintains an active social calendar. There is also an onsite pool table and an office dog, Milly, both of which help to bring the teams together.
Ellandi
Average salary: £64,692
UK staff: 21
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: An investor and asset manager of community shopping centres.
Why it’s one of the best: Employees are offered mentoring and reimbursement for professional training and receive performance reviews twice a year. They also benefit from performance-based bonuses in June.
Ellandi organises and pays for office drinks once a month as well as team away days and impromptu lunches. It hosts the Ellandi Bake Off each year as well as a cricket match between its employees and one of its suppliers accompanied by a BBQ to encourage competitive team bonding.
Staff can access free fruit, cereal and drinks. Death in service is offered among its benefits and 45% of its employees are female.
Galliard Homes
Average salary: £41,626
UK staff: 406
Paid leave: 28 days
What it is: A property development, hospitality and management group overseeing mixed-use, residential, hotel and commercial projects across London, Greater London and southern England.
Why it’s one of the best: Galliard Homes is dedicated to developing staff, increasing diversity within the business and encouraging community work. It organises an annual day out for staff featuring a funfair, craft stalls, zorbing, a BBQ and ice cream.
Gerald Eve
Average salary: Not provided
UK staff: 437
Paid leave: 26 days
What it is: A firm of international property consultants based in the UK.
Why it’s one of the best: In a bid to boost diversity within the property industry, Gerald Eve actively engages with schools to promote surveying as a career to children of all backgrounds. It provides staff with diversity training, is a Stonewall Diversity Champion and has worked with the Business Disability Forum. It is also implementing measures to help end the stigma associated with mental health issues.
The firm has established a number of reward initiatives and programmes aimed at developing staff members’ careers. It also encourages a healthy work/life balance. Flexible working arrangements are offered and employees are allowed additional time off work for community service. The firm has also implemented a wellbeing programme to promote good mental and physical health, which includes internal fitness classes.
There is a social area within the office that includes a TV and table football and employees can take part in a number of company-organised sports and cultural groups.
Goldcrest Land
Average salary: £63,231
UK staff: 15
Paid leave: 28 days
What it is: A property development company specialising in unconditional land acquisition, development and sales.
Why it’s one of the best: As well as offering a graduate scheme aimed at accelerating participants’ careers in property development, Goldcrest Land provides formal training, coaching and mentoring and has implemented a ‘proactive succession planning programme’ to ensure employees are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for their next role.
Staff are rewarded as part of a profit share scheme as well as individual performance bonuses. The company says it also offers ‘generous’ bonuses to those who identify a site that Goldcrest subsequently acquires. Those who have contributed significantly to performance are recognised publicly and team and company successes are celebrated with meals out and social trips.
The firm organises a regular lunchtime quiz and weekly yoga and martial arts classes. There is also a punchbag in the office to encourage fitness.
Goodlord
Average salary: £42,218
UK staff: 82
Paid leave: 30 days
What it is: A proptech company whose cloud-based app allows estate agents to digitise the rental moving-in process.
Why it’s one of the best: Goodlord’s emphasis is on social interaction between staff. It also ensures they are recognised for good work and enables them to develop themselves.
Each member of staff is allocated £500 per year to spend on learning a new skill. Employees have spent it on skydiving tutorials, language lessons and breadmaking.
The company hosts its version of TED Talks every Friday as well as fitness classes and regular social events. This year it will put on Goodfest, its first festival.
Training is provided to equip staff to support those who live with mental health conditions and it actively promotes ‘women in tech’. Employees have access to a life coach and there are four office dogs who help to foster a happy working environment.
Employees are incentivised to hit targets with cash bonuses, vouchers of their choice and experiences such as theatre visits or trips abroad.
Harworth Group
Average salary: £56,600
UK staff: 52
Paid leave: 26 days
What it is: A developer specialising in regeneration in the north and the Midlands.
Why it’s one of the best: The company organises an annual away day, which last year featured Yo! Sushi’s Simon Woodroffe as guest speaker and a team-building exercise at the Crystal Maze in Manchester, followed by an awards ceremony and dinner with entertainment. Staff who are unable to attend are paid to have a day out of the office in working time, such as a day at the races.
Employees receive a gift annually and additional presents, such as flowers or champagne, for one-off successes.
