The 18th annual Amazon Growing Business AwardsAre back with a bang on 30 November, but before then we need your help to determine which business will take the coveted Employer of the Year prize home.
We’ve got a shortlist bursting with innovation, achievement and drive to put staff first and foremost. In this article you get to hear from GekkoAbout why it feels worthy of the accolade, but make sure to check out the other seven companies vying for your vote before making a selection.
The Gekko Employer of the Year reader pitch
Gekko is one of the top ten field marketing and experiential agencies in the UK, and the leading IT and technology brand specialist. Gekko have 14 years of experience working in the IT and technology sector, supporting global brands including Apple, Acer, Epson and Google. Gekko’s own internal training program Fit for Gekko ensures all staff are constantly developing their skills to improve their learning.
Gekko employees are able to sign up to any of the regular sessions, which include soft skills (e.g. Microsoft Office) and motivational training. On top of this, staff are offered funded industry qualifications and external courses. Personal development is a key focus of Gekko’s employee review program. Each six-month review focusses on a development plan for the next six months, identifying areas for improvement and areas where skills can be expanded.
The company’scommitment to our employees has ensured that our staff turnover rate is below average for the industry. The average employment duration is five years, with several employees having been with the business since the beginning. Gekko’s three’stage recruitment process phone interview, assessment day, and face-to-face interview ensures all staff are a perfect fit for the campaign. To really engage with consumer on the shop floor, our staff need to be both knowledgeable on the product and confident enough to make the sale. Gekko recruitment process ensures that all staff meet these requirements, offering our clients the best possible personnel to make their campaign a success.
We work closely with all of its clients, so much so that many brands see Gekko as an integral part of the marketing structure. Career development is major objective for Gekko, as offering our clients the best possible staff helps to foster a positive relationship and get the best results. Many staff who work for Gekko eventually move into position working for a client brand, demonstrating the strength of Gekko personnel, and the excellent training and development programs offered to staff.
Gekko is committed to creating a friendly and engaging work environment for all employees whether head office or field based. Regular company days out ensure that employees are able to have some fun and bond outside of the office. The Gekko Social Fund is a particularly innovative technique used by our teams, allocating a small fund controlled by employees to spend each month on social events.
The firm’s financial growth is directly linked to our employees though our company bonus scheme, which offers a share of increased company turnover to each employee at the end of the financial year. Additionally, extra birthday days off, free gym memberships and a statutory pension are all benefits every Gekko employee receives. As an equal opportunities employer, and an ISO and Investor in People certified business, Gekko strives to encourage diversity wherever possible in the business. Likewise, Gekko encourages ethical practice in the business, committing to its green policy (recycling, ensuring suppliers are ethical), and also supporting local businesses to promote a prosperous local area.
Have a look at the other Employer of the Year shortlisted businesses:
Make your vote count by picking your favourite for the Employer of the Year category at the 2016 Amazon Growing Business Awards below.
