B&Q's workforce has been ranked as one of the most engaged in the world, according to a global survey.

The DIY giant was the only UK business to be honoured in Gallup Great Workplace Awards, and one of eight companies worldwide to win it three times.

The retailer said it has made it a "priority to focus on maintaining and improving engagement levels whilst delivering results".

It said its strengthened leadership team at B&Q has been "instrumental" in its high rating.

The retailer has also improved its internal communications, introducing a new forum for meeting and sharing ideas with Sutherland, a series of presentations for head office staff about what is happening across the business, an internal TV station and a newly-launched blog by Sutherland.

"I'm a big believer that engaged staff create great customer service and a healthy businesses,” Sutherland said. “And that is why we invest so much time and effort in maintaining and improving staff morale."

B&Q launched its plan to raise engagement levels four years ago. It claims employees are more engaged than they have ever been – B&Q scored an average of 4.23 in the Gallup survey against a top score of 5.0.