Roadchef, one of the leading Motorway Service Area (MSA) operators in the UK, has been awarded 2-star accreditation in the latest Best Companies to Work For list, reflecting its outstanding commitment to workplace engagement.
Roadchef, which has 30 sites nationwide, was nominated for the Top 25 Best Big Companies to Work For award, Best Companies in the Hospitality and Leisure Sector. The motorway services operator was recognised as the best place to work in Scotland and was regionally recognised in the East Midlands, North East, North West, Scotland, South East, South West, Wales and West Midlands for the Best Companies recognition. Roadchef won the Wellbeing Award and was nominated for Best Improver, Mark Fox, their CEO, was also shortlisted for Best Leader.
This accolade, revealed yesterday (7th November) at the Best Companies Big Reveal event, sees Roadchef ranked as the 4th best large company in the UK and 5th-best in the hospitality and leisure sector. Roadchef has improved its BCI score from Best Companies by 25.1 points, with sites including Durham, Annandale Water, Chester, Hamilton, Killington, Norton Canes, Sandbach, Stafford, Rownhams, Watford Gap, and Strensham all achieving 3-star accreditation.
Roadchef has implemented new and innovative support packages to improve and enhance employee engagement and well-being. These include community pantries, interest-free hardship loans supporting those in need, and breakfast clubs for all employees..
Mental Health First Aiders have also been increased, and flexible shifts to help part-time workers and parents have been introduced. Employees are also involved in improving business processes through project teams, and a new DEI forum which promotes inclusion. Additionally, a career pathway tool supports employee growth, while the launch of a new leadership development programme enables managers to grow their personal skills and improve their leadership contribution.
Roadchef has seen tangible results from these initiatives. Staff turnover rates were reduced by 20% year on year. Employee turnover was reduced by over 10% within the first 90 days of employment. Additionally, the business has improved stability in the workforce, with over 41% of our employees having worked for the business for over two years.
Mark Fox, CEO at Roadchef, commented: “We are committed to becoming one of the best employers in the UK. This latest recognition of our efforts marks a culmination of efforts that have been several years in the making. Since partnering with Best Companies in 2020, we've consistently improved employee engagement, which is a testament to the work done throughout the business. We fundamentally believe that putting people at the heart of the business is key to our long-term success. We're seeing tangible benefits with our staff turnover rate improving despite challenges across the industry.”
Laura Bunn, HR Director at Roadchef, added: “We’ve focused on creating a culture where our employees enjoy coming to work. In tough times, building a workplace where people feel fulfilled and have career opportunities is vital. We’re thrilled with this accreditation and remain dedicated to making Roadchef one of the best places to work in the UK.”
The Best Companies to Work For accreditation programme is the leading UK assessor of workplace engagement, recognising organisations and managers who genuinely value and respect their employees. The b-Heard survey powers the Best Companies to Work For Lists, providing academically rigorous insights and an authoritative list of the best organisations to work for.
Roadchef also earned Investors in People Platinum status in 2023 and a nomination for Best Company Culture at the 2024 IIP Awards, further underscoring its dedication to employee wellbeing and engagement.