Harworth has paid for a number of employees to complete professional qualifications and all staff are offered private healthcare cover, which is also available for their families. The company subsidises chair massages at work and encourages staff to partake in its running club.
Hubble
Average salary: £38,000
UK staff: 20
Paid leave: 50 days
What it is: A technology and data-driven commercial real estate company that matches people and companies with shared desk and co-working space and serviced offices in London.
Why it’s one of the best: Hubble’s ethos is to provide a relaxed working environment and style that enables employees to fit work around their lives. It offers unlimited holiday (up to 50 days paid)and a relaxed office culture with no dress code or set working hours. Employees can work from home as often as they like.
Staff receive a ‘biophilia allowance’ to spend on plants for their desks as well as an allowance for Uber, Deliveroo, Kindle, Apple Music and Spotify. They are also offered a 50% discount on gym membership. Its executive team is 40% female.
Employees benefit from mentorship from industry leaders and have access to local courses through the General Assembly. Personal development seminars are hosted in the office.
Drinks and snacks are ordered for the office weekly and teams are rewarded with meals out when they hit their targets.
Hubble organises quarterly away days for the purpose of team building.
Iceni Projects
Average salary:£30,000
UK staff: 78
Paid leave: 23 days
What it is: A planning and development consultancy covering delivery, design, engagement, heritage, planning, sustainable development and transportation.
Why it’s one of the best: Iceni’s egalitarian approach to remuneration is reflected in its bonus system. Each year, 10% of the company’s annual profit is distributed equally between all employees, irrespective of position. In addition, directors earn a share of 10% of the profit generated within their team, while a further 10% is distributed across the team responsible for delivering the work.
Iceni also highlights its ski and summer trips, its enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption packages and £1,500 referral reward, as well as its flexible working culture. In addition, the company organises regular internal training, funds external professional development and offers access to an employee assistance programme, which can provide counselling for marital, parental or financial problems, among other issues.
Kier Property
Average salary: £62,654
UK staff: 71
Paid leave: 26 days
What it is: The Kier Group’s development arm, which has a substantial portfolio spanning offices, industrial, retail, leisure and mixed-use schemes.
Why it is one of the best: Kier Property places great importance on listening to staff and responding to their needs and concerns. The company has a process in place called ‘You say, we did’, which allows all employees to raise issues and for directors to then either respond with a solution or explain why a solution isn’t possible.
Kier is also accommodating when it comes to flexible working, taking a relaxed view on working hours, where employees work and personal circumstances. Staff are also recognised for their achievements. Every month, one or two employees are commended for their work in a presentation in front of all staff. Every individual at Kier Property, regardless of role, is also eligible for bonuses, including personal KPI bonuses ranging from 10% to 75% of annual salaries and discretionary bonuses.
KKS Strategy
Average salary: £40,000
UK staff: 19
Paid leave: 27 days
What it is: A London-based interior architectural practice with a global reach.
Why it is one of the best: KKS takes its employees’ health and wellbeing very seriously. In addition to offering flexible working, the company provides a roof terrace to enable staff to spend time away from their desks, a free pilates class every Monday and showers for staff who cycle to work or use a gym at lunch time.
KKS pays for employee training and seminars, as well as membership fees for professional bodies, and a bonus scheme operates for all staff regardless of seniority.
The company also cares about its environmental performance, both by recycling its own materials and using sustainable suppliers on its clients’ projects. In addition to a generous annual leave entitlement, staff receive either additional remuneration or extra paid leave if overnight travel is required.
Malcolm Hollis
Average salary: £39,025
UK staff: 299
Paid leave: 23 days
What it is: An independent building consultancy with offices in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.
Why it is one of the best: Malcolm Hollis is a big believer in team building. On payday each month, all employees stop work at 4pm in order to socialise over complimentary drinks. The company also organises an annual summer away day, followed by an overnight stay in a single location for the entire company.
In addition, Malcolm Hollis organises quarterly office lunches and runs a breakfast club whereby smaller numbers of employees can get to know each other better.
In terms of staff wellbeing and recognition, yoga classes and fresh fruit are provided in all offices. So too are bicycle racks and showers, while flowers or champagne are presented to staff after 10 years of service together with an enhanced employer pension contribution.
