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At Leighton, fostering an open, feedback-driven workplace culture is at the heart of the company's success. This dynamic business based at The Core at Newcastle Helix believes that employee engagement and growth are central to driving performance and retention.
Nurturing and promoting a positive work culture has been tricky, as 40% of the team works remotely, with the rest based in Newcastle. CEO James Bunting knows all too well the balance of keeping and retaining happy and high-performing employees, especially as a consultancy where much of the team is embedded into client structures.
James Bunting, CEO of Leighton said:
“Our approach at Leighton is simple: listen to our employees, value their input, and support their growth. We believe that when our people succeed, our company succeeds. By fostering a culture of openness and flexibility, we can attract and retain the best talent, which is key to our continued success.”
In Episode 2 of Both Sides of the Desk podcast, CEO James Bunting and senior software engineer Tom Shanan shed light on how feedback and collaboration shape Leighton's culture. Tom, who isn't afraid to share his honest feedback, feels supported in expressing his views - a testament to Leighton’s empowering environment.
Developer Tom’s actions have paved the way for cultural change at Leighton, with many shifts benefiting the whole team. His ‘cheeky’ asks have ranged from taking a sabbatical, pushing for salary increases, and even having a rented desk in the capital. James values feedback that sparks positive change. This prompts a wider discussion between the three about how employees can effect change, the geographic salary divide, and how consultancies can roll out consistent work culture across a remote team.
Feedback-Driven Culture: Leighton has cultivated an environment where open communication is not just encouraged but celebrated. Employees are empowered to provide honest feedback, which is seen as a critical tool for continuous improvement and mutual growth. This has led to stronger relationships between management and staff, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration.
Tailored Career Progression: Leighton recognises the importance of personal and professional growth. When a valued employee, Tom, was headhunted by another company, Leighton responded quickly with a customised career progression plan, including direct mentorship and new project opportunities. This personalised approach not only retained Tom but also reinforced his loyalty to the company.
Flexible Working Arrangements: Understanding the need for work-life balance, Leighton offers flexible working arrangements that cater to individual needs. Whether working from home, a client site, or a rented office space, employees like Tom are supported in choosing the environment where they can perform their best work. Leighton even contributes to the cost of office rentals, demonstrating its commitment to employee well-being.
Employee Empowerment: Leighton’s commitment to empowering its employees extends to allowing them to take bold steps in their careers. Tom successfully negotiated a six-month unpaid leave for personal travel by proactively finding and training his replacement, showcasing the company’s flexibility and trust in its staff.
Adaptation and Innovation: Leighton’s leadership is not only responsive but proactive. Following feedback from employees like Tom, the company has revised its internal processes, including an enhanced referral scheme, to better reflect the contributions of its staff. This adaptability has positioned Leighton as a leader in creating a workplace where employees feel valued and motivated.
John Seager, Estates Director, Newcastle Helix said:
“Leighton's forward-thinking, people-centred approach is not just about getting the job done - it’s about building a sustainable, engaged and empowered workforce, creating an environment where employees like Tom can thrive. We are very pleased that Leighton have been able to build that business here at Newcastle Helix.”
New Podcast Series: Both Sides of the Desk Now available
The evolution of workplace culture is the subject of a new video podcast series, Both Sides of the Desk, where you can listen to how Leighton retain their ambitious tech talent.
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