While EMI promotes the careers of artists such as Robbie Williams, Kylie Minogue and Coldplay, its staff are also enthusiastic about their own career development.

According to chief executive Tony Wadsworth, an employee can do “pretty much anything in relation to music” at EMI. Wadsworth himself is a prime example: he joined in 1982 as a production manager and had a variety of roles, working with the likes of the Pet Shop Boys and Morrissey before reaching the top of the ladder. No wonder, then, that eight out of 10 staff members find him an inspiration, the fourth-highest score afforded to any leader in our survey.

“It was and still is part of the culture here that if you have the enthusiasm and the knowledge, then you will be given the opportunity,” Wadsworth says. “I try to promote from within — it inspires people all the way down the ranks.”

EMI was founded in 1897 and opened its Abbey Road recording studios in 1931. Probably its most famous decision came in 1962 when it signed the Beatles and released their first single Love Me Do. Today, artists on the firm’s roster include the Rolling Stones and Norah Jones.

Communication is strong, with most employees engaging in weekly or bi-monthly catch-ups with their managers. Wadsworth gives quarterly presentations to discuss company results and key projects, and to play music from new and established artists. He visits departments at least twice a year for informal talks and staff are encouraged to ask him questions directly or by e-mail.

In addition, departmental meetings are regularly held in all areas of the business, and away-days allow departments to meet off-site to discuss objectives and achievements in a relaxed environment. The company also has its own weekly online newsletter and a quarterly company magazine. In our survey, 78% of staff report that their managers talk openly and honestly with them.

While stress levels are the highest in our survey, the workforce does know how to party. The company spends about £200,000 on social events throughout the year, including on-site concerts, quizzes and pool contests. This is the place to be for the 70% who say they are in their dream job, the second-highest total across all 100 best companies. More than five in six employees would miss EMI if they left, a rate bettered just 10 times elsewhere.

Stefan Demetriou, head of DVD, says: “When awards are won or releases do well, we’re all invited to enjoy the success — champagne in the courtyard after a No 1 hit isn’t a bad way to end the day.”

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