Cisco, Hilton and Salesforce have claimed the top three places on the UK’s Best Workplaces list of super large employers for 2023.
Baringa and Version 1 took fourth and fifth spots respectively among the 57 companies with 1,001-plus employees compiled by workplace culture organisation Great Place to Work.
More than 300 employers made this year’s list. They were judged on 10 qualities, including whether benefits were tailored to employees’ needs and wants, whether genuine thanks and recognition were given to individuals, teams and departments, and whether opportunities for fun and social engagement were provided.
Cisco’s David Meads, chief executive, UK and Ireland, said: “Leaders set the example for the organisation – how they are operating, being authentic and consistent in the decisions they make. We have guiding principles for what we call our conscious culture – ‘give your best’, ‘give your ego the day off’, ‘give something of yourself’, ‘take accountability in everything that you do’, ‘take difference to heart’. You can think in the moment, ‘Am I living those values?’. These values are the guiding principles for how we operate – the decisions we take with one another, with customers, internally and externally. This is how we see ourselves moving forward in the right direction as a company.”
In the large category of companies with 251–1,000 employees 87 employers were listed, with technology firm NVIDIA topping the list for the second year running. It was followed by Slalom, Credera UK, Lindt and Sprüngli UK and xDesign.
NVIDIA’s regional HR manager Rebecca Ebdon said: “We believe in doing the right thing, not just what’s prescribed by policies or processes, and our employees trust in this.”
The top five medium-sized employers with 51-250 staff members were Braze, Evolved Search, Reachdesk, Elements Talent Consultancy and Bryson.
Braze’s general manager, EMEA, Marjorie Armitage, said: “I feel so passionate about our culture, I know that the words will flow effortlessly, with enthusiasm and a big smile. People will just feel it and want to feel that way too. This year, it’s simply how our employees feel about Braze that shone through and put us at number one.”
The small employer top five, representing companies with 20-50 employees, included Hatmill, ResourceIT, Monday.com, BlakYaks and edison365.
Commenting on the 2023 report, Benedict Gautrey, managing director, Great Place to Work UK, said: “Best Workplaces consistently put people first – not just in terms of looking out for their own employees but also by caring for and supporting their surrounding community and environment. This year is no exception, these themes ran throughout all size categories in our UK’s Best Workplaces list. We’re incredibly proud to be able to recognise the very best organisations committed to being ‘for all’ through diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies and strategies, that are all fundamental to Best Workplaces.
“Being ranked a Best Workplace is a huge cause for celebration for any organisation. But being a Best Workplace does not stop once the awards have been handed out, organisations that are ranked study their feedback to formulate plans to address any areas that need improvement. Best Workplaces are engaged in a constant process of asking, listening, learning and acting. Along with recognising the value of employees, listening to them and acting on what they say is a basic tenet of being a Best Workplace. It’s also crucial to remember to embrace all employees for this to be effective.”
