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Most Loved Workplaces U.K. 2022
By Ed Barredo
In the U.K., as around the world, the threat of recession is looming over companies and employees alike. The worry: High inflation and interruptions to the energy supply caused by the pandemic and the Ukraine war will cause corporate profits to shrink and spark major layoffs, hurting both the workers who've been let go and those who remain behind.
In this challenging environment, it's especially important for companies to keep employees motivated and productive, giving them reasons to feel connected to and satisfied with the business they work for. Employers who succeed at this critical task—companies like the ones on our first U.K. edition of Newsweek's 100 Most Loved Workplaces—are the ones most likely to thrive in the times ahead.
As with its U.S. counterpart, which was published in October, this collection of small, medium and large companies was produced with our research partner, the Best Practice Institute of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. What separates our list from other workplace rankings is that we get to the bottom of how employees feel about their whole working experience, rather than simply extol company benefits.
Our bottom line is this: Do workers feel loved—and in sync—with the company they work for?
That kind of "emotional connection," as BPI terms it, can mean success for a company. This works for any business, big or small, says BPI founder and CEO Louis Carter, author of In Great Company: How to Spark Peak Performance by Creating an Emotionally Connected Workplace. BPI's research director, Scott Baxt, also points out that employees, research shows, are as much as four times more likely to be more productive if they love their company. Those same workers also tend to stay on the job longer, cutting down on turnover.
As Baxt explains, the businesses on this, and the U.S. list, "highlight how they have given a voice to all employees and, in return," have likely been "rewarded with increased productivity and performance."
How did the companies make the list? More than 450,000 employees were surveyed at businesses ranging in size from 50 employees to well north of 5,000; some 410 companies were accepted to apply for certification as a "Most Loved Workplace" and nearly 300 made the cut. The top 100 among them were chosen based on a variety of factors that BPI's research has revealed is most important to employee sentiment and satisfaction, with best practices culled from the employee surveys, interviews with hundreds of company officials and public company rating sites. The criteria included: Is collaboration and teamwork important? Are there opportunities for advancement? Does the company promote understanding and respect within their culture? Are worker values aligned with their company?
The Top 100
As in the U.S., flexible work arrangements seem to be entrenched at the companies on the U.S. Most Loved list. Also as with the U.S. list, career development was crucially important to employees at our U.K. companies.
Virgin Atlantic, this year's top company, for example, has a special program called "Springboard," which was created for women who are struggling with work- life balance—an issue whose critical importance was laid bare during the pandemic—and who want to thrive in the corporate world. It was designed to also help Virgin reach a 50/50 gender mix "within our leader population." Pharma company PerkinElmer (No. 8) has a "MyCareerJourney" portal that lets employees see new jobs at the firm. They're also matched with the resources needed to develop skills for those jobs.
BPI's Carter says that the alignment of employee and company values was crucial as well. "The most mentioned significant words by the companies (in our surveys) were 'value' and "culture' with 45 percent of the companies making mention of at least one of those words," he says. "The companies begin the execution of their culture and value-based systems during the recruitment process."
For instance, applicants at Sensat (No. 29), a software firm, have to go through a "values" interview. Financial services firm Wills & Trusts Wealth Management Group (No. 42) requires new hires to participate in a four-day culture workshop.
Will these good feelings last when we survey those companies again next year?
Not at all clear. Some three years after COVID-19 hit, the workplace is an unpredictable place. Britain is dealing with economic and political woes—and who knows what the winter will bring with continued high inflation and fuel shortages looming. A worldwide economic downturn might change the rules of engagement with employers.
We'd argue, though, that it is more important than ever that companies are willing to change with the times and actively work to meet the evolving needs of the people who work for them. The best employers recognize that and act accordingly—no matter what economic times they're in.
We can't predict the future—we don't know and no one else does either. But we do know that there are lots of lessons to be derived from our Top 100. If you're an employee looking to find a firm more aligned with your values, this list can help. If you're an executive trying to make your firm a better place for your employees to thrive, taking note of the practices of the Top 100 is a good place to start.
