‘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.

Express has been speaking to previous winners about the benefits of the contest and what it felt like to win.

Whitmill was named Jersey’s Best Workplace in the ‘medium organisation’ category.

Ashley Cox, managing director of the firm, reflected on the experience…

What was it like to win an award in the inaugural Jersey’s Best Workplace?

Winning the award for Best Medium Sized Workplace was significant for our business and a proud moment for our entire team.

It confirmed the culture we have built together grounded in trust, collaboration and mutual respect. It gave everyone a real sense of shared achievement and demonstrated our shared values matter.

Beyond the certificate, it was a celebration of the daily actions, big and small, that make Whitmill such a great place to work and which have been recognised by others outside of our business including prospective employees.

It has made a difference to how we, and others, feel about Whitmill.

What motivated you to take part in the first place?

We saw the initiative as an opportunity to benchmark ourselves against the best firms in Jersey, to gain independent insight from our people and celebrate what helps to make Whitmill different and special.

More importantly, we wanted our team to have a voice in shaping the future of our workplace and to be part of something that recognises the importance of employee experience in Jersey.

We have learned a lot from the output from the scheme which we are to improve still further. There is no danger of complacency.

Did the scheme benefit the firm in gathering employee insight?

Absolutely. The feedback we received offered both affirmation of what we are doing well and constructive guidance on where we can improve.

It gave us a deeper understanding of our people’s priorities from recognition and wellbeing to opportunities for growth and it helped to provide a clear roadmap for further enhancing engagement and satisfaction.

Will it shape internal practices or strategies going forward?

Yes, and it is already doing so. The results have informed our People Plan for the next 12 months ensuring our priorities reflect the needs of our team.”

The insights have reinforced our focus on open communication, flexible working practices and creating pathways for development and career progression – all of which are now embedded in our near and long-term people strategy.

Why do you believe fostering a great workplace culture is essential in attracting and retaining top talent in Jersey?

In a competitive and close-knit market like Jersey, a great workplace culture is one of the strongest differentiators an organisation can have.

People want to work (and stay!) where they feel valued, supported and where their achievements are recognised being part of something meaningful that adds value.

When culture is strong, employees become ambassadors for the business, helping to attract like-minded, high-calibre talented individuals who will thrive in that environment.

Why do you think it is important to understand workplace culture?

Workplace culture shapes every experience an employee has from their first day to their decision to build a long-term career here.

Understanding it means we can ensure that we preserve the things that make Whitmill special, while evolving to meet the needs of our people as they change over time.

Culture is never static; by keeping a close eye on it, we ensure Whitmill remains a business where people are motivated to do their best work and are proud to be part of the Whitmill team.

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.