Butlin’s owner Bourne Leisure and Marriott Hotels International have both made it to the Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work for 2018 list.
Bourne Leisure, which also owns Haven and Warner Leisure Hotels, was ranked sixth out of 25 companies, and made the list for the 11th year running, while Marriott Hotels International, London, came fifth in the list.
Bourne, which employs 5,800 in 55 holiday parks under its three brands, was also awarded a special commendation for the learning and development opportunities offered to staff to improve their knowledge and fulfil career ambitions.
It achieved the second highest score for staff valuing the business and being proud to work there and second place for employees saying they can balance their work and home life. It came third highest in terms of staff feeling they can contribute to the company’s success.
The Hemel Hempstead-based company brought in sweeping changes after an annual employee survey showed that 42% of the workforce felt they lacked the equipment to do their job well.
The company put together a “need to buy” list – such as more vacuum cleaners – into its budget. Last year, 87% of staff reported they were satisfied with the equipment provided.
The business also responded to staff feedback for dedicated spaces for meetings or for the team to relax together by adding tea rooms and training areas.
Sales and marketing manager Erman Housein said: “We are so pleased to have been recognised in the Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work For category once again.
“Ranking 6th place makes us incredibly proud and it’s fantastic to see our culture and work ethic recognised by such a prestigious institute.
“To be honoured for our learning and development processes means we’re doing it right. Bourne Leisure is all about its people and we continually strive to enable our colleagues to do their very best every day. Training and individual improvement is key to keeping employees happy and motivated and we work hard to ensure everyone feels fulfilled and their ideas heard.”
Bourne started with one caravan park in Kent in 1964 and is now the UK’s largest independent holiday business with revenue of almost £1bn a year.
Meanwhile, Marriott Hotels International was ranked highly by staff for its ‘personal growth’ opportunities, including job-related courses and management training. It has 64 hotels in the UK and employs 7,357 staff.
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