O2 recognised as one of the ‘Best Workplaces’ in the UK

London, 18 May 2006 – O2 (UK & Airwave) today announces that it has been listed in the top 50 places to work by the Financial Times 2006 ‘Best Workplaces’ Special Report, in conjunction with the Great Place to Work Institute.   O2 is ranked as 26th best place to work in the UK in the first year of participation. O2 is also one of only three companies with more than 10,000 employees to be awarded the ‘Best Place to Work’ accolade this year.   The report is based on extensive research of company employees, assessing workplace culture, practices and employee sentiment towards their employers. The ‘Best Workplaces’ accolade is awarded to the 50 companies that achieve the best scores.   All of O2’s UK business units participated in the survey, which includes O2’s calls centres, retail outlets and the emergency services communications company O2 Airwave.   O2 prides itself on a culture that gives its employees tremendous opportunities to contribute to the company both internally and to the broader community as well.  When asked 82 per cent of O2 people say they feel proud to be a part of the company because they are challenged and are given the opportunity to make a difference. Matthew Key, CEO O2 UK commented: “I’m delighted that O2 has been recognised as one of the top 50 places to work in the UK. We’re committed to making sure that O2 is not only a place where it makes financial and professional sense for people to work, but also gives them a great sense of pride to do so too. After all, our success is driven by our people, who are a reflection of a unique culture which thrives off a ‘can do’ spirit.   O2 believes that empowering people to do well in their jobs and to enjoy their work in a healthy and safe environment makes good business sense. To this end the company aims to give its employees a safe, well-balanced and stimulating workplace, supporting and energising them in everything they do. For example, O2 has an extensive Health and Well-being programme in place called Balance which consists of three strands covering nutrition, exercise, and well-being.