Employees are happy to quote Confucius when asked why Iris is such a great company to work for. Vince Lawson, a senior accounts executive, says: “Find a job you love and you will never work a day in your life.”

Considering the London-based marketing agency has grown at a rate of 50% a year since its inception, Lawson’s words of wisdom seem to prove that the company has found the right formula. Our survey results back it up further as the firm is first nationally in both the Personal Growth and My Manager factors and ranked second in the My Company and My Team categories.

Quarterly and annual reviews are used in conjunction with the firm’s academy to deliver comprehensive career plans for the 256 employees.

Staff give an 85% positive score for work being stimulating and a 90% score for their jobs being good for personal growth, again the best results nationally.

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“The trick is inspirational leaders. If you are not inspired by your leaders, why come in on a Monday morning,” says Steve Bell, managing partner. “We share everything, we have no hidden agendas and we are taking everyone on the journey with us.”

Employees agree, saying they feel they can make a difference in the organisation and that managers care about how satisfied they are, both 84% positive, and they are excited about the direction of the company (89%). Again, these are the best scores nationally.

The company has squads to organise cross-agency events that help people interact outside their own teams. They include a sports squad for people who like to keep fit and healthy and a “lash” squad for those who simply fancy a pint. “Squads have been with us from the very first year. We want everyone from every level participating in the culture of the agency,” says Bell.

It seems to be working, with top scores nationally for colleagues helping each other (86%) and people caring for one another (90%).

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