When two fat ladies knock at the door, it’s time for tea and a baker’s bun, doctor’s orders. This may be indecipherable bingo lingo to some, but to employees at Gala it all makes perfect sense as does working for the country’s largest bingo operator.

Gala, which makes the top 20 for the first time, is spread across 167 sites nationwide and employees fulfil roles ranging from bingo caller to human resources manager. The pressure on staff at work is practically nonexistent — Gala topped the 20 best big companies list for having a fair workload and realistic deadlines. With a 71% positive score for staff believing they can make a valuable contribution to Gala’s success, it is a full house for every one of them.

Peter Winterton is a caller at the Wednesbury club and has been Gala caller of the year for the past two years. He says: “It’s such an entertaining job. There are no two days the same; and once you get into it, it is very difficult to leave. I can say, hand on heart, I look forward to work when I get up every day.”

Only one company scored better than Gala (78% positive) for the absence of stress-related symptoms in the past year.

Managing director Steve McKenna believes happy staff means happy customers. He says: “We don’t provide a product, people just come here to have a good night and maybe win some money.

So it’s all about the environment. It’s up to our staff to make sure that environment is a pleasant one.”

Pauline Ferguson is a team member at the Surrey Quays club in London. She says: “I can talk to my manager if I have a problem and they can sort it out, even if it’s a personal problem. There are managers who you become attached to, and that’s what workers need.”

An employee opinion survey is conducted every year and results acted upon by each club general manager. There are quarterly staff consultative committees, an annual management conference and McKenna provides his e-mail and phone number for all employees so they can contact him whenever they wish.

Gala’s 72% positive score for management talking openly and honestly with staff earns it another top 10 finish.

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