Staff at Inventive Leisure, which runs the trendy Revolution Vodka bars, are grateful to work for a company that lifts their spirits.

Employees have more fun with their colleagues than at all but one other company on the list, winning it an impressive 90% positive score in our staff survey.

In fact, when it comes to good working relationships with colleagues, Inventive Leisure ranks ninth overall. Staff get a buzz out of working with people in their team (76%) and say people go out of their way to help each other (77%).

The Lancashire-based company does its best to create a culture in which its managers get to know the workforce, care about staff members and inspire them. Most bosses are already familiar with the people working for them as three-quarters of those in management positions have been internally promoted.

In addition to managers’ workshops, senior bosses have a duty weekend programme which involves at least 50% of bars being visited at peak-time weekend evenings so they better understand some of the issues employees experience. These initiatives appear to be beneficial for all sides, gaining bosses respect and giving support to staff.

Our survey indicates that senior managers truly live the values of the company (77%) and employees have confidence in the leadership skills of their immediate bosses (81%, with only three firms scoring higher).

Managers are not only excellent role models (71%) but motivate staff to give their best every day (74%, a top 10 score).

An internal quality of life survey is carried out every four months by the company, which runs nearly 60 bars around the country, to give the 1,801 employees an opportunity to raise issues of concern and to keep people well informed. Managers talk honestly and openly (84%) to staff members, who find their job good for their own personal growth (78%) and think the training is of great benefit (76%).

From the company induction to the structured training programme, setting goals and developing strengths, there’s plenty to keep employees from being bored (73%) including a range of weekly, monthly and quarterly incentive award schemes which culminate in the Christmas awards ball. Managers also regularly show their appreciation when staff do a good job (76%).

The majority of workers are part-time, averaging 18 hours a week, and the students in their number have flexible rotas which fit around their studies. With so many part-time workers, almost two-thirds of staff earn £7,500 or less but they find plenty of positives in an environment where customers go to have fun, and say they love working for the organisation (78%).

Stress levels are low (82%) and employees, three-quarters of whom are aged 25 or under, are not under so much pressure they can’t concentrate (77%) or perform well (74%). They also feel a strong sense of family in their team (79%).

The company spent £300,000 on fun and social events last year and benefits include childcare vouchers, an employee assistance programme and discounted services.

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