Stockton boss Dean Benson offers free protein shakes and unlimited holidays to his staff

Unlimited holidays, free breakfasts and protein shakes have all helped lift productivity at a Stockton eCommerce company.

Visualsoft doesn’t have a Human Resources department - it’s referred to as Happy Relations, says chief executive Dean Benson.

Addressing more than 100 delegates at the Tees Valley Business Club, Mr Benson said: “We don’t refer to our people as resources.”

Staff at the company can work from wherever they like and take as much time off as they want, when they want - as long as the firm’s standards are maintained.

And the flexible working policy has paid off, with staff from Google and Paypal approaching the company for work.

Mr Benson was speaking at the Riverside Stadium about the benefits of creating a happy working environment.

He said: “We ask staff what they want and if it increases happiness, we think it will increase productivity.

“In recent months, we’ve began offering unlimited holidays, flexi-time, free breakfasts, subsidised gym memberships and protein shakes.

“We want the best people and in recent months staff from Google and Paypal have been coming to us.”

The company, which employs around 160, has set out ambitious plans to double its workforce in the next five years. It has grown at an average rate of 300% per year since it was established in 1998.

Visualsoft also has offices in Newcastle, London and Sydney and works with more than 1,000 clients, including worldwide brands such as Kickers and Gola.

Tees Valley Business Club Chairman, Jane Reynolds said: “Dean definitely got our members talking.

“We are constantly trying to give our business members the tools they need to grow and Visualsoft’s refreshing take on HR was one we wanted our attendees to think about.

“The event was a big hit and places filled up quickly, we had to have a reserve list for this event. Our next one is already quite heavily subscribed so we would urge members and non members who want to come along, to sign up as quickly as possible.”

The next event takes place at the Wilton Centre on March 19 and will include a presentation from Stephen Catchpole of Tees Valley Unlimited and a talk by Joan Louw from GrowthAccelerator.

Jane added: “Joan works as a Business Growth Manager and will present an update on the newly launched Business Growth Service alongside looking at the ways in which GrowthAccelerator can assist businesses in raising finance.”