Best Companies Stars are awarded based on the opinions of the people working for the organisations that take part. All Chess people were provided with anonymous questionnaires quizzing them in numerous different areas and providing them with the opportunity to reflect their true feelings about Chess.
Each section of the Best Companies survey goes into great detail and the standards are high. Chess people were asked to provide their opinions in eight areas; leadership, my manager, personal growth, wellbeing, my team, giving something back, my company and fair deal. These categories cover how people feel they are rewarded for their work and training and future prospects as well as the level of engagement they have and the company’s impact on society.
Chess attributes its continued appreciation from its people and recognition by Best Companies to a number of factors.
In line with its culture to help promote a healthy, pleasant and safe place to work, Chess offers many benefits to its people including reduced rate gym membership, the ability to claim money back on certain medical expenses, as well as company loyalty points, which are built up over time and can be exchanged for things as diverse as extra holidays, pension contributions and plots of trees for carbon offsetting.
To help balance out the work life ratio Chess holds regular social events for everyone in the business. Chess contributes to the cost of these socials to encourage people to take part. Not only does this help Chess people to unwind after work, but also improves working relationships throughout the business - another area questioned in the survey.
Chess also attaches a great deal of importance to the development of its people, seeing this as underpinning the future growth and success of the business. In the last two years, the company has invested over half a million pounds in its Personal Performance Programme – an intensive nine day training course that provides all Chess people with the belief, knowledge, skill and motivation needed to exceed their potential.
Getting a third Best Companies Star Accreditation is Chess’ hat trick of hat tricks in the last 12 months! Towards the end of 2008, the rapidly growing business was ranked for the third year running in Deloitte’s Fast 50 and The Sunday Times Fast / Tech Track 100!
“Getting a Best Companies Star for the third time is a fantastic achievement, especially on top of the recognition we continue to receive for our growth,” said Chief Executive David Pollock. “When companies focus on growth, it’s easy to lose sight of the most important thing in the business, and the reason why you are growing in the first place – your people. At Chess we see our people as fundamental to our future success and we will take every step we can to make sure all Chess people have the opportunity to grow and develop themselves and their careers. Though we are very pleased to gain a Best Companies Star, our work doesn’t stop here. Every achievement we make lets us lift the bar that little bit higher. In these difficult economic times, by raising expectations and pushing for more, we will continue to grow our people and our business.”