Benjy Leslie, the CEO and founder of Connect Management, the largest social-first talent agency, has made headlines by being named the ‘UK’s best boss’ after treating his staff to lavish Christmas gifts and luxury holidays. Leslie believes that by treating his employees well, they are more motivated to excel in their work. The entrepreneur’s festive generosity includes spending £20,000 on Christmas gifts for his team and rewarding them with trips to the Maldives and Disneyland Paris.
Leslie’s approach to employee appreciation goes beyond traditional gifts. He introduced a unique ‘Santa Leslie incentive’ where the team member who generates the most revenue each day gets to choose a present, with options including Rolex watches. According to Leslie, creating a positive work environment and showing gratitude to his staff is paramount. He emphasises the importance of sharing his success and profits with his team, which has resulted in an impressive 89% staff retention rate.
Having left his advertising job in 2019 to establish Connect Management in 2020, Leslie has been dedicated to rewarding his team as the business grows. He believes in the principle that the more incentives and rewards employees receive, the harder they will work. From monthly holiday giveaways to daily luxury prize picks, Leslie keeps the energy and excitement high in the office.
Leslie’s leadership style extends to creating a vibrant office environment where staff come in daily to foster teamwork and camaraderie. He encourages fun activities like morning games and gratitude sessions to show appreciation for one another’s efforts. Recently, Leslie took his entire team to Disneyland Paris as a thank you gesture for their hard work throughout the year.
In summary, Benjy Leslie’s approach to employee appreciation sets a shining example for workplace culture. His commitment to fostering a positive and rewarding environment not only boosts morale but also cultivates a dedicated and loyal team. By prioritising staff well-being and recognition, Leslie shows that investing in employees ultimately leads to business success and a harmonious work environment.