Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers scores coveted HRD Gold Employer of Choice award

Cooper Grace Ward Lawyers (CGW) is extremely proud to be recognised as a Gold Employer of Choice in the 100-499 employees category in Human Resources Director (HRD) magazine’s Employer of Choice Awards for 2017.

CGW also finished strongly in a number of HRD’s award subcategories, including career progression, diversity and inclusion, and work-life balance.

HRD’s annual survey, which rates Australian companies from the perspective of their employees, assesses a wide range of key areas, from remuneration satisfaction through to leadership effectiveness, but essentially focuses on team engagement.

Companies vying for this year’s title of Employer of Choice were from a range of industries from banking to health, hospitality, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals, professional services and more.

Chris Ward, Managing Partner, said: ‘Cooper Grace Ward’s culture is one where team members take pride in the quality of their work. They are prepared to go the extra mile to ensure clients get the service they desire or more. This extra commitment to service has been reflected in CGW being recognised as the top law firm and top professional service firm for our size in Australia and New Zealand via accolades such as this HRD Gold Employer of Choice award and our recent double win at the Financial Review Client Choice Awards.’

Neil Baker, Director of People and Culture, said: ‘The HRD Gold Employer of Choice award win is particularly pleasing as it is voted for by our own team and pitches us against other impressive organisations. It’s also extremely pleasing for our leadership team, who execute the strategy to make an award like this happen.’

Janet Wilson, CEO, said: ‘Cooper Grace Ward embarked on the journey to become an employer of choice/ best employer a number of years ago and has, in fact, been recognised in this space by a number of external parties, including AON Hewitt as Best Employer.

‘More recently, however, the firm has renewed its vigour around developing a strong employee proposition. While team members always participate in our business planning and strategic planning sessions, more recently we have involved them to a greater degree by explaining greater background to the decisions and the objectives the firm is pursuing. Along with that, we have set up taskforces around the key business imperatives and invited our team to participate in those taskforces.

‘This personal involvement and engagement with the firm’s business strategy and developing particular actions to help achieve that business strategy has, I think, gone a long way to assisting Cooper Grace Ward achieve this award.’