Technology is a key part of the working day at payments specialist Allpay. The organisation, which employs around 300 people, provides a range of services, including bill payment, prepaid cards and cashless payment systems. Ensuring staff take regular time away from technology, therefore, is actively encouraged throughout the organisation.
Steve Foulger, head of HR at Allpay, explains: “Around half of our staff are in IT with the remainder working in support services, such as our call centre or out on the road. We know they work hard so we encourage them to take time away from their desks throughout the day.”
To support this, employees are not allowed to eat or drink at their desks but are instead encouraged to take coffee and lunch breaks in the restaurant, on the sofas and, weather permitting, outside in the nature reserve the firm has created. It also provides an onsite gym and personal trainer and runs a regular Friday afternoon ‘happy hour’, where employees can take a break over a free luxury beverage and cream cake.
“It’s really important to let our employees have a break and relax,” Foulger adds. “Our organisation started out small back in 1996 and we’re keen to keep the social element. By enabling employees to take time out and talk to one another, as well as benefiting from the break, ideas come that are good for the business.”