Every business can learn from Best Employers - and it's not just about the trophies, writes Alex Pearce, director of assessment at Eras.

Best Employers is a hugely worthwhile initiative and we at Eras Ltd, having provided the questionnaire and technology expertise for the project since it first began back in 2012, are proud to offer it our full support.

Our culture and engagement survey has formed the backbone of the venture since its earliest days, but we're delighted to say that it continues to get better and better and participants this year will find it easier than ever to use.

Yes, there is an awards ceremony at the end of it for organisations especially valued by their employees (there are a number of categories so a smart trophy could be yours) but it's about so much more than that.

As a benchmarking exercise, it is unequalled. Specifically, Best Employers truly lets employers see 'where they stand' compared to others in the East Anglia region.

Are they unusually innovative? Do they go out of their way to help their customers? Perhaps they are not as committed to developing their staff as their counterparts?

It's a fascinating journey and, if it can seem a little scary, ask yourself this: whatever the findings reveal, wouldn't you rather know than remain in the dark?

Frequently, those taking part are pleasantly surprised: their employees value them more highly than they had realised. Though we may be going through uncertain economic times, there is no reason to assume that everyone is unhappy!

Many of those taking part feel a warm glow at just how motivated and engaged their employees actually are. And, in the past, even those who found their employees were not as engaged as they'd like them to be, have been able to act on the findings and achieve some spectacular improvements.

What makes for a truly great culture? Well, there's no 'one size fits all' solution but it's certainly a regular finding that, as far as individual employees are concerned, having a line manager you respect and can work closely with is one of the biggest motivating factors in the workplace.

People are also engaged by having access to the senior team of decision-makers in their organisation, whoever these may be.

One thing's for certain: this year's participants are in for some very detailed and very illuminating revelations. As for the prizes… well, who knows?

Alex Pearce is director of assessment at Eras Ltd.