Companies that topped this year’s prestigious ‘Best Places to Work 2025’ list garnered employee feedback that showed they are “more content than other workers at home and abroad – and more motivated too”, said the newspaper.
Business Editor Jon Yeomans said: “a healthy corporate culture does not have to cost the earth, either.”
Analysis of the results led the Sunday Times to confirm the correlation between engaged employees and productivity, with higher survey scores equating to harder working, more loyal employees and lower staff turnover and absenteeism.
The aim of the initiative is to find out how employees really feel about their jobs and actually comprises four main lists this year: 26 Best Very Big Places to Work, 115 Best Big Places to Work, 187 Best Medium Places to Work, and 202 Best Small Places to Work.
Watercooler supporters recognised
Several employers involved with the recent Watercooler Event, either speaking or supporting, won a listing, underlining their commitment to employee wellbeing. For example, E.on was listed in the ‘Very Big’ category, as well as being named best place to work for young people in the UK due to its forward-thinking, purpose driven approach.
Hollywood Bowl Group, another Watercooler supporter, was also listed in this category, applauded for its regular staff feedback and varied training programme. It also won a ‘Highly Commended’ accolade in the Best Places to Work for Disabled Employees 2025 Spotlight Award.
Other Watercooler employers Brewers Decorators, Nedbank Private Wealth and Fertifa were named in the ‘Big’ and ‘Small’ categories.
Culture isn’t an add-on
Rachel Quirk, Executive Head of HR, Nedbank Private Wealth said:
“Culture isn’t an add-on here, it drives performance and we actively shape our environment to trust, empower and grow our people. We purposefully invest in our people and support them to do their very best in both their work and personal lives.”
The list is compiled on the back of research by employee experience specialist WorkL, which conducts a 26 question survey. Employers are assessed on specific categories: reward and recognition; instilling pride; information sharing; empowerment; wellbeing; and job satisfaction.
Given there is an entry fee required to participate in the awards, the list is not comprehensive. The cost to enter varies on the size of employers. For instance, in the UK its costs £4,500 + VAT for an organisation with over 2000 employees, and £750 + VAT for one with 10-49 employees.
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