SWEET success could be down to the amount of chocolate Cadbury Schweppes produces or to its employees who feel they can be themselves, make a difference and grow with the organisation. Our survey results speak for themselves; staff give the company a 75% positive score for feeling they can make a difference within it, which with the 77% rating for being proud to work for it, ranks Cadbury’s in fourth and fifth place respectively.

The company manufactures, markets and distributes a wide range of drinks and confectionery products around the world including Dr Pepper, Snapple and Dairy Milk. John Cadbury, the firm’s founder, built the organisation based on pioneering principles of staff welfare and community involvement. The social housing of Bournville Village is an enduring legacy and today corporate social responsibility is seen as critical to the firm’s ongoing success.

“Cadbury Schweppes is a company built on strong values,” says chief executive officer Todd Stitzer. “We all want to do what is right for the company, for its people, for the community, for business in general; it is what differentiates us from other great companies.”

An informal award scheme recognises outstanding employee contributions in community-based activities. Overall winners receive £2,750 for their cause, as well as the chairman’s award trophy. The firm also recognises staff efforts as volunteers through its Big Heart Awards, where seven winners receive a certificate and a cash donation to charity. The workforce is proud of such efforts and they give it a 67% positive score for making a difference to the world, a result bettered by just two other companies.

Staff belong to teams, which maintains a family feel and ensures that individuals have a voice. “You feel you’re part of a family,” says deployment manager Paul Atkinson. “There is the right amount of people per manager and everyone is open, if you have issues they always have time,” he says. Cadbury’s 69% positive score for open and honest managers is evidence of this.

Development opportunities include a variety of programmes as well as 24-hour e-learning facilities. Head of supply planning Caroline Daw has been with the firm for 18 years, in several roles. “The organisation is big enough that you can change,” she says. “You are valued for your traits, and trusted.”

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