Frettens Solicitors have been awarded ‘outstanding employer’ status in an annual independent survey into employee engagement.
The survey was conducted by Best Companies, the research company behind the prestigious Sunday Times Awards.
Best Companies 2019
Managing Partner, Matt Fretten, said of the results; We are thrilled to be recognised as an outstanding employer. We are going through an exciting period of growth and to continue to attract and retain the best people, we want to be able to offer them something genuinely different.
40% of our team work non-standard hours and we have been working hard to provide a flexible environment that allows everyone to flourish.
The accreditation is fantastic, and to be independently judged as an outstanding employer is really satisfying; however some of the comments and feedback from the team have made it extra special.
Outstanding Place to work
All staff were invited to anonymously take part in the process, and almost 90% responded, answering questions about the firm’s culture, rewards, benefits, management, and support & development.
The firm’s score of 705.5 meant that Frettens gained a 2-star accreditation (3 being the highest) and sees them listed alongside employers such as The National Trust and David Lloyd.
Best Companies explain that “achieving a 2 Star accreditation takes a BCI score of at least 696.5, made possible only through an ‘outstanding’ commitment to workplace engagement.”
Staff 'feel proud' and 'love working for the organisation'
An incredible 93% of staff said they ‘felt proud to work for the organisation’, while 90% said they ‘loved working for the organisation’.
The communication and atmosphere were highlighted by many respondents, something which Operations Manager, Cat Snow, was particularly proud of.
We take employee engagement seriously and don’t just pay lip service to the idea. We have been working hard on improving communication within the firm, introducing regular strategy updates with the Managing Partner and simplifying internal communication channels. It was great to see so many comments positive comments about the firm ‘pulling in the same direction’ and everyone feeling like they have a voice.
Continuous Improvement
It’s nice to be able to give everyone a pat on the back for a job well done, and it is great to see that some of the initiatives we have put in place are making Frettens a better place to work for our team, but the real value in the survey is in seeing how we can continue to improve the environment for our team.
What makes Frettens a great place to work?
Staff were also encouraged to give feedback anonymously, with almost all of those who completed the survey choosing to leave comments, some of which are highlighted below.
Flexibility
A relaxed working environment, with flexible working options, makes Frettens a great place to work.
Trust and Freedom
My Colleagues are supportive, knowledgeable, and fun to be around, creating a good working atmosphere.
I feel I am given the trust and freedom to perform my role in the best way I see fit.
Work-Life Balance
Empathy and understanding of the work life balance. Being approachable and feeling secure and appreciated.
The people, the morals and values. The balance in age groups and personal back rounds along with lovely office space, great managers and of course a great MD. They have been very understanding to a previous personal issue I had which required some time off and they were great, there was no pressure at all... even sent me flowers. They also have great company benefits such as private health care and your birthday off as an extra day holiday. Genuinely love working at Frettens.
Investment in IT Infrastructure
Investment in IT infrastructure giving you the tools to do the job on a day to day basis. Excellent support from IT, Reception, Business Development and HR. Supportive environment between fee earning and support team members. Time taken to report on progress of business and to explain what is required on the billing front personally by senior partner.
Support
The welcome I received when I started and caring and friendly way everyone has supported me. Also the brilliant training given throughout and the way you can asked for help if required.
Progressive, modern, friendly firm in a sector that often only pays lip service to progress. Good firm, good people and good clients.
Working Together
Family atmosphere. Most people really do care about each other and the work we do.
There is a real focus and sense of all working together for a common aim.
Happy and friendly environment where everyone works well together and everyone is treated the same no matter what their pay is.
The People
The people who work for Frettens make it a great workplace.
The community, the drive, the technology, not feeling like a small cog in a big machine.
The partners and staff, who are an excellent team. Their collective efforts to be friendly, yet professional towards clients is spot on! Couldn't really ask to work with such an amazing group of people.
Careers at Frettens
If you would like to find out more about working at Frettens, you can see a full list of vacancies and benefits by visiting our careers page.
If you can't see hte role that you are looking for there, don't worry. We are always on the look-out for great people to join our team. If you feel like Frettens is the place for you, feel free to get in touch with Cat Snow, our Operations Manager.