‘Jersey’s Best Workplace’ is back for its second year – and organisers are keen for local businesses to get involved in the initiative and unlock insights about their teams.
Created by All Island Media and CompassJersey, the employee engagement award aimed to identify the gold standard of staff satisfaction in the island.
During the inaugural competition last year, businesses were benchmarked against each other and received detailed analysis, with the winners revealed in May.
Great culture doesn’t just attract talent – it helps retain and develop it over time
Diane Sumnall, gr8 recruitment
Express has been speaking to previous winners about the benefits of the contest and what it felt like to win.
Gr8 Recruitment came out as Jersey’s Best Workplace runner-up in the ‘small team’ category.
Diane Sumnall, Operations Director for the Channel Islands, reflected on the experience…
What was it like to win an award in the inaugural Jersey’s Best Workplace?
Winning was a genuinely proud moment for us. It was more than a recognition of policies or perks – it was a reflection of our people and the culture we’ve collectively built over time.
Because the awards are based on authentic employee feedback, it felt especially meaningful.
It validated that our team feels seen, supported, and valued, and that means everything.
What motivated you to take part in the first place?
We wanted to be part of something that celebrates positive workplace practices across Jersey, and to see how we measure up through an independent lens.”
More than that, it was an opportunity to give our team a voice – to understand what’s working well and where we can improve.
As a business that’s grown steadily over the years, we’re constantly looking for ways to evolve and adapt, and this scheme aligned perfectly with that mindset.
Did the scheme benefit the firm in gathering employee insight?
Definitely. One of the most valuable takeaways was the honest feedback from our team.”
While we’ve always encouraged open dialogue internally, having structured, anonymous input allowed us to uncover deeper insights – especially around what truly motivates and engages our people.
It confirmed that our culture is built on trust, mutual respect, and belonging and it gave us clear indicators of where we can keep improving.
Will it shape internal practices or strategies going forward?
Without question. The award itself is a proud milestone, but we see it as a starting point for the next stage of our evolution.
The feedback has already informed enhancements to our learning and development pathways, and we’re continuing to focus on wellbeing, flexibility, and inclusive leadership.
It’s also encouraged us to share and celebrate more of what makes our team so unique – because we believe that culture should be nurtured, not left to chance.
Why do you believe fostering a great workplace culture is essential in attracting and retaining top talent in Jersey?
In a community like Jersey, word-of-mouth and reputation matter. People want to work for organisations where they can thrive, be themselves, and grow.
We’re proud to have a diverse team – across age, background, culture, and experience –which not only enriches our workplace but also broadens our perspectives and strengthens our service.
Importantly, many of our team members have been with us for a number of years. That kind of longevity speaks volumes; it creates continuity, stability, and deep institutional knowledge that benefits both the business and our clients.
Great culture doesn’t just attract talent – it helps retain and develop it over time.
Why do you think it is important to understand workplace culture?
Because culture is the lived experience of every person in your organisation.
It’s not just about values on a wall – it’s about how people feel on a Monday morning, how they’re supported through change, how differences are respected, and how success is shared.
By understanding our culture – what defines it, what drives it – we can make more thoughtful, inclusive decisions and ensure that we remain a place where people genuinely want to work.
That understanding is what turns a good company into a great one.
GET INVOLVED…
Top-performing companies will be highlighted in a special Jersey’s Best Workplace publication distributed in print and online through the Jersey Evening Post and Bailiwick Express.
Winners will be honoured at a special awards ceremony in 2026.
In addition to the survey results, compensation and potential to be crowned ‘Jersey’s Best Workplace’, entrants will receive an All Island Media advertising credit and an annual subscription to the digital edition of the Jersey Evening Post.
For more information, and to register, click HERE.