Mason Owen
Average salary: £33,400
UK staff: 54
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A provider of commercial real estate services to both landlords and tenants on a national basis including investment, valuation, insurance, retail and industrial agency and property management.
Why it is one of the best: As well as to offering a Christmas party, additional holidays and flexible working, Mason Owen provides table football, has a function room and dining area and organises dress-down days. Bonuses are awarded to staff who hit fee targets or win new clients and employees are rewarded for long-term service on their 10th, 20th and 30th anniversaries with the company.
Mason Owen also supports staff through their RICS assessment of professional competence and provides productivity and time management workshops as well as financial education seminars. The company also highlights its green credentials, including a paperless office environment.
M J Mapp
Average salary: £42,500
UK staff: 238
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A commercial property management specialist.
Why it is one of the best: M J Mapp highlights its dedication to environmental sustainability. All sites managed by the company are done so in accordance with its sustainability criteria. That involves segregating and recycling waste across all sites. In 2016 alone, M J Mapp’s managed sites recycled a total of 2,438 tonnes of waste with 2,330 tonnes being incinerated and only 1% going to landfill.
In terms of rewards, the company offers ‘treats’ for employees who have performed exceptionally, ranging from Amazon vouchers to a night in a luxury hotel. In addition, three times a year two ‘hero awards’ are given out, one selected by staff nominations and another by directors.
In terms of health and fitness, M J Mapp provides subsidised gym membership plus showers, lockers and bike racks for all staff. It also organises a running club for those who want to participate.
Montagu Evans
Average salary: £32,770
UK staff: 338
Paid leave: 29 days
What it is: A planning and development consultancy with offices in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Why it is one of the best: According to Montagu Evans, it is the company’s entrepreneurial ethos as much as its benefits package that makes it a great place to work. Career development and progression are key and there is a strong emphasis on graduate recruitment, with career paths tracked from graduate up to partner. The company’s recent APC success – a 100% pass rate – is indicative of its partners’ commitment to the next generation.
A transparent promotion process is complemented by leadership development training and a mentor system to help recently recruited partners quickly get to grips with the firm’s specialisms.
Wellbeing is an important focus too, with sports teams, onsite pilates, fruit baskets and annual workshops as well as a dedicated team looking at the firm’s CSR and charitable fundraising.
Mount Anvil
Average salary: £64,545
UK staff: 199
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A specialist London residential developer.
Why it is one of the best: Every December, the company pays for a weekend break for all staff and their partners as a thank you for their hard work and commitment to the business. Launch events are also held for staff in show apartments or penthouses in order to foster a sense of pride in Mount Anvil’s developments.
The company takes its employees’ health seriously. Private healthcare is provided for all staff, while Mount Anvil’s wellbeing scheme offers 50% off gym membership and a free Fitbit. The company organises a Fitbit challenge, which allows staff to compete to win prizes.
In terms of remuneration, in addition to generous salaries, staff are entitled to an annual bonus based on company and individual performance, while ‘life event’ bonuses are also available when employees get married or have a baby.
MSMR Architects
Average salary: Not provided
UK staff: 36
Paid leave: 28 days
What it is: An architecture and design practice working on a wide range of projects in the UK and overseas, with an emphasis on prime central London residential property.
Why it is one of the best: MSMR highlights an annual office trip abroad paid for by the company, end-of-year and mid-year staff parties and Christmas presents for all as benefits that are particularly appreciated by its staff.
All employees are entitled to a discretionary annual bonus based on company and individual performance and after 10 years’ service, staff receive a trip abroad to a destination of their choice for themselves and their partner paid for by the company.
Celebratory dinners out for project teams when they have met particularly demanding deadlines or hit significant project milestones are also arranged and paid for by the practice.
Office Space in Town
Average salary: £29,400
UK staff: 40
Paid leave: 30 days
What it is: A flexible office provider with spaces in London, Cardiff, Northampton and Edinburgh.
Why it is one of the best: Office Space in Town offers an annual bonus for all staff in December each year based on performance, improvement and any outstanding work an employee has done in the previous 12 months.
In addition, general managers, operational staff and meeting and conferencing co-ordinators are eligible for a commission based on their individual performance. The percentage of commission is dependent on how busy their buildings are, making the system fair and transparent.