That's true no matter who is running the U.K. — HANK GILMAN, Senior Editor at Large
▸ Most Loved Workplaces® is a registered trademark of the Best Practice Institute, Inc., of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Ranking
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Employees
Loved Because
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Virgin AtlanticAirline8,500Virgin Atlantic handily emerged as the top company in the first British edition of Most Loved Workplaces, scoring in the top five percent of every measure we evaluated. Take opportunity for career success, for instance: Virgin employees get the most chances to succeed compared with any other company we assessed, with 75 percent of the talent in leadership positions promoted from within. The company also distinguished itself with high scores in areas such as inclusivity, leadership development and helping employees achieve company and personal results. Other winning measures included how the company shows respect for employees and fosters collaboration. People who work for Virgin Atlantic, in addition, are encouraged to be who they are. (Is it okay to show your tattoos? Sure thing.) The driving philisophy that management and employees alike follow is based on the mantra of founder Sir Richard Branson: Take care of the people who take care of your customers. Among the ways this is done is learning from your employees. Senior leaders, for example, have employee mentors, a process known as “reverse mentoring.” This helps executives help employees—and the company—by learning what’s really going on in the business from the ground up. Another key initiative—with a goal of a 50/50 “gender mix within our leader population”— is called the “Springboard” program, which is designed for female workers. Comprising four workshops, Springboard helps with, among other things, achieving a work/life balance and thriving in the corporate world.2
ManyPetsInsurance609The company’s culture is big on involvement. Its “Inclusion Council” deals with topics ranging from recruitment to living with children with autism. Two surveys per year shape the strategy. Also, a platform called “ManyIdeas” allows employees to “upvote” their colleagues’ ideas.3
ZopaFinancial Services650Zopa’s people proposition: Live your best life; maximize your professional skills. The company doles out gender-neutral parental leave. Plus, employees can work up to 120 days a year abroad. Big on worker input, too. Half the performance review is based on values co-created by employees.4
Alfa Financial SoftwareFintech436Collaboration is an asset: Every year, employees participate in four “Innovation Days.” The two-day hack-a-thon allows them to put ideas into practice; workers also communicate across teams to expand their networks and skills. Employee retention, the company says, is ultrahigh.5
GraylingAdvertising & Marketing500An “Advantage for All” working group ensures an inclusive work environment via speaking events on cultural holidays and unconscious-bias training. Career development is a thing: Personal growth plans and biannual appraisals give employees the chance to update training to be successful.6
Lewis SilkinLaw Firm538This company is idea crazy. The firm created “Idea Drop,” an app through which employees can give—and rate—new ideas. From there, those same ideas head into what’s called the “Innovation Sprint,” where they are refined and presented for possible implementation.7
Metro Bank (U.K.)Financial Services4,220Talk about valuing your employees. In 2021, Metro Bank filled 40% of all vacancies with internal candidates. The company also offers opportunities for personal development: The “Days to Amaze” program encourages employees to contribute to their greater community.8
PerkinElmerPharmaceuticals16,700Inclusion and development rule here, as in many others in the top 100. The global “MyCareerJourney” portal lets all employees see new job opportunities at the company. Not only that, workers are matched with resources that help them with the skills needed for those positions.9
auticonIT400Every employee has a coach who is focused on making adjustments to support the worker in their journey at the IT services company. The “Principals of Positive Psychology” are huge here. The theory: We all have our inherent strengths and should focus on what we’re good at to flourish.10
SelfridgesRetail2,838Managing by walking around: Top execs are seen walking the floor or communicate virtually with work teams. Health and well-being, the company says, are also important. Employees can take advantage of a daily “wellness hour.” Rest for the weary!11
Eden ProjectEco-Attraction453School and learning is a focus at this nonprofit. It has partnered with local colleges to offer “Eden Project Learning,” where undergraduate and postgraduate degrees can be earned on-site while gaining hands-on experience. Employees also qualify for a 50 percent tuition reduction.12
WaracleIT250The company has clearly embraced the hybrid office model with enthusiasm. Employees, lucky them, can choose how and where they work. The executive team remains connected to all via weekly video conferences for Q&As and to discuss the company’s direction.13
QuantexaIT550Like Waracle and others, Quantexa has increased remote options while encouraging collaboration through a formal mentoring process and professional development programs. The focus is on an employee’s strengths—not their weaknesses.14
GoHenryFintech344The company relies on employee feedback to shape its people strategy. For example, in response to a survey on returning to the office post-COVID, executives introduced “GoFlex,” a framework that lets employees choose where they’d like to work—home or office.15
Equal ExpertsIT1,320This company is serious about its values. The final stage of its interview process is a conversation about values to make sure new hires get it. In addition, employees are change agents: They can use a process in which anyone in the company can submit a proposal for change.16
OddboxFood Service100Employees are keen on the company’s mission to fight food waste and stop climate change. The food service firm is also focused on reducing its carbon footprint. That includes carbon-literacy training for all employees. “Ask Emily Anything”—Q&As with the CEO every three weeks—are a fixture too.17
