Lead 365 Awarded For Best Place to Work & Best Place to Work for Development & Wellbeing.

Last year, Lead 365 dipped its toes into the Great Place to Work certification pool to ensure we were serving up a top-notch culture to our employees and to shout about it.

During the certification process, all our staff filled out a 30-question survey. The results? A whopping 100% of our team agreed that Lead 365 is indeed a great place to work, which is a huge win in itself! Plus, 100% of our staff are willing to go the extra mile, and everyone agrees that equal opportunities abound here, which was fantastic to hear!

After receiving our Great Place To Work 2024 Certification, we were invited to their formal awards ceremony in March, held at The JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London and hosted by the fabulous Katherine Ryan. With the whole team suited and booted, we had an absolute blast and were announced as the 33rd Best Place To Work! Considering this was our first rodeo with awards and the whole Great Place To Work concept, we were pretty thrilled with the result.

Not long after, we found out that Lead 365 was in the running for the Best Place For Development and the Best Place For Well-being awards, which were set to be announced later in the year. Fast-forward, and Lead 365 has now been awarded the 38th Best Place to Work for Development and the 47th Best Place to Work for Well-being. Which, obviously, we’re absolutely delighted with!

But let’s be honest, 33rd place isn’t quite number one… unless you’re really shit at maths. So, we’re gunning for that top spot, especially now that our team of eighteen is ready to shout about Lead 365’s excellence! Great Place To Work 2025, we’re coming for you!

What your desk set-up says about you

Clean or clutter, coffee cups or cans… Here’s what the state of your desk says about you.

The Three or more Screens:

One of these screens is used for Netflix on a daily basis. 

The Used Cafe Table:

You’ve got a caffeine addiction and had your mum clean up after you your entire life.

The Clean Girl Era:

You love an Excel spreadsheet, your notes are colour-coordinated and you NEVER have a greasy hair day.

Clutter Queen:

You thrive under pressure, turn up to meetings 10 minutes late and defo have some gone off food somewhere on your desk.

The Empty Desk:

You work from home 99% of the time to the point you no longer have an office chair.

The Themed Desk:

Your favourite time of day is when random tangents happen so that you can slot in a random fact about your favourite film series that no one needs, nor wanted to know.

The Influenced Desk:

You have a TikTok shop addiction, love playing corporate dress up and film ‘spend the day at the office with me’ TikToks weekly.

The Snack Stasher:

You’re defo an only child and never learnt how to share.

The Mantlepiece:

You’re happily married with two kids, and your favorite topic of conversation is either your children or your partner.

The Piles of Paperwork:

This is both a cry for help and a filing cabinet.

Gen Z Slang & Their Meanings

As I’m sure you’re aware, Gen Z has a language of its own, and as a fellow Gen Z’er myself, it’s easy to forget that my ancient co-workers don’t always understand my lingo.

So, to make things a little easier for all of you old and confused Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials, I’ve put together a basic dictionary so you no longer have to secretly Google the new-found terminology mid-conversation with your younger co-workers to understand what the hell is going on.

Hope it helps x

1: Slay – Very impressive 

That presentation was such a slay”

2: Slaps – Soooooooo good

“This KFC lunch absolutely slaps”

3: Ick – Such a turn off

“He decided to do a cartwheel infront of me… It gave me the ick”

4: Sus – Suspicious 

“He’s acting sus”

5: Salty – Being bitter

“Don’t be salty I got the last waffle”

6: Boujee – Fancyyyyy

“OMG, your new bag is so boujee”

7: No Cap – No lie

“He told me I was getting a 50k payrise, no cap”

8: Cheugy – Out of season

“Skinny jeans… Thats so cheugy

9: Low Key – On the down-low 

“Party at mine, but keep it low-key”

10: Say Less – Yeah I get it

“Facebook ad needed asap? Say less”

11: Tea – Gossip

“I’ve got some piping hot tea about…”

12: Clout – Doing something to get yourself noticed

“You posted that pic with them for the clout”

13: Woke – Aware of social events

“Stay woke”

14: Simp – Does anything for someone

“Making me four coffees a day, aww you simp”

15: Bet – OK

16: Facts – True

“That’s straight up factsssss”

17: Clap Back – A comeback 

“She clapped back”

18: Glow up – An improvement in someones appearance

“The blonde hair is such a glow up”

19: Ate – To do something well

Her outfit ateeeeeeee”

20: Bussin – This food is so good

“These chicken nuggets are BUSSIN”

21: Delulu – Delusional 

“She thinks she’s getting a 50k pay rise, shes delulu”

22: Gagged – Too stunned to speak

“I’m gagged”

23: IYKYK – If you know, you know

24: Mid – Nothing special

“He’s pretty mid”

25: Periodt – Full stop

“You slayed that, periodt”

26: Karen – An entitled, rude person

“Don’t be a Karen”

How We’ve Crafted the Ultimate Working Environment

Straight from a Certified ‘Great Place To Work’ 😏

The days of the stuffy, old-fashioned office setting seem to be numbered. Gone are the days of bland, white-washed walls, dreary cubicles, and that lone health and safety poster trying to inject some colour into the workspace. If you’re anything like me—a bit of a LinkedIn stalker—chances are you’ve spent a fair bit of time browsing through those ‘our new office tours,’ admiring the shiny new Instagram-worthy workspaces decked out with the latest tech and trendiest perks.