Staff also receive a gift on their anniversary of working for the company, with the value of the gift increasing for each year they have worked for the business. The gift can be used for a range of experiences, such as race days and spa treatments.
Employees also receive gifts for notable dates, such as birthdays, and can access specific benefits according to their needs, including tutoring for their children.
Oracle Group
Average salary: £28,460
UK staff: 22
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A property marketing and communications agency.
Why it is one of the best: Oracle Group prides itself on staff development. Each member of the team is provided with a formal career structure, with a job performance review matrix (JPRM) tailored to individual roles within the business. Together, employees and their managers measure their skills against each item on the JPRM and this is then used to assess training needs and create personal development plans, which are reviewed on a quarterly basis.
Oracle also runs an ‘employee of the quarter’ award, which is decided by the board and goes to the member of staff who has gone above and beyond in their individual role. Weekly ‘jar of joy’ awards are also provided, as are summer and Christmas rising star and shining star awards.
Paragon Building Consultancy
Average salary: £50,061
UK staff: 100
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: An independent building and project consultancy advising commercial property owners, funders, occupiers and advisers on the whole lifecycle of property assets.
Why it is one of the best: Paragon believes in rewarding high performers. The company operates a fee target bonus scheme, which is available to all fee earners. Individuals are set achievable targets and they receive 15% of anything they bill over that amount. The scheme is uncapped and contractual and there is no discretionary element – something that is extremely rare.
Paragon also operates a quarterly ‘ideas award’ whereby all employees are invited to put forward an idea that meets certain criteria, including innovation and efficiency saving, with the winner receiving £150 in vouchers to spend on a meal or in a retail outlet of their choice.
A discretionary Christmas bonus scheme is also in place for all employees to reward good performance, while top business developers are invited to attend an annual ski trip.
PKF Cooper Parry
Average salary: £28,963
UK staff: 27
Paid leave: 35 days
What it is: An advisory firm specialising in service charge certification and associated consultancy services.
Why it is one of the best: PKF Cooper Parry takes great pride in both the quality of its office environment and its emphasis on staff health and wellbeing. Employees benefit from an evening and weekend email curfew policy, while a wellbeing programme includes onsite exercise classes, healthy catering and one-to-one lifestyle coaching.
Group money coaching sessions are also available, as is access to a financial adviser on a private basis. The company’s offices benefit from an indoor running track, segways and trampolines, as well as a pink pop-up tent that is used for both exercise classes and mindfulness sessions. The offices are surrounded by parkland and include an additional running track.
Prime
Average salary: Not provided
UK staff: 46
Paid leave: 36 days
What it is: A specialist healthcare property company, operating across the whole healthcare market from strategic planning to project delivery.
Why it is one of the best: In addition to a generous annual leave entitlement of 36 days, staff benefit from paid time off between Christmas and new year.
The company provides productivity and time management workshops, seminars and classes, while staff are allowed to work from home wherever possible and receive paid time off to support carer responsibilities.
In terms of remuneration, Prime did not disclose its average annual salary, but the company did emphasise that it operates a bonus scheme of up to 10% of annual salary based on company performance in terms of both revenue and achieving key milestones.
An employee bonus scheme is also in operation for senior staff.
Qube Global Software
Average salary: £33,254
UK staff: 246
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A developer of property management and facilities management solutions.
Why it is one of the best: Qube offers a staff cash bonus plan based on company profits and an individual’s performance. The programme is open to all employees with the exception of commissioned sales staff, who instead have access to Qube 100.
This separate programme operates as an incentive plan and rewards commissioned sales staff who meet 100% of their target.
The company also pays close attention to staff development.
A sales graduate progression scheme sets “learning objectives and milestones” that are aligned with a structured salary and commission progression. An MBA programme is available for first-time managers and team leaders and Qube also runs mentoring and job shadowing programmes.
Rendall & Rittner
Average salary: £37,770
UK staff: 243
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A provider of residential block management services, responsible for almost 45,000 units.
Why it is one of the best: Rendall & Rittner takes pride in the fact that it supports sustainable economies by recruiting staff from the communities in which it works, as well as using local contractors and subcontractors for works on the properties that it manages.
The company also has a fast-track programme that provides support to senior property managers to quickly rise up the ranks and become team leaders.
