Pub estate owner the Heartwood Collection has been recognised by the Sunday Times as one of the UK’s best companies to work for.
Heartwood met the stringent requirements with an average 81% engagement score in the Best Places To Work survey, 9% above the average industry engagement rating.
Measuring reward and recognition, information sharing, empowerment, wellbeing, and job satisfaction, the company scored ‘excellent’ in four out of the six workplace categories.
The survey results highlighted that Heartwood’s employees feel supported in their career development and are recognised for the valuable contribution they make to the business.
“We are delighted to have been placed in the Sunday Times Best Places to work,” said people director Helen Melvin. “It reflects the time and investment we put into creating workplaces our teams are proud of, where they feel recognised and valued.
“The insights we have gained from taking part also highlight how we can continue to ensure Heartwood Collection remains a positive working environment for everyone.”
The result follows the group’s recent double win at the Publican Awards, for best operations team and best managed pub company (1-50 sites) for Heartwood Inns, and the Restaurant Magazine’s R200 best food-led pub group 2023.
The group offers personalised development plans for all employees to ensure career progression, and a wide range of benefits, rewards and wellbeing support. Staff retention is high — the average length of service at general manager and head chef level is six years, and staff turnover is currently at 60%.
Richard Ferrier, chief executive of Heartwood Collection, said: “To be recognised as one of the
best places to work in the UK is a massive achievement, and I am extremely proud of everyone at Heartwood Collection. This award is particularly special as it’s voted for by our teams.”
