Logica

The overview

Logica is a UK-based IT and business services company. It specialises in providing other firms with expertise in IT consultancy, systems integration (helping customers to make sure new and existing IT systems function together correctly) and outsourcing (taking on peripheral work, eg pay roll or accounting, so firms can concentrate on the key issues in their business). The industries it serves include:

• Commercial and transport
• Financial services
• Energy utilities and telecoms
• Public sector
• Space and defence

It has built partnerships with other large players in the IT business, such as Microsoft, SAP and Oracle, and uses the resulting know-how to help its clients, many of a considerable size. These have included Network Rail, BAE Systems, Airbus, E.ON, the UK Ministry of Defence, Volvo and NATO.

Global presence

The company employs almost 40,000 people worldwide and in 2011 had an annual turnover of £3.9 billion. The firm has set up subsidiaries in many different countries, thereby maintaining a global presence. Historically, these subsidiaries have tended to be based in Europe, but the firm is now throwing its net further, and recently expanded its operations in India with the construction of a new office in Chennai.

Diverse projects

Logica has been involved with the development and control of many high-tech projects over the years, from the development and processing of text messages, to smart metering systems, to the control of orbiting satellites and space probes.

Logica's projects have included work on satellites and space probes.

It has also been involved with the construction of the system which handles most of the world’s foreign exchanges. It aims to be a key player in cloud computing, which allows users to access remotely stored data from any machine around the world, thereby freeing customers from the restrictions imposed by having to maintain and arrange connections to fixed storage.

Rankings and awards

• Listed in FTSE 250.
• Ranked 15th in The Sunday Times Best Green Company Awards 2010.
• Finalist at The Economist’s 2009 Carbon Economy Summit.
• Ranked 15th in the Vault IT Consulting 25 in 2011.
• Included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, within the technology super sector.

Salary and benefits

Starting salary for roles in the PTS division: £26,000.

Starting salary for roles in the outsourcing services divison: £21,600.

Other perks

• 25 days’ holiday per annum
• Interest-free season ticket loan
• Subsidised sports and social club
• Contributory pension scheme
• Home purchase assistance scheme
• Family medical insurance
• Sick pay/income protection insurance
• Life assurance

Employee recognition

Since 2009, Logica has run an employee recognition scheme called the Logica Diamond Awards, to reward individuals for outstanding achievements within the business. In 2010, 58 employees were selected for the awards.

Culture and values

Logica has 3 core values by which it characterises its working culture:

• Committed
• Innovative
• Open

There is a strong emphasis on collaboration and networking at Logica; candidates should bear in mind that this likely means it is looking for applicants with excellent teamwork and communication skills.

Though Logica expects employees to be committed, it is keen to emphasise that this does not mean neglecting a personal life; the company says it aims to foster a good work/life balance, and most current and former members of staff agree that this effort has been successful.

Working hours at Logica

One of the top benefits cited by employees is the company’s flexible working policy, which allows them to effectively choose their own hours (within reason). For many staff members, there is also the option of working from home, or working at a client site for the duration of a project.

After hours

Employees say there is a strong sense of community among the graduate population and that previous intakes tend to welcome and support newcomers. This welcome also extends to after-work activities, including pub trips, poker evenings, and other events designed for graduates to get to know each other.

The company itself runs a subsidised sports and social club for all its employees, which organises a number of different events, including:

• Regular team activities, like five-a-side football.
• The Armchair Treasure Hunt, a game involving web-based clues and puzzles leading players to a secret location in England.
• The Logica World Cup, a football tournament held at various locations worldwide (eg. the Hague in the Netherlands in 2011).
• Clubs and societies, such as a wine tasting society

Internal support and interaction

Current Logica graduates say they have had a lot of support from their colleagues, and that there is a lot of scope for shaping their own career path through speaking to managers. There are also channels for contacting chief executive Andy Green - most notably the ‘Tell Andy’ facility on the company intranet, which invites employees to post comments or suggestions. Green also writes a personal blog, available on the intranet, where staff interaction is encouraged.

Key statistics

According to Logica’s 2010 report:

• The proportion of women in senior management positions was 11.8% worldwide. The company notes that it is working to increase this figure.
• Employee turnover was 14%.
• 3% of employees were involved in volunteer work, surpassing the company’s 2% target.
• 79% of employees had a performance review during the year.