Head massage? That will do nicely at Applied Language Solutions: Innovative HR policies keep energy, enthusiasm and commitment high during rapid expansion

Abstract

Purpose

Describes how innovative human‐resource management has helped Applied Language Solutions to grow, in less than three years, from a one‐man operation to a multi‐million‐pound global enterprise, with 54 employees located in six offices around the world.

Design/methodology/approach

Highlights the wide range of benefits available to employees, including a fortnightly 20‐minute massage at work, an annual “duvet” day, birthday off work, free parking, lunches, fruit and corporate work‐wear. Everyone in the company is provided with a laptop and MP3 player. The company also pays for staff to have broadband internet access in their homes.

Findings

Reveals that such benefits have helped the company to recruit good people, at a sufficient speed to meet company expansion, without jeopardizing employees' passion and enthusiasm.

Practical implications

Details HR solutions that could be useful to other firms operating in creative industries where stress levels can be high.

Originality/value

Details one company's unusual approach to keeping stress levels under control in the fast‐pace translation industry.

Citation

(2007), "Head massage? That will do nicely at Applied Language Solutions: Innovative HR policies keep energy, enthusiasm and commitment high during rapid expansion", Human Resource Management International Digest, Vol. 15 No. 2, pp. 10-13. https://doi.org/10.1108/09670730710735681