Benjy Leslie, the CEO and founder of Connect Management, a leading social-first talent agency, is gaining attention across the UK for his extraordinary approach to employee recognition, spending a remarkable £20,000 on Christmas gifts for his team. Among the lavish rewards were Rolex watches, luxurious holidays to the Maldives, and exclusive trips to Disneyland Paris. His generosity has earned him the affectionate title of the ‘UK’s best boss.’
Leslie, who founded Connect Management in 2020 after leaving a career in advertising, firmly believes in the power of incentivizing his employees. He attributes the company’s success and an impressive 89% staff retention rate to creating a motivated and happy workforce. “I love giving back,” Leslie said. “Business owners sit on huge amounts of profit, but for me, it’s about sharing my gratitude. Without a happy team, you can’t have profits.”
A Culture of Reward and Gratitude
In addition to extravagant holidays, Leslie has introduced the ‘Santa Leslie Incentive,’ a daily tradition where employees who generate the most revenue that day are given the opportunity to choose a special gift, ranging from high-end items like Rolex watches to everyday treats like iPhones and Celebrations chocolates.
Leslie, who is expecting his influencers to generate £18 million in revenue this year, said, “I give a holiday away every month. It’s like a tombola. The more revenue you deliver, the bigger slice of the pie you get.” This initiative has become a signature part of his leadership style, as he aims to create a buzz and keep his employees engaged.
Team Unity and Productivity
Despite his generous gestures, Leslie insists on a structured office environment, encouraging his team to work from the office rather than remotely. He argues that working from home can be isolating and less productive. To foster a fun and positive atmosphere, Leslie has implemented daily team-building activities, including morning games and a weekly gratitude session where each employee must express thanks to a colleague.
“I want to make sure that we’re creating a positive and energetic environment,” Leslie explained. “On Fridays, we do gratitude. Everyone has to say something they’re thankful for. It’s a reminder to slow down in this fast-paced world.”
The Power of Loyalty and Hard Work
Leslie’s approach to leadership extends beyond monetary rewards. He emphasizes the importance of building genuine relationships with employees and setting high expectations. “I expect a lot from my team,” he said. “They understand what needs to be done. But we hire the right people. I believe if I treat people well, they’ll work harder for me.”
His most recent holiday incentive saw the entire team enjoy a magical Christmas trip to Disneyland Paris. “It was a thank you for everything,” Leslie said. “It was magical.” Through these efforts, Leslie has cultivated a loyal, motivated team that feels valued and invested in the company’s success.
As Connect Management continues to thrive, Benjy Leslie remains committed to sharing the fruits of his success with those who help make it possible, proving that a little generosity can go a long way in building employee loyalty and fostering a positive work environment.