O2 recognised as one of the ’Best Workplaces’ in the UK

O2 today announces that it has been listed in the top 50 places to work by the Financial Times 2006 ’Best Workplaces’ Special Report, in conjunction with the Great Place to Work Institute.

O2 is ranked as 26th best place to work in the UK in the first year of participation. O2 is also one of only three companies with more than 10,000 employees to be awarded the ëBest Place to Workí accolade this year.

The report is based on extensive research of company employees, assessing workplace culture, practices and employee sentiment towards their employers. The ’Best Workplaces’ accolade is awarded to the 50 companies that achieve the best scores.

All of O2’s UK business units participated in the survey, which includes O2ís calls centres, retail outlets and the emergency services communications company O2 Airwave.

O2 prides itself on a culture that gives its employees tremendous opportunities to contribute to the company both internally and to the broader community as well. With feedback mechanisms like O2ís Employee Forum and OpenVoice, an online anonymous discussion forum, O2ís people are empowered to air their views and change O2 for the better. When asked 82 per cent of O2 people say they feel proud to be a part of the company because they are challenged and are given the opportunity to make a difference.

Matthew Key, CEO O2 UK commented: ìIím delighted that O2 has been recognised as one of the top 50 places to work in the UK. Weíre committed to making sure that O2 is not only a place where it makes financial and professional sense for people to work, but also gives them a great sense of pride to do so too. After all, our success is driven by our people, who are a reflection of a unique culture which thrives off a ëcan doí spirit.

O2 aims to give its employees a safe, well-balanced and stimulating workplace, supporting and enabling them to lead fulfilled lives, both inside and outside of work. In addition to its extensive health and well-being programme, Balance which covers nutrition, exercise, and well-being, O2 also has a number of initiatives that allow its people to make a difference in the community. Examples include community schemes such as the Weston Spirit peer mentoring programme for schools.

O2 also believes in rewarding its employees in ways that they matter to its people, giving them access to a variety of rewards and bonuses ranging from generous share ownership schemes to VIP entrance to O2 events such as O2 Wireless in London and Leeds.