But let’s ask the real question: Does having prosecco on tap, funky chairs, and a relaxed dress code automatically translate to an amazing working environment?

Unfortunately, it seems like many businesses equate their office space with their culture—a notion that’s only partially true. Because let’s face it, even if your office boasts its own theme park, if the boss is a bit of a prat and makes work feel like a trip to the underworld, well, your workplace is still a trip to the underworld—it just happens to have its own theme park.

So, here’s our take on how we’ve managed to create what we reckon is a top-notch working environment. We’ve even bagged ourselves the title of one of the UK’s Best Places To Work and got the trophy to prove it. Plus, we’re not shy to boast—we’re also on the shortlist for four upcoming company culture awards.

We reckon Lead 365 offers some of the best company perks out there. Our staff perks are so good they’d probably put boomers into a coma just from hearing about them. So, brace yourselves, boomers, as we spill the tea:

Unlimited Paid Holiday:

You heard it right, unlimited! None of that counting down the days till your next break or planning your entire year around the twenty-something days typically given elsewhere. Our CEO knows that happy, well-rested employees are the key to success. So, go ahead, jet off to Bali or binge-watch Netflix guilt-free for a week—just make sure to bring back some sweets as a token of appreciation, yeah?

Team Events:

As much as we’d love to leave our team chained to their desks all day, we know that’s not the recipe for success. That’s why we make sure our team gets rewarded both in and out of the office. Team events are our jam. Every month, we switch off the screens and hit the town for some good old-fashioned team bonding. Darts, mini-golf, escape rooms—you name it, we’ve done it. And of course, every outing ends with a big team meal. It’s super fun, usually competitive (thanks, Ian), and always a good laugh.

The Office Space:

Okay, it may be somewhat hypocritical, but we can’t talk about Lead 365 without mentioning our epic office space. Our purpose-built, 6000 sq ft solar-panelled sanctuary in Quedgeley, not to mention the most eco-friendly office in Gloucester, is fully equipped for all our staff’s needs. Forget stale coffee and dodgy butter you may get elsewhere—our kitchen is stocked with all the breakfast, snacks, drinks, and lunch options you could ever want. And let’s not forget about our office bar.

Whether it’s a midweek pick-me-up or a Friday wind-down, we’ve got the booze to fuel your celebrations. Oh, and did we mention the ping pong table and Mario Kart station? Yeah, we take our fun seriously around here (theres even a score spreadsheet – credit to Liv).

The Workplace Vibe:

At Lead 365, we pride ourselves in fostering a workplace environment that stands out. While some may raise an eyebrow at our claim, the reality speaks volumes. We’re not just a team—we’re a tightly-knit group. Unlike traditional workplaces where hierarchy reigns supreme, our CEO and Director are right there next to us, not in a fancy office tucked away elsewhere. The entire team operates as one cohesive unit, promoting collaboration and support at every turn. This inclusive approach is further reinforced by our open-door policy, ensuring that every voice is not only heard but valued. Our ‘wear what you want’ policy adds another layer of comfort and individual expression, setting the tone for a relaxed and authentic atmosphere. Witnessing our CEO and Director stroll in wearing joggers serves as a daily reminder that we’re encouraged to be ourselves.

Our commitment to flexibility extends beyond attire. We recognise that life can be unpredictable. That’s why we offer flexible working hours, allowing our team to tailor their schedules to fit their personal needs. Whether it’s starting a bit later to accommodate school drop-offs or opting for a hybrid work arrangement, we strive to accommodate every individual’s unique circumstances. At Lead 365, it’s not just about clocking in and out—it’s about finding the balance that works best for you.

Social Responsibility:

We love having a laugh, but we’ve also got big hearts. Corporate responsibility isn’t just a buzzword for us—it’s a way of life. Every year, we rally together to support charities and give back to our community. Whether it’s showering shelter animals with love or bringing smiles to kids in the hospital, we’re always ready to spread a little joy.

Lead 365 Announces 2024 Charity Partnership with Jessie May

Lead 365 is thrilled to announce its charity partnership for 2024 with Jessie May, an esteemed children’s at-home hospice charity based in the South West. This marks a meaningful extension of our corporate social responsibility efforts as we continue to support impactful local causes.

