WORKERS for the Hampshire based DIY giant B&Q are among the happiest in the world - and that's official.

In a global survey of major companies, B&Q was the only company in the UK and one of just nine internationally to receive an award.

The spanners to sheds retailer, which is based at Chandler's Ford, has won the Gallup Great Workplace Award after topping its analysis of "employee engagement" or satisfaction with their work.

More than double the number of B&Q workers were found to be happy with their jobs than the global average, with 60 per cent whistling while they worked compared to a global average of 28 per cent. The average UK company keeps just 16 per cent of its staff happy, according to the Gallup survey, which compares more than 10 million workers across 100 countries.

Flexible working, support for staff volunteering, increased maternity and paternity pay as well as job share options are all among the reasons B&Q staff are so happy with their lot.

Tom Rath, of survey specialists Gallup, said: "The winners of this award have established a new global standard for engaging people. When compared to the millions of workgroups we have studied around the world, the awardees have worked tirelessly to create an environment that values people. They go far beyond trivial perks to ensure that each employee has an emotional connection to the company's mission and growth."

Martyn Phillips, human resources director at B&Q, said: "This award recognises the huge strides we have taken to put employee engagement at the heart of our business. Our staff engagement is helping to drive change and improve performance - our people are the key to success in the current market."