IT’S no secret that companies are striving to become top employers. They want to attract and keep the best talent, and they’re willing to invest in making their workplaces more attractive.
Being recognised as one of the best in the business comes with a lot of benefits. Employees of top companies often report high levels of job satisfaction, and the employers themselves enjoy a boost in morale and productivity.
Looking at the different factors that play into making a company one of the best places to work can help you assess where your organisation stands and what improvements can be made.
In order to find out what makes a workplace attractive to employees, a microsite from StaffCircle analysed data from the top 50 companies across the United Kingdom.
What Does the Data Show?
The data was taken from Glassdoor, an online platform where employees can anonymously review their workplaces.
The results show that the industries with the highest average ratings are computer hardware, enterprise software, and information technology. Technology companies are some of the best places to work.
However, it’s not just the industry that matters. The specific company culture and values are also important factors in employee satisfaction.
Retail industries are often known for being high-pressure environments with long hours and little room for advancement.
Interestingly, the results also showed that retail stores Schuh Limited and Oliver Bonas are among the top-rated companies. This is likely because these companies offer a positive company culture, work-life balance, and compensation.
Creating a Top Workplace
The companies that made it into the top 50 all had several things in common. Here are some of the key factors that contributed to their success:
Flexible Work
Several of the top companies offer remote working arrangements, flexible hours, and generous vacation days. This allows employees to have more control over their time and allows them to better balance their work and personal lives.
Not all companies can offer flexible arrangements, but there are often creative solutions that can be implemented. For example, some employers allow employees to work from home one or two days a week. Others offer flexible start and end times.
Supportive Management
Employees need to feel like their managers have their best interests at heart. They should feel like they can approach their managers with concerns and that their suggestions will be taken seriously.
Managers should also provide clear direction and support employees as they work toward achieving their goals. When employees feel like their managers are invested in their success, they’re more likely to be engaged and productive.
Meaningful Work
Employees want to feel like their work is making a difference. They need to understand how their individual efforts contribute to the organization’s larger goals.
When employees feel like their work is purposeful, they’re more likely to be passionate and committed. They’re also more likely to stick with the company for the long term.
Opportunities for Collaboration
Collaboration is essential for innovation. Employees need to feel like they can work together to solve problems and create new ideas.
When employees can collaborate, they’re often more engaged and productive. They’re also more likely to develop strong relationships with their coworkers.
Recognition and Rewards
Employees need to feel like their hard work is being noticed and appreciated. They should be recognised for their accomplishments, both big and small.
Rewards can also be a powerful motivator. When employees know that they’ll be rewarded for meeting or exceeding expectations, they’re more likely to put in the extra effort.
Effective Communication
Regular communication is essential for maintaining employee engagement. When employees feel like they’re being kept in the dark, they’re more likely to become disengaged and less productive.
Employers should communicate regularly with employees about company goals, objectives, and progress. They should also provide employees with feedback on their performance.
Final Thoughts
The companies that made it into the top 50 UK companies to work for all have one thing in common: they’re committed to creating a top workplace for their employees. They understand that happy, engaged employees are the key to success.
If you want to create a top workplace, start by inspecting your company culture. Then, implement policies and practices that will support your employees and help them thrive.
