A culture that means employeers feel heard by partners and senior managers has helped regional law firm Goughs Solicitors secure a place in the prestigious Best Places to Work directory.
Produced by The Sunday Times, the annual report recognises organisations that attain consistently high levels of employee experience and wellbeing.
Its findings are measured by surveying organisations’ employees themselves, which is submitted directly to the publication.
The report’s compilers said the 108 employees at Goughs, which has seven offices across Wiltshire, including in Chippenham, Trowbridge, Melksham and Corsham, felt heard thanks to partners’ and senior management’s open-door policy.
“They are encouraged to network and take autonomy for their own business development, supported by a marketing department that is keen to ensure each colleague’s focus suits personal ambition,” the report continued.
“Generous holiday allowances are among the benefits, along with company-wide quarterly prize draws, private medical insurance, social events and community.”
Goughs’ recognition in the directory follows its inclusion for the past six years in the respected Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 law sector directories for its levels of client care, depth and knowledge of the lawyers and collaboration between the teams.
Goughs HR director Victoria Nash said being included in Best Places to Work 2024 went further as it recognised the efforts the firm made to ensure the positive wellbeing of its people, including setting up an engagement committee post-Covid with four sub-committees – social, ECO, charity and health & wellbeing.
“These have become the voice of our people to move the firm forward in a way that they see fit,” she added.
“We are also proud to support working parents and encourage everyone to have commitments outside the office by offering the benefits of agile working.
“We are lucky enough to be based in the beautiful Wiltshire countryside and part of our culture sees us encouraging our people to get out and explore for the benefit of their mental health and wellbeing.”
Goughs managing partner Matthew Drew said: “As the firm continues to go from strength to strength and develop, both in size and expertise, it is fantastic to see that our people are on this journey with us.
“Part of the firm's success comes from its culture and having a five-year strategic plan which always heavily features our people. I am extremely proud of what the team continues to achieve.”
Established in 1882, Goughs employs more than 100 people providing legal services for both individuals and businesses including divorce & separation, arrangements for children, employment, Wills, Trusts & Probate, commercial & residential property services and real estate & corporate services.
As reported by Bath Business News, Bath-based change management consultancy Nine Feet Tall was also named in the Best Places to Work directory.
