From Perks to Purpose: Exploring What Sets the Greatest Places to Work Apart

4 mins
Published on August 31st, 2023By Katherine Alexander

There seems to be a proliferation of top 10’s, top 100’s of greatest places to work and they don’t necessarily seem to feature the same organisations.  Whilst the criteria might be different for gaining entry onto each list, there are fundamental elements that go into making a workplace great.

Greatest Places to Work

What makes a workplace great?

A great workplace goes beyond offering competitive salaries and benefits. It incorporates a variety of elements that contribute to employee satisfaction and success. These factors include a positive company culture, opportunities for growth and development, work-life balance, and a sense of purpose. Organisations that prioritise these aspects create an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and are inspired to give their best effort.

The impact of a great workplace on employee satisfaction and productivity

Research has consistently shown that employees who are satisfied with their workplace environment are more engaged, productive, and loyal. When employees feel supported, appreciated, and challenged, they are more likely to go the extra mile to contribute to the company’s success. Additionally, a great workplace fosters a positive work environment, which leads to better collaboration, teamwork, and innovation. This ultimately translates into increased productivity and higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Top qualities of the Greatest Places to Work

The greatest places to work share several common qualities that set them apart from other organisations regardless of their size. Firstly, these companies prioritise employee wellbeing and work-life balance. They understand the importance of allowing employees to recharge and maintain a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives. These organisations also have a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees feel valued, respected and have a sense of belonging.

Secondly, the greatest places to work have a clear sense of purpose and values that align with their employees’ aspirations. These companies go beyond profit and strive to make a positive impact on society. Employees are proud to be associated with such organisations and find meaning in their work, which significantly boosts motivation and job satisfaction.

Lastly, the greatest places to work foster a culture of transparency and open communication. Employees are encouraged to share their ideas, concerns, and feedback knowing that their voices will be heard. This creates a sense of trust and collaboration, allowing for continuous improvement and innovation. Additionally, these companies invest in employee development and provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement.

Employee benefits and perks offered by the Greatest Places to Work

The greatest places to work understand the importance of providing attractive employee benefits and perks. These organisations go above and beyond to ensure that their employees feel valued and supported. Some of the common benefits and perks offered by the top companies include competitive salaries, comprehensive health insurance, generous holiday and paid time off policies, flexible work arrangements, and pension plans.

Additionally, these companies often provide unique perks such as gym membership, employee assistance programs, free meals, nights out, dogs in the office and hardship loans – to name but a few. These offerings create an environment where employees feel cared for and motivated, leading to higher levels of job satisfaction and retention.

Company culture and values that set the Greatest Places to Work apart

The greatest places to work prioritise fostering a positive and inclusive culture that reflects their values and mission. These organisations cultivate an environment where employees feel connected to something bigger than themselves and are proud to be part of the company.

They also emphasise the importance of core values such as integrity, respect, teamwork, and innovation. These values are embedded in their daily operations and guide decision-making at all levels. By aligning their culture and values, these organisations create a strong sense of identity and purpose, attracting employees who share their vision and are motivated to contribute to their success.

Opportunities for career development and growth at the Greatest Places to Work

One of the key factors that set the greatest places to work apart is their commitment to providing opportunities for career development and growth. These organisations recognise that employees who feel challenged and have clear pathways for advancement are more likely to be engaged and satisfied in their roles. As a result, the top ten companies invest in their employees’ professional growth by offering training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear career paths.

Additionally, they prioritise internal promotions and provide ample opportunities for employees to take on new responsibilities and expand their skill sets. This not only helps retain top talent but also fosters a culture of continuous learning and development. Employees are encouraged to set ambitious goals and are provided with the support and resources needed to achieve them.

Conclusion – Creating a great workplace for your employees

The greatest places to work have shown that by prioritising employee wellbeing, fostering a positive company culture, and providing opportunities for growth and development, organisations can attract and retain top talent, leading to increased productivity, innovation, and overall success – it’s no surprise that the companies in each top ten are thriving.

As an employer, it is crucial to invest in your employees and create an environment where they feel valued, motivated, and inspired to give their best effort. By following the examples set by the greatest places to work, you can create a workplace that not only attracts top talent but also cultivates a culture of excellence and purpose. Remember, your employees are your most valuable asset, and creating a great workplace is an investment that pays off in more ways than one.

To learn more about creating a great workplace and attracting top talent, contact our skilled team. They will collaborate closely with you to gain a deep understanding of your organisation and develop a bespoke employee engagement survey that aligns perfectly with your company objectives. Our extensive services include obtaining valuable insights from employees through surveys such as 360 feedback, pulse surveys, employment surveys etc.  We look forward to working with you!