GWIMarket Research500GWI is serious about its culture and its people. How serious? Incoming employees face a culture panel interview to ensure a proper fit with the organization’s values: Show respect, think big and ask why. Also, culturally aligned rewards are doled out on a monthly, and annual basis.18
TrueLayerFinancial Services392Career development is big here. The company offers a generous budget for each employee for skill-building things like courses and books. The CEO, meanwhile, is big on work/life balance. Employees get three extra personal days a quarter in addition to vacation. Sign us up!19
Opencast SoftwareIT370How’s this for good mentoring? Each employee gets a “People and Experience” partner to help with goals and navigating their career. The CEO, meanwhile, empowers employees at all levels of the organization to reach out with ideas, questions or concerns.20
InformaInformation Services10,800Informa’s value proposition for employees has four pillars—freedom, impact, community and opportunity. Creating an inclusive culture is key, too. The company utilizes reverse mentoring, in which leaders, including the CEO, are mentored by employees about diversity and inclusion.21
StuartLogistics800It’s all about empowerment at this logistics firm. Lots of programs to help employees grow within the company, including “Stuart Academy.” Offerings range from mental health courses to leadership programs. Want to learn a new language? They’ve got you covered.22
BCW GlobalPublic Relations4,000Company execs reckon that their employees’ growth will fuel the growth of their public relations firm. Senior leadership is accessible, including CEO Donna Imperato, who isn’t afraid to share her own development journey with her team. We’re all ears!23
PeakSoftware376Here’s a nice array of benefits. Company employees are not only given equity in the firm—always a nice perk—but can also “work from anywhere” for a month, once a year. Professional growth is top of mind too. Everyone has a personal career-development program.24
nDreamsVideo Games180+Gaming heaven? Team members can work on a choice of platforms and themes to create the games they’ve always dreamed of. Time is scheduled for employees to polish up on personal development in either a tech specialty or management.25
EquilibriumFinancial Services91Every employee has a goal-setting meeting at the beginning of the year to create both personal and professional targets. There are also academies for professional development and one-on-one mentoring. The company hires for good attitude and is willing to train.26
Scott LogicSoftware463Scott Logic’s values are agreed upon by all employees and further strengthened by peer feedback. Furthermore, its “People Promise” of six principles aims to ensure diversity, decency and equality throughout its roster of 400-plus employees.27
ZappiAdvertising & Marketing300All ideas are welcomed and heard at all-employee hack-a-thons. The result: new products, services and prototypes. Every worker gets a personal budget to spend on external training and professional development. There’s access to mentors and coaches, too.28
MyTutorEducation Tech249A major focus on homegrown talent here. There are personal development plans for all, including an internal mentoring program. Online learning is provided and encouraged. Every quarter, there’s a full day of meetings where employees listen to customer stories and learn.29
SensatSoftware69The firm hires only applicants who pass a values interview. Since remote working is a big thing here, the company finds creative ways to encourage collaboration. Like what? “Blue Sky Days,” where folks who don’t normally work together team up and compete at a festival in South London.30
MAPPReal Estate600Each month, execs measure performance on core values; they have annual Hero Awards for living those values too. Meanwhile, monthly one-on-ones are not appraisals but rather check-ins where the most important question is, “What do you want to do?” Profit sharing is a nice perk as well.31
COMPASS PathwaysPharmaceuticals124COMPASS Pathways offers mental health care not only to its patients but also to its employees. There’s a well-being coach for everyone, as well as training on psychological safety in conversations. All voices are heard: The company’s 10-year plan was strategized with everyone.32
KuitsLaw195A flexible work environment allows employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They are all in this together: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, higher-paid company leaders agreed to pay cuts to supplement employees’ pay that was slashed.33
KingVideo Games2,101Team members are empowered to be creative through workshops and crafts to help facilitate ideas and have the opportunity to pitch new proposals to anyone in the organization. They can also participate in “Ask Me Anything” calls with the leadership team on a monthly basis.34
Cloud Technology SolutionsIT185Surf’s up: Values were created on a beach retreat three years ago and have been maintained ever since, the company says. There’s also a strong focus on learning with programs like “Start,” which trains newbies in tech. Future leaders work on new business ideas throughout the year.35
CiphrIT230Employees are tracked for well-being. In addition, they are encouraged to lead engagement streams, participate in planning programs and listen to external speakers. Don’t have a degree? Ciphr offers an apprenticeship program for potential candidates to “learn and earn.”36
ZooplaSoftware743The pride of Zoopla? Management development programs, leadership development programs, clear career frameworks and a series of lunch-and-learns with in-house experts who skill-share with colleagues throughout the ranks. Reverse mentoring with execs? Sure thing.37
DojoFintech1,011Via the “tribe model,” employees can work collaboratively within their specialties or “tribe hop” as they strive to grow their skills and network. Every two weeks, “Innovation Meetings” open the floor to new ideas. Plus, equal access to leadership development and training programs.38
The Imagination GroupAdvertising & Marketing200Entrepreneurship still has a big value: Team members are encouraged to own their projects from the beginning to the end. Calculated risks are okay, too. Professional development? Monthly check-ins to keep individual goals on track. The CEO? He knows each of his employees.39
