Hallmark Healthcare runs care homes for the elderly enabling them to enjoy life in comfortable and safe surroundings. Care extends to staff, with communication scoring highly; an open-door policy makes directors approachable, there are regular staff meetings, a newsletter and achievements are celebrated. This is all reflected in our survey, where the company achieves its best results and a top 10 rank in the managerial category.

The firm started in 1997 and now runs homes in south Wales, north Wales, east and west Midlands, East Anglia and southern England. According to our survey this is rewarding work; staff say their work is an important part of life, giving it a 78% positive score, the same as they assign to feeling fully involved at work, both top 30 scores in these areas.

Managers talk openly and honestly with employees (82%), care about them (80%) and express their appreciation for a good job done (79%).

Having fun at work is encouraged for the benefit of both staff and clients; staff say their teams are fun to work with (82%) and go out of their way to help them (77%).

While recognising the need for traditional training and professional qualifications, the firm also has an annual empowerment day with events such as a firewalk.

A flexible working programme is available to all staff, as is a comprehensive healthcare plan. It all adds up to a top 30 rank for staff saying they love to work for Hallmark (76%).

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