Rendall & Rittner is spearheading the first government apprenticeship pilot in housing and property management, delivering a new level-three apprenticeship pilot scheme in line with the government’s apprenticeship standard.
In terms of supporting health and wellbeing, the company has developed Lifeworks, an app that links employee engagement with wellness programmes, perks and recognition. More than 80% of staff are now using the app.
RHC Europe
Average salary: £90,000
UK staff: 66
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A real estate investment and asset management firm with a global footprint.
Why it is one of the best: In addition to generous salaries, RHC Europe has an annual bonus scheme and provides numerous other benefits. Birthday parties are held for staff, while health and wellbeing initiatives include gym discounts, health and tobacco screenings and assistance on dietary needs.
The company also runs an employee assistance programme, which can provide counselling for marital, parental or financial problems, as well as assistance for specific problems such as substance abuse, smoking and gambling.
In addition, RHC Europe runs productivity and time management workshops, seminars and classes and hosts onsite personal development and stress management classes and financial education workshops.
Shoosmiths
Average salary: £33,971
UK staff: 314
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: Legal firm specialising in real estate law for companies in the UK.
Why it is one of the best: Shoosmiths highlights its employee development programmes, which range from initiatives aimed at junior staff to those designed to support senior management. The company’s ‘advance’ course is aimed at supervisors and focuses on the skills needed for effective supervision of both work and staff, including communication, building rapport, planning, setting goals and providing feedback.
The ‘ignite’ programme, meanwhile, is designed for managers and covers performance management, planning, delegation, team building, goal setting and client service.
Finally, the ‘engage’ programme is for established leaders and covers the role of a leader and how to develop leadership skills and leadership thinking, among other topics.
The Kexgill Group
Average salary: Not stated
UK staff: 68
Paid leave: 28 days
What it is: A student accommodation provider serving Preston, Salford, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Bradford, Leeds, Hull and Nottingham.
Why it is one of the best: The Kexgill Group runs a series of bonus schemes for its employees, including a reward for 100% forward lettings, a rewards bonus when branches or staff achieve university or national awards recognition and a creative contribution bonus for employees who come up with innovative ideas that are subsequently adopted by the company.
The company also provides funding for professional development training for staff, as well as job support and training, to encourage career development. Awards for high-performing staff are handed out at an annual company conference. Employees also benefit from productivity and time management courses to help them keep overtime to a minimum.
The Workplace Company
Average salary: £52,000
UK staff: 16
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: An office acquisitions agency that represents tenants in sourcing new office space in London. In addition, the company also offers rent review and lease renewal, office disposal, serviced office brokerage and office design and build services.
Why it is one of the best: The Workplace Company encourages employees to take regular downtime. It provides chillout rooms and office slippers to help team members relax in the workplace.
In addition to competitive salaries, the company offers an employee bonus scheme, top performers are offered shares in the company and all employees are able to earn a commission. The Workplace Company also organises lunchtime trips to the gym and encourages cycling and walking to office viewings.
Trident Building Consultancy
Average salary: £45,898
UK staff: 83
Paid leave: 27 days
What it is: A provider of building surveying, cost management and project management services across a wide range of sectors in commercial and residential property.
Why it is one of the best: Trident operates a quarterly performance-related bonus open to all chartered surveyors, which pays out 20% of all fees billed above 3.25 times an employee’s salary. A discretionary bonus scheme relating to all staff is also available, with payments usually made at Christmas after the company’s year-end.
A separate directors’ bonus is divided into three pots. The first covers overall company performance and all directors benefit, while the second relates to a director’s individual performance. Finally, the third pot is discretionary and paid to directors who have exceeded expectations.
Trident also highlights its numerous social events, an early finish on Fridays and an extra two days’ holiday over the Christmas period in addition to employees’ annual entitlement.
Union Street Partners
Average salary: £57,200
UK staff: 30
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A real estate team dedicated solely to commercial property in the south London area.
Why it is one of the best: Union Street Partners highlights its office’s desirable location and facilities – including darts and a pool table – as well as regular team social events, including ‘appreciation’ and ‘celebration’ lunches.
The company also pays out a bonus at the end of the year and funds professional development training for staff, as well as ad hoc specialist training. Productivity and time management workshops are provided. So too are financial education classes. Union Street Partners is also highly involved with the local Borough Market, helping to raise money for local charities, and recycles all paper, cardboard and plastics used in the office.
