JOB satisfaction is one thing - loving your job is another, and Elaine Greaves does!

Having worked for Westbury, one of the leading house builders in Wales and the UK for 20 years, she is one of the longest-standing members of its Welsh team, and would not even contemplate leaving.

It is no surprise after such an accolade to discover that homebuilder Westbury made it for the second time in to The Sunday Times Top 100 Companies To Work For in 2004.

Elaine, a part-time sales negotiator joined Westbury in 1984 when the head office in Cardiff was in the upstairs of a show home. In that time she has witnessed and indeed been part of the company's growth and development.

Elaine said, "Westbury is an excellent company to work for, I've always enjoyed my job as I get to do what I love - talk to and meet new people."

One of the elements securing Westbury's place in the top 100 is the personal growth of staff. Elaine commented, "Everyday is different, you never have the opportunity to become bored or complacent as every time you move to a new site it's like starting a new job"

Currently based at Westbury's David's Wharf at Barry Waterfront, Elaine continued, "The introduction of new ranges, styles and customised home solutions mean there is also a great variety of the products on offer and to promote."

Well-being is essential to the happiness of staff, which entails the difficult task of striking the perfect balance of working and family life. Elaine, mother of two, said, "Part time work fits in with my family life - ensuring I get the best of both worlds; luckily Westbury operates a family-friendly policy."

"My happiness in the work place comes from great camaraderie with the girls in the office and a lot of laughter."

There are definitely no 'David Brents' working in Westbury Management as Elaine confirmed, "I have fabulous managers who truly recognise and appreciate the work you do. All managers operate an open door policy, and directors are relaxed and completely professional making them very approachable."

David Smith, regional chairman of Westbury, said, "We've always sought to make sure we fully recognise our staff as our most valued resource, and that's demonstrated by our high staff retention rate. Along with our open culture, growth and achievement, this makes Westbury a great place to work."

Westbury was the first homebuilder to be included in the list in 2002. This year the company rose 16 places to number 74. Westbury hope to continue their ascent in 2005 and Elaine says they definitely have her vote!

In total the Westbury Group employs around 1,450 staff, 100 of whom are based at the company headquarters in Cheltenham, with 164 currently employed at more than 18 new housing sites across south and west Wales.