Pets at Home has been listed as number one in the Sunday Times’ top 25 ‘Best Big Companies to Work For’ 2013 compilation.
Based on an anonymous employee survey, it was determined that no other company scored higher for questions about managers and colleagues, how people felt about the company, the opportunities for personal growth and the way the business approached ‘giving something back’.
The company, which employs almost 6,000 people, received 48 top-two scores in the 70-point questionnaire, more than double its total from last year.
Employees revealed they were excited about where the organisation is going (78 per cent), with 83 per cent believing they can make a valuable contribution to its success.
92 per cent of Pet at Home employees are pet owners, so come into the business with a level of pet care knowledge. Irrespective of experience and qualifications, all workers have to complete Pets at Home’s training programme to ensure they are offering consistent advice to customers.
Internal promotion is actively encouraged at the company, with 90 per cent of its assistant store managers and area managers having risen through the ranks.
People director Ryan Cheyne said: “Having come so close last year, when we hit the number two spot, it’s a real honour to win this year and a testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone in the Pets at Home team.
“People development is at the heart of our success. We have a step-by-step approach to training through our Pets at Home Academy, which builds knowledge and allows our colleagues to develop specialist skills in areas such as aquatics, reptiles, grooming and pet nutrition.
“We believe that having a team which is so passionate about what they do and investing in their development, is the key to providing great customer service.”
