"Excellent training opportunities, a clear vision and an open approach to management are key components in M J Gleeson Group's foundation as an employer.
Michael Gleeson established the group in 1903. Since then the firm has grown from a house-building operation in a small geographical area to a publicly quoted national company embracing virtually every area of expertise within the construction and property industries. A family ethos still pervades the organisation, with Dermot Gleeson, current executive chairman, taking over from Jack Gleeson, his uncle, in 1992.
Training is a key factor in the firm's retention of many long-serving employees, and it helps make life interesting; the 28% who feel they are on a treadmill is one of the 20 lowest proportions in the best 100.
The firm has its own internal training consultancy, employing 12 full-time specialists with their own areas of expertise, spending on average £500 per employee. Courses on offer include executive management programmes as well as general management skills and technical skills. The company also offers accredited off-the-job courses, on which it spends about £934,000 each year.
Communication is good company-wide and regionally, with several internal magazines available in hard copy as well as on the intranet. Eight out of 10 employees say that the values and principles of the organisation have been made clear to them. There are regular management conferences for each operating division and the managing director, Andrew Muncey, is always present and regularly visits sites across the country. In addition employees are encouraged to raise questions with him directly either via the intranet, telephone or e-mail, and 81% say they believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation, a score that ranks the firm 13th among our best 100 companies.
As well as 26 days' paid holiday, all staff have access to free private healthcare, a non-contributory pension scheme, childcare vouchers and a variety of discounts including travel insurance. A scheme operates under which staff can receive up to 1% of the financial savings made as a result of their suggestions, to a maximum of £20,000.
The firm's sports and social club puts on a variety of events including dinner dances and themed days in the head office canteen.