HEAT Limited have received Best Companies 2008 3 Star Status accreditation for outstanding workplace and investment in their people at an award ceremony held on 30 January at the Cumberland Hotel in London.

The elite national accreditation scrutinises workplace engagement and sets a benchmark for other companies.

It follows a 'Michelin Star' system, with companies awarded one star for first class, two stars for outstanding and three stars for extraordinary performance and HEAT are pleased to retain their 3 Star Status for the second year running proving that the company is extraordinary and its all thanks to their employees.

Says Jonathan Austin, Chief Executive, Best Companies:

"I would like to congratulate these companies on their outstanding achievement. Our role at Best Companies is to set a rigorous benchmark so that organisations can become even better employers. This year it is encouraging to see that the number of companies entering the accreditation scheme for excellence in workplace engagement has grown by one third."

The Best Companies survey is designed to measure employee engagement and uses 66 questions to gain a comprehensive view of workplace engagement across eight factors. These are:

Leadership measures how people feel about the head of their organization, the senior management team and the values of the organization.

Well Being measures stress, pressure, the balance between work and home life and the impact of these factors on personal health and performance.

My Manager measures whether people feel supported, trusted and cared for by their immediate manager.

My Team includes encouraging team spirit, feeling part of the company, having fun, and belonging.

My Company focuses on how much people value their company, how proud they are to work there, and whether they make a difference.

Personal Growth examines whether people feel challenged by their job, whether their skills are being utilized and their perceived opportunities for advancement.

Giving Something Back explores how much people think their organization puts back into society and whether they believe this effort is driven by profit motives.

Fair Deal includes how well employees feel they are treated and how their pay and benefits compare to similar organisations.