BE Offices announces that it has been recognised by Property Week, the leading industry magazine, as one of the best places to work in property.
For the third year running BE has been selected as one of only 43 real estate businesses across Britain that are the best places to work.
BE continues to be the only flexible workspace provider that makes the list – a tremendous achievement considering the explosion of new businesses in the sector over the past two years.
Since its inception in 1994 BE has always focused on creating a workplace that is not only inclusive and diversified but also actively encourages people to grow with the business as well placing a strong emphasis on work/life balance.
As a result BE has an unusually high number of people who have remained within the company for 10 years or more. This is increasingly reflected in high service levels which many BE clients cite as a key reason for occupying workspace in their centres. BE’s current staff have given over 700 years of service to the company, testament to the investment BE makes in its employees, including a loyalty of service scheme which rewards staff with incentives at five yearly intervals. An employee celebrating 25 years received an extra five days paid leave and £5000 of vouchers.
BE stood out as a great place to work in a number of key areas. Overwhelming staff feedback focused on the family feel to the business, how caring and friendly everyone is and how it’s a fun environment in which to work. ‘Fantastic’ benefits were frequently mentioned, in addition to generous paid leave employees’ birthdays are celebrated with a further day off as well as being granted three extra paid charity days per year for volunteer work in the community. BE also funds a two-week international charity trip for two members of staff. Past projects include reef conservation in Belize and elephant rescue in Thailand. This year we are sending two members of staff to a turtle conservation project in Costa Rica.
There is a strong emphasis on wellness at the company. BE runs a Stop Smoking programme that offers staff who want to quit £100 a year to spend on stop smoking aids along with a reward of a further £100 in vouchers for those who quit for at least six months.
Most of BE’s centres have on-site gym facilities, free for staff to use, also a cycle to work scheme and step challenge competitions to encourage people to get active. In addition staff have the option to use height adjustable desks.
BE received praise for its “Going the Extra Mile” awards scheme. This a programme enabling staff to nominate colleagues for exceptional work or actions for which they receive vouchers of their choice. The top three ‘Gems of the Month’ receive an extra £150, £100 or £50 voucher.
Other perks include a family fun day which is arranged to bring all staff and their families together, funded quarterly social evenings, monthly team lunches and a huge Christmas party. Further pluses include reduced hours at Christmas and a relaxed dress code for non-client facing staff. Friday’s are celebrated with free doughnuts and end of the day drinks and snacks.
BE’s green credentials mean staff know they are working in an eco-friendly environment. BE’s buildings are powered by renewable sourced energy and the company has invested over £1m converting to energy efficient lighting. Achieving higher than average recycling rates, BE consistently seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. We even sponsor a bee hive.
The list of progressive and exciting property companies was compiled by Best Companies Group on behalf of Property Week which subjected businesses to rigorous employer and employee surveys, evaluating them across key metrics such as overall management, culture and communications, leadership and planning, and work environment.