Walker Sime
Average salary: £46,500
UK staff: 45
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: A quantity surveying and project management consultancy.
Why it is one of the best: Health and wellbeing is a big priority for Walker Sime. The company allows staff to take paid time off to participate in regular sporting challenges, including Cycle for Sports Relief and triathlons, and hosts various sports clubs such as a running club and a squash club.
It has also recently refurbished its office to include a shower and is looking to introduce a wet room. It recently gained accreditation from the Workplace Wellbeing Charter.
A bonus of up to 10% is available for all staff based on company performance, while employees also benefit from six-month salary reviews and an additional day of holiday each year after three years’ continuous service.
Warwick Estates Property Management
Average salary: £22,510
UK staff: 86
Paid leave: 33 days
What it is: A residential managing agent providing services to leaseholders, freeholders, developers, resident management companies, right-to-manage companies and housing associations.
Why it is one of the best: All employees are eligible for the company’s ‘Warwick Winners’ peer-to-peer recognition programme, which celebrates service above and beyond the call of duty by handing out rewards such as bottles of wine, extra days’ holiday, flowers, chocolates and certificates at regular team meetings presented by the managing director.
Bonuses and commissions are also available for staff who bring in new business, while employees who recommend a new member of staff receives a bonus of £500 if they stay for more than six months.
Wedlake Bell
Average salary: £51,215
UK staff: 164
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A London law firm with real estate department offering a full range of services to investors, developers, banks, owner-occupiers and tenants.
Why it is one of the best: Health and wellbeing initiatives feature strongly at Wedlake Bell. The company organises a wellness week, as well as related activities including massages, health checks, weekly pilates classes, a table tennis club, an annual walking trip and daily homemade soup and porridge for all employees.
Bonuses are provided for fee-earning staff based on performance and targets, whereby individuals can earn up to 15% of their salary. Bonuses are also available for support staff who have gone the extra mile or otherwise positively contributed to the firm, while a commission programme is also in place that rewards employees for introducing new clients to the firm.
Weston Williamson + Partners
Average salary: £44,000
UK staff: 81
Paid leave: 20 days
What it is: An award-winning architectural and urban design practice specialising in infrastructure, urban regeneration and placemaking projects.
Why it is one of the best: Staff at Weston Williamson + Partners receive a bonus when turnover and profit targets are reached.
Employees are also assessed on a wide range of metrics and they receive 3% of their salary as a bonus if expectations are met and an additional 7% if expectations are exceeded.
The practice also organises and funds team lunches to reward exceptional performance on a project and pays for individual employee submissions into design competitions and awards.
If submissions are successful, each employee is provided with a budget to pay for clothing, travel, food and drink and attendance of the award ceremony.
All staff regardless of level are rewarded after five and 10 years of service with increased leave, private health insurance and interest-free loans.
Wrenbridge Land
Average salary: £75,000
UK staff: 15
Paid leave: 25 days
What it is: A privately owned property investment company that has partners including Legal & General, Palmer Capital, Grosvenor, Buccleuch and M&G.
Why it is one of the best: The business focuses on wellbeing, organising a yoga club, pilates, running, cricket and football events, as well as summer punting and rounders. It has a top-floor communal area and organises regular team walks.
Wrenbridge also highlights its recycling credentials and the provision of productivity, time management and financial education seminars for employees.
-
69% Firms that offer employees the opportunity to work from home
-
28.2 The average number of paid holidays per year provided by firms that made the list
-
94% Firms that offer an employee bonus or incentive programme
-
69% Firms that provide workplace facilities to promote exercise and fitness
Methodology
The research was conducted independently by the Best Companies Group and involved a two-part process of surveying employers and employees.
In part one, the employers completed a questionnaire designed to capture information about company policies, practices and demographics.
In part two, employees responded to 78 statements on a five-point scale of agreement. The survey also included two open-ended questions and seven demographic questions.
The two pieces of work were then combined to produce a detailed set of data enabling Best Companies Group analysts to determine the strengths and opportunities of the participating companies.
The results were then analysed and categorised according to eight core focus areas: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; relationship with supervisor; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and overall engagement.
No comments yet