Head massage? That will do nicely at Applied Language Solutions : Innovative HR policies keep energy, enthusiasm and commitment high during rapid expansion

Purpose – Describes how innovative human‐resource management has helped Applied Language Solutions to grow, in less than three years, from a one‐man operation to a multi‐million‐pound global enterprise, with 54 employees located in six offices around the world. Design/methodology/approach – Highlights the wide range of benefits available to employees, including a fortnightly 20‐minute massage at work, an annual “duvet” day, birthday off work, free parking, lunches, fruit and corporate work‐wear. Everyone in the company is provided with a laptop and MP3 player. The company also pays for staff to have broadband internet access in their homes. Findings – Reveals that such benefits have helped the company to recruit good people, at a sufficient speed to meet company expansion, without jeopardizing employees' passion and enthusiasm. Practical implications – Details HR solutions that could be useful to other firms operating in creative industries where stress levels can be high. Originality/value – Details one company's unusual approach to keeping stress levels under control in the fast‐pace translation industry.