When Michael Brabner became the third generation of his family to become involved with Brabners Chaffe Street 35 years ago, the firm of solicitors had 20 staff. It now employs 377 people, but the company still has a family ethos when it comes to looking after its workforce. An overall positive score of 72% ranks the firm 13th for questions about Wellbeing.

Brabner has been managing partner of the Liverpool company for 15 years, and employees say he runs the organisation on sound moral principles (77%). Staff are happy with the balance between their work and home life (74%), helping the firm win our special award for work-life balance, and they do not feel they spend too much time working (66%, ranking ninth).

When the company hits its financial target, every member of staff receives a share of the profit. Bonuses are also awarded for outstanding individual contributions. With an average salary of £60,000 (before bonuses), staff are a happy bunch. They are content with the pay and benefits they receive (75%, ranking sixth).

Every office has its own way of thanking employees for their hard work. The Liverpool team holds a bucks fizz lunch every year, staff in Manchester are given Easter eggs, and Christmas hampers go to the workforce in Preston. Some of the social budget of £85,000 is spent on an annual Christmas bash.

People who work in the Manchester and Liverpool offices unwind on chill-out Friday every month, when a variety of holistic therapies are available in the office. A 77% score shows that staff feel they aren’t under so much pressure they can’t concentrate and pressure doesn’t affect their performance (76%).

A score of 75% shows staff have confidence in the leadership skills of their manager and they say that senior managers listen to them (70%).

A high proportion of staff — 17.5% — have adopted alternative working patterns. This could be job sharing, working from home or working reduced hours. Flexible working options are not restricted to those who have children.

Last year the company won a Groundwork Merseyside Environmental Award for being a socially responsible business. The Manchester office’s environmental initiatives have been recognised by Manchester city council, and given a gold environmental award. Employees are happy with the company's efforts to protect the environment, with a score of 74%.

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