Member Article

Code Computerlove named in 2018 ‘Best Places To Work’ list

Digital agency Code Computerlove has been named in a new 50 Best Places To Work list recognising outstanding businesses in the marketing, advertising and media industry.

It’s one of only eight companies outside London to make the list (and one of only two companies located north of the Watford Gap!).

Code was praised for its Northern Quarter offices that ‘allow staff to indulge their lateral thinking and appetite for fun, while annual awards recognise hard work.’

Managed by Best Companies Group (BCG) and published in creative industry magazine Campaign, the rankings recognise organisations that demonstrably value their employees and provide an enjoyable, rewarding working environment. It shines a light on the innovative blend of incentives and rewards that organisations are using to recruit and retain the best talent.

The process analyses two surveys, one completed by the business detailing company policies, practices, benefits and demographics; the other completed by employees outlining levels of satisfaction.

Established in 1999, Code is one of the most recognised digital agencies outside London – working with businesses including Hillarys, Manchester Airport Group (MAG), the BBC and Bentley to develop award winning digital platforms and products by applying its bespoke approach to product thinking.

Code was included in the prestigious list based on glowing feedback provided by its employees around categories like their manager, team and company as a whole, opportunities for personal growth, wellbeing, getting a ‘fair deal’ and ‘giving something back’.

96% of staff believe they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the company and feel valued in the organisation 99% agree that the senior leaders live the core values of the organisation 96% feel that they can express their honest opinions without fear of consequences 99% agree that they are given enough authority to make decisions they need to make 100% of people feel proud to work for Code.

Outlining some of the benefits offered by Code, Alex Anderson the agency’s talent director said: “We work hard to create a package that employees really value, and which supports positive well-being at work.

“Some of our most notable benefits include the legendary ‘Code Christmas do’ that’s open to the whole agency and that’s seen the team jet off to places such as Barcelona, Berlin and Krakow. Other ways that we look after our staff is with a monthly ‘looking after yourself in work’ session run by physio experts Altius Healthcare, subsidised massages and health cover (health insurance as well as dental & eye cover). There is often an office dog around the workplace to keep a smile of people’s faces, regular running clubs and a bike allowance.

“Supporting career progression is another major area of focus, with every team member given a £500 personal training budget, coaching/mentoring, regular in-house knowledge share sessions and schemes that encourage collaborative working.”

Energetic and open plan, the 13,000 sq ft offices that Code occupies today are full of quirky features and perks enjoyed by their 91 staff. The flexible work spaces have also been carefully designed to engender a strong culture and collaborative workforce.

Even down to detail like providing a personal headphone and laptop bag allowance has been thought of.

CEO of Code Computerlove, Tony Foggett added: “I firmly believe that our culture and creating the right environment has been central to our ongoing success.

“Code is a business of people, very talented people; we have no product other than people working well together, so we do go over and above to listen and respond to ways we can make working at Code the best it can be.

“Our culture of ‘brilliance through collaborative improvement lies at the heart of everything we do and every employee’s experience at Code is designed to support this.

“The offices and working spaces are designed to let creativity flourish – and the fun areas are not just there as a gimmick, they give people the chance to socialise and take well earned breaks.

“We celebrate autonomy and flexibility and I think people will see a true level of creativity and collaboration going on in a place of craft like this. I also believe that this continues through to our working relationships with clients and engenders the type of partnerships essential in our product thinking approach.”

Tony added: “We’re absolutely delighted to feature on the best companies to work for list as it shows we’re up there with the best and that we are committed to supporting career progression.

“What’s also great is that while we’ve continued to grow in size – and now we’re a team of more than 90 – the founding principals are still driving success.

“I’d like to thank all of the Code team, they have been responsible for our achievements to date, and will continue to determine the extent of our future successes.”

For more insight into working at Code, there are videos available to view on the blog at www.codecomputerlove.com/blog

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Kirsty Hunt .