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Bacardi is one of the best employers

Bacardi-Martini UK is one of the country's best employers, according to a independent survey in The Sunday Times Best 50 Companies to Work For. The family-owned 139-year-old company is eighth in the UK from a list of 1,000. Led by 38-year-old managing director Stella David, it is one of only two in the top 50 to have a woman CEO. Bacardi-Martini offers a range of "employee-friendly" benefits and practices, including family-friendly policies, computer training for non-PC literate staff, dry cleaning, a gym, an Internet caf and birthday gift - with a card from the md. All employees are encouraged to take part in management forums, nearly one in five is regularly allowed to work from home - and last year the company gave all its staff a 33% company performance-related bonus on top of their bonuses and salaries. The research, conducted for the first time in Britain, is based on a similar exercise run annually in the USA. It is organised in Britain by the organisation Great Place to Work UK. The research revealed further benefits, such as non-contributory pensions, private family health insurance, life assurance and a minimum 24 days' annual leave. "Women returners" are kept in touch and are included in social events. Bacardi-Martini also supports employees' preferred charities, doubling any amount raised in sponsorship. David said: "We not only had to demonstrate all-round excellence as an employer, but we were reviewed by our own employees. Half our workforce were randomly selected to complete a confidential questionnaire, with responses sent directly, and anonymously, to the organisers, so this really is a huge accolade." Jonathan Austin, managing director of Great Place to Work UK, said: "It is not just about posh perks, it is about the principle of treating others with dignity and respect: putting people first." In a final bit of food for thought, Bacardi's staff get free meals from an award-winning canteen.

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