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8 March 2004
Being recognised as one of the '100 Best Companies to Work For', for the second consecutive year, is excellent as it is helping us to become an employer of choice that can attract, develop and retain excellent staff.
Graham Cherry, Chief Executive of Countryside.
In the largest and most comprehensive survey of the British workplace ever conducted Essex-based developer, Countryside Properties PLC, has been named by the Sunday Times as one of the '100 Best Companies To Work For' for the second consecutive year.
The judges said, "Planning is a high priority for Countryside Properties. The company's core business is creating sustainable communities built on high-quality homes – and it puts just as much effort into planning clear career structures for its staff. In return for hard work and high standards from its able young workforce, the company pledges rapid career development, excellent training and good fun. Three-quarters of the staff feel they can make a difference in the company and almost two-thirds think it has a positive social impact."
Rosa Clarke, a graduate on the Group's Training Academy told the judges she was pleased she could continue part-time study. "I go on a day-release scheme to University College London to study for a MPhil in Town Planning. Countryside is geared to pushing people forward, but also giving them support and it is flexible about the areas you pursue to accommodate your interests."
Indeed, the views of employees are by far the most important factor in the research as their opinions contributed 80% of the final scores. The survey of 250 randomly selected members of staff contained 72 questions, measuring eight equally-weighted workplace 'factors', identified from extensive research in the UK as being fundamental to a person's experience of their workplace. The eight areas covered were: company leadership, immediate managers, personal growth, well being, immediate colleagues, giving something back, feelings towards the company and fair dealing over pay and benefits.
The remaining 20% is scored via a very detailed 172 question company survey, which collected data on policies, processes, recruitment, communication, services and facilities.
Graham Cherry, Chief Executive of Countryside Properties comments, "It is widely acknowledged that the key to success for any company is its people. We believe in and invest in the training, development and well being of our employees. Being recognised as one of the '100 Best Companies to Work For', for the second consecutive year, is excellent as it is helping us to become an employer of choice that can attract, develop and retain excellent staff."
Countryside Properties is committed to its employees and to the Training and Enterprise Council's 'Investors In People' initiative. The Group seeks to improve the skills and abilities of its staff by ensuring that they share the vision and goals of the company and are highly trained to do their job effectively.
The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies To Work For is backed by the Department of Trade and Industry. Patricia Hewitt, Trade and Industry Secretary, comments, "In a tight labour market, being a Sunday Times 'Best Company to Work For' gives businesses a real competitive advantage. I hope this year's winners will inspire others to follow their lead."
Countryside Properties was recently named by WWF / Insight Investment as the leading housebuilder for its outstanding contribution towards sustainable development. Countryside Properties is a member of the FTSE4Good Index series.
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Information correct as at 08/03/2004