The best places to work in 2017 (and what makes them so special)

07 December 2016 -

“AwardsStar"

New research from Glassdoor reveals the secrets to building a successful workplace culture

Matt Scott

Glassdoor has revealed the UK’s best companies to work for, with internet travel giant Expedia topping the list for the second year running.

The rankings are based on testimonials from existing employees, giving true insight into what makes these organisations so successful.

The top five UK best places to work in 2017

1. Expedia (4.3 rating)

2. ARM (4.3 rating)

3. HomeServe UK (4.3 rating)

4. Mott MacDonald (4.3 rating)

5. Hays Plc (4.3 rating)

Diarmuid Russell, Glassdoor head of international, said the awards were recognition for creating a company that people want – and love – to work for.

“Company culture and the employee experience are critical considerations for job seekers everywhere when deciding where to work. The Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards are solely determined by the authentic voice of those who really know a company best - the people who work there. This really helps job seekers identify the Best Places to Work in the UK,” he said. “Employers where employees love to work continue to prove that they have a recruiting and business performance edge.

“We’re proud to celebrate the 2017 Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards winners in earning this incredible achievement.”

Culture Club

CMI’s own research has revealed the importance of company culture on business performance, with the 2016 Quality of Working Life survey finding that the always-on culture that is prevalent in so many workplaces is denting productivity and leading to employees working an extra 29 days every year – not something that makes for a happy workforce.

Read more: Want to make your staff more productive? Make them smile

Glassdoor’s 50 UK Best Places to Work in 2017 list features winning employers across diverse industries with technology and retail dominating, but also companies in finance, accounting, energy and more.

Expedia is the first company in the UK to top the list twice, and is among only ten employers that have made this list for three consecutive years.

Some 24 employers are debuting as Best Places to Work this year, including HomeServe UK (third; 4.3 rating), Peninsula (sixth; 4.2 rating) and Salesforce (eighth; 4.2 rating), among others.

CMI director of strategy Petra Wilton said: “Glassdoor’s best places to work awards not only reveals what makes an employer great to work for, but also what makes them highly productive organisations. CMI research shows that high growth is directly linked to high levels of trust in management who operate in open, transparent cultures.

Setting the right work/life balance is also crucial, and our research shows that an ‘always-on’ expectation from leaders is a productivity killer. Employers need to invest in developing skilled management teams capable of keeping staff happy, motivated and productive.

“Congratulations to these great businesses on their success.”

Read more: The middle manager lifeline – how to build trust in your organisation

When employees submit reviews about their company on Glassdoor, they are asked to give their opinion on some of the best reasons to work for their employer (pros), any downsides (cons) and are encouraged to provide advice to management.

Employees are also asked to rate how satisfied they are with their employer overall, rate their CEO, as well as rate five key workplace attributes, including giving their opinion on career opportunities, compensation & benefits, culture & values, senior management and work-life balance.

In addition, employees are asked whether they would recommend their employer to a friend and whether they believe their employer’s business will perform better, worse or remain the same in the next six months.

See the full list, here.

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