Ten2Two Limited – Winner 2025, Best for All-Round Flexibility
Built from the ground up on the basis that hours worked do not detract from quality, flexibility is ingrained in the culture at Ten2Two. Their dedication to flex not just being a policy but a standard to set for others, is helping them go from strength to strength.
Flexible foundations
Ten2Two was founded on a vision that part-time professionals should be valued for their contribution, not hours. Their goal is to bridge the gap for people with caring responsibilities who want to put their talent to good use in quality jobs, and so flexible working is at the core of what they do. Their work as recruitment consultants is focused on challenging the 9-5 and bringing more employment opportunities to the untapped and underutilised female returner market and professionals seeking a better work/life balance. All staff work remotely and flexibly. Flexible options are made visible on job adverts, and the flexible working charter outlines the why and how behind the policy, highlighting their values and commitment to working flexibly. Ten2Two have used their lived experience to become experts in the sphere, dedicated to helping clients to find flexible solutions.
People-centred practices
Work is allocated through a weekly resourcing meeting, taking into consideration capacity and availability. Managers receive training to design flexible jobs, and to manage agile teams. Monthly face-to-face meetings offer team bonding opportunities, which are encouraged but not mandated. Employees receive 6-month appraisals with clear career progression mapped out, and part-time promotions are commonplace. Everyday practices, such as considerate scheduling of meetings and respect of working hours, bolster the benefits of a flexible approach. Annual employee feedback is used to inform and guide the development of family-friendly working practices.
A culture of support
Ten2Two want employees to feel heard and seen, and aim to cultivate trust and ownership, recognising autonomy in managing workloads. Regular check-ins ensure workload is manageable, and a culture of openness promotes speaking up when an employee is at capacity, with time off in lieu encouraged. Management approach any unexpected life and family events with solution-focused support, and the staff team leans in to provide cover where necessary. A 24/7 employment assistance programme has been introduced to help employees manage life’s pressures.
Measure of success
The success of Ten2Two’s approach speaks for itself, with a 100% retention rate since 2020 and 100% of employees saying they are proud to work for the organisation. The business has been B-Corp Accredited in recognition that it supports those facing barriers to employment, specifically the inability to work full-time due to caring responsibilities.
