Best Companies was launched in 2001 and provides ‘best companies to work for’ lists and company accreditations.
The accreditation provides a “standard for workplace engagement”, and it creates a score between zero and 1,000 based on a survey completed by employees. Depending on the score, firms can secure a one to three star accreditation if it meets certain benchmarks.
The two star accreditation means that the mutual got the second highest standard and secured a score of at least 696.5, and also means it has an “outstanding” commitment to workplace engagement.
The extra days can be used around staff member’s birthdays and is in addition to their current allowance.
Andrew Craddock (pictured), Darlington Building Society’s chief executive, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Darlington Building Society. To be recognised as an outstanding place to work, for the second year running, feels that much more meaningful when the results stem from staff feedback.”
He added that the mutual truly valued its staff and wanted to “provide the most productive working environment for staff to thrive in personally and professionally”.
He pointed to its offer of fully flexible working, paying at least the living wage, staff pensions receive an eight per cent employer contribution, investment in training an development as well as changing branch hours and shifts so staff can get a better work-life balance.
Craddock said: “Often, we do all of this silently. For us it’s business as usual. However, with such a fantastic accolade to share, now is the time to highlight some of the reasons our staff think make Darlington Building Society such a special place to be a part of.”
