The Sunday Times yesterday published its 16th annual survey identifying the best companies to work for in Britain. Automotive retailer Inchcape UK is the big companies winner. Simply Business, an online insurer, has a firm grip on the mid-size list top spot, winning the title for the second year running.
In all 925, firms registered to take part in this year’s surveys and there are 79 new entries, displacing those who did not make the grade this time. The survey gauges staff responses to 70 statements about their workplace on a seven-point scale from 'strongly agree' to 'strongly disagree'. It is divided into eight factors of working life. A total of 241,361 employees filled out questionnaires for this year’s lists.
Jonathan Austin, the founder and chief executive of Best Companies Ltd, which compiles the lists for The Sunday Times, said:
'What everybody’s looking for at the moment is the ability to differentiate themselves in the labour market. They’re doing it because they can and they care.'
Dr Ian Dennis, director of research at Best Companies, said:
'Higher purpose seems to drive the companies on our list – profit and budget aren’t the only things that count for these companies – but for this to be the case, senior managers need to create an environment of clarity and communication.'