Jessie May was founded in 1994 by Chris and Philippa Purrington after they lost their baby daughter, Jessica, to severe Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Jessica’s care at home during her illness inspired the Purringtons to ensure other families with life-limiting conditions could receive similar support because, after all, ‘there’s no place like home‘. Through their dedication and hard work, Jessie May officially launched in 1996 and has been supporting families in need since.

For many of us at Lead 365, Jessie May’s mission resonates deeply. As parents ourselves, we understand the importance of providing compassionate care and support to children and their families in the comfort of their own homes. The charity’s tireless efforts and dedication to making a difference tugged at our heartstrings and compelled us to lend our support.

Over the years, Jessie May has supported over 300 families and built an incredible team of fourteen carers. However, the need for their services continues to grow, and we are committed to helping them extend their reach and impact even further. We can’t wait to join them on their journey.

Here’s some of our biggest office pet peeves… How many do you agree with?

From singing loudly to tuna salads for lunch, we’ve seen it all.

Let’s be honest, if you’re stuck in an office with people for eight hours a day, eventually, someone or something is bound to get under your skin. Whether it’s them bringing a tuna salad for lunch or going through a hippie stage and deciding that deodorant is the work of the devil, blessing everyone with their odour.

We asked around our team for their biggest office irritants. See how many you agree with (btw if you think any of these are a personal attack, check yourself):

Leaving food in the office:

People who open a pack of some form of food and leave it open in the fridge are doing the devil’s work. It’s inevitable that this food will get ignored and left for at least a week, so thanks to you, the fridge now stinks and let’s be honest, you were never gonna reach back for that sandwich, so bin it, please.

Singing loudly:

We can understand a little head bob, maybe a hum or whistle to the chorus, but respectfully – no one wants to hear your personal interpretation of One Direction at nine in the morning, even more so when you don’t actually know the lyrics. So, respectfully, shut up.

Getting your feet out:

You’d think this one’s a joke, but sadly, it’s not. Bare feet sightings (yes, bare, no socks in sight) in the office are real. Sorry, but keep those shoes on – this isn’t a beach, and we’re not here to admire your pedicure or lack thereof.

Coffee left on the desk:

“The cleaning fairies are on strike”

If you’ve been sipping out of it all day, it’s yours – put it in the dishwasher.

Ignoring/ not loading the dishwasher:

Similar to the above, if your cup is dirty, PUT IT IN THE DISHWASHER, not on the side, not in the sink – THE DISHWASHER!

You’re also an awful person if you ignore a finished dishwasher. Just take the mugs out. It’s not difficult.

Chewing loudly:

It should be a given, but respectfully, no one wants to see or hear what you’re eating, K.

People with awful music taste’s playing DJ:

Just because you’re a metalhead at 9 am doesn’t mean everyone else is. The same goes for musicals, tween pop & drum and bass. I’m already internally screaming, so I don’t need the additional external noise in my ears.

Celebrating Together: Lead 365’s Exciting Nomination for Best Use of Data at 2024 UK DEA Awards

Celebrating Together: Lead 365's Exciting Nomination for Best Use of Data at 2024 UK DEA Awards

Celebrating Together: Lead 365’s Exciting Nomination for Best Use of Data at 2024 UK DEA Awards


We’ve always told ourselves we’re award worthy… But now we have the shortlisting to prove it!

Lead 365 are proud to share that we’re a finalist for the 2024 UK Data Excellence Awards ‘Best Use of Data’, & we’re not one to brag, but, we’re pretty good with data, and the fact we’re a finalist for the first award we’ve ever entered is making our heads even bigger, so it’s safe to say we’re pretty ecstatic for this recognition.

Why it’s Cool: We’re not just into data; we’re rocking it! Using fancy tech like AI and machine learning, we’re turning data into actionable insights. It’s not just about optimising our own processes – it’s about leading the pack and making a real impact on the industry and to the consumers we help.

Putting You First: This nomination isn’t just about us; it’s about you too! Our data-driven approach is all about understanding what you need. By analysing behaviours and preferences, we’re making sure our products and services fit you like a glove. Your satisfaction is what makes us tick!

Doing Things Right: We’re not just data enthusiasts; we’re responsible ones (in data that is, we can’t confirm otherwise). Data security and playing by the rules are our jam. We believe in doing right by our customers and stakeholders, always. Ask industry leading auditors DQM about our Gold Standard approach to data security.

What’s Next: The awards ceremony is right around the corner, and we’re pumped! This nomination isn’t just a pat on the back for what we’ve done; it’s a promise that we’re going to keep leading the data game. Get ready for more innovation, more excellence, and more Lead 365! It’s amazing to look at other nominees from amazing businesses at the DEA. AWIN, Jaguar Landrover, BT we look forward to meeting you and all the great companies who are finalists.

Also; The 57 on Heinz ketchup bottles represents the number of varieties of pickles the company once had. That’s quite cool!

 

#Lead365 #DataExcellence #DEA2024