JumoFintech238Lots going on here. “Ask Me Anything” sessions with senior leadership. The chief exec works with everyone. “Learning Friday” features webinars on topics such as how to have hard conversations. On-site yoga sessions too, if you want to stretch and de-stress.40
MegaportIT345Leave your ego at the door at Megaport. A flat structure for all voices to be heard; employees are welcome to challenge the status quo. The company also offers workers a $5,000 learning and development budget; nobody gets more than anyone else. Now that’s flat!41
DoCoMo DigitalTelecommunications250DoCoMo is a global organization, but it manages to remain tight-knit. The volunteer-run “Global Experience Team,” with reps from each office, oversees go-to-market meetings. Also, team members are encouraged to create their own goals. Be humble and bold!42
Wills & Trusts Wealth Management GroupFinancial Services58Culture clubbing: There’s a four-day culture workshop for all new employees. Every year, the company publishes a “Culture Book” in which employees can write what they think about the company. A well-being committee? Yes, you can find one here, along with a well-being newsletter.43
System1 GroupAdvertising & Marketing95All employees take part in a managerial training program based on feedback from all areas of the business. Mind and body are also, well, top of mind. System1 Group offers quarterly mental health assessments to ensure all employees are healthy and more.44
S-RMCybersecurity312Diversity, equity and inclusion are a big deal here, as well as the environment. There’s even a tree planting program. To ensure transparency, the company has folks observe board meetings and report back to their teams.45
SmarketsFinancial Services150The company, which employs workers of 35 different nationalities, tries to make everyone feel as though they belong. How so? Work breakfast and dinner are available, and everybody has lunch together. An “Expiration Party” lets employees discuss what they’re working on. Partners and friends are invited.46
Gemba AdvantageSoftware59Guiding principle: Lead with empathy and respect. There’s a daily employee recognition program and even folks leaving the company are respected through a personal highlight reel. A three-month induction period for new hires sets clear expectations.47
FlydocsAviation & Aerospace348The place to be for a good career. Employees have access to numerous learning programs, certifications, coaching and mentors. They can also participate in an eight-month leadership launchpad program that is intended to help them grow and flourish in the organization.48
WallbrookProfessional Services67Open book: All decisions are based on committee feedback representing all levels of the company. Everyone has a say. A clear workflow and hybrid model give employees power over their schedules, encouraging everyone to maintain productivity and their ideal work-life balance.49
Vistair SystemsIT135Biweekly stand-up talks highlight values, successes and failures. Also offered: a program designed to help employees think about their careers—and how they want to progress—along with opportunities to talk about how the organization can help them achieve those goals.50
ChattermillSoftware80Everyone can weigh in at Chattermill, a software company where collaboration is part of doing business. Each new product feature, for example, is treated like a mini-startup; employees from different departments join what’s called the “stream” and collaborate freely.
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METHODOLOGY
NEWSWEEK'S RANKING of the 2022 U.K.'s Most Loved Workplaces pays tribute to companies that put respect, caring and appreciation for their employees at the center of their business model and, in doing so, have earned the loyalty and respect of the people who work for them.
The list was created in partnership with Best Practice Institute (BPI) and its Most Loved Workplaces® operation, a benchmark research, assessment, and culture change company that studies and identifies the specific management practices that lead to employee motivation and satisfaction and has documented the strong link between worker satisfaction and productivity and performance. Through its Love of Workplace Index™, BPI and Most Loved Workplace® measure five basic areas to determine how employees feel about where they work to create the Most Loved Workplaces list: the level of collaboration at the firm; how positive workers are about their future at the company; how much employer values align with employee values; respect at all levels and career achievement. Working in consultation with Newsweek editors, BPI also considered return-to-office policies, diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and other workplace and talent development initiatives.
More than 450,000 employees were surveyed at businesses ranging in size from 50 employees to well north of 5,000.
To identify the top 100 companies for the Newsweek ranking, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 35 percent of the initial score was based on responses to BPI's proprietary Love of Workplace index™. Another 25 percent was derived from analysis of external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed and Google. The final 40 percent came from direct interviews with and written responses from company officials. Newsweek then conducted additional research into every company on the list and the top runners-up to determine the final list of 100 companies and their rankings. (The list includes U.K. firms and companies with a strong U.K. presence based overseas.)
The rankings combine quantitative and qualitative analysis developed by BPI in partnership with The School of International and Public Affairs at the University of Pittsburgh and featured in the book In Great Company (McGraw-Hill, 2019) by BPI and Most Loved Workplace founder Louis Carter.
Most Loved Workplaces® is a registered trademark of Best Practice Institute, Inc.
▸ To learn more about becoming a certified Most Loved Workplace or applying for next year's list, go to MostLovedWorkplace.com.
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