The UK’s top employers were announced and celebrated at the 2024 Big Reveal on Thursday 7th November. Broadcasting live from Media City, the Best Companies to Work For lists were unveiled and special recognition was given to companies going above and beyond in categories such as learning & development and wellbeing.
The UK’s Best Companies to Work For in their respective size categories were named as:
- Small Business: Insight Global
- Mid-sized: FSP
- Large: Softwire
- Big: Hastings Direct
These companies achieved the number one spot based on their employees’ responses to the Best Companies’ anonymous b-Heard survey, which uses a unique 8-Factor methodology to produce a BCI (Best Companies Index) score. The survey assesses a number of factors, including leadership, team dynamics, personal growth, and overall workplace satisfaction.
Across the country, organisations gathered their teams to celebrate the Big Reveal in unique ways, from tea parties to mini awards ceremonies. The event provided workplaces within the Best Companies community the chance to bring their people together to take pride in their achievements.
After each list was revealed, hosts Sally Nugent and Jonathan Austin connected live with some of the winning workplaces, speaking to special guests to understand how they have established a culture of excellence within their business.
From the Best Leaders to Wellbeing heroes, Best Companies’ Special Awards recognise organisations and individuals that have demonstrated exemplary performance, or innovative practice, in one of a number of areas. Awarded annually, they showcase a commitment to excellence and improvement in the workplace.
The Learning & Development Award recognises those that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to the personal goals and ambitions of their people. Big company winner, J Murphy & Sons discussed their ‘Development for All Philosophy’ with Sally Nugent at the Big Reveal
Group People & Communications Director Dawn Moore said, “It isn’t just about making sure people get the development that the job requires, but also things that they feel develop them personally. The motivational impact has been huge”.
Roadchef, the winner of the Wellbeing Special Award (Big category), shared details on some of their unique wellbeing initiatives:
“We’ve got these amazing community pantries, they were an idea that came from our field personnel… we set up a cupboard in a quiet corner in one of our staff areas where people who’ve got something extra can put away in the cupboard, the company also contributes, and people who are struggling can come and take it… it’s all done very quietly, nobody makes a fuss about it, and it’s effectively self-sustaining by the team, which is great to see; one team member supporting another in need”.
The Giving Something Back Award is presented to organisations that support their local and wider communities, and actively seek to reduce their impact on the environment. Mid-sized winner DF Capital spoke to Sally at the Big Reveal, with CEO Carl D’Ammassa stating,
Reduce the Juice was a programme that we ran for our employees… we’re not going to change the issues that face the global world as far as climate change is concerned but we can do our bit. Across the firm, over 12 months, we managed to save 13 tonnes of CO2”
Linnk Group, the winner of the Best Improver Award (Small category) has come a long way since their business formed in 2019. Now a 3 Star accredited organisation, Sally asked Rachel Rush, Linnk Group’s Head of People, “What’s important to your people?”
Rachel replied, “Transparency. Where’s their career growth? What’s the next step for them? How do they develop their careers? How do they develop their skills? Learning and Development; it’s progression, knowing what’s expected and how they can progress their career within the organisation”.
The Best Leader Award was presented to Basil Scarcella from UK Power Networks, in the Big Company category.
Speaking to the Big Reveal team live, Basil said, “Leadership is being able to inspire the people you manage. You form a vision for the organisation or business you’re running, and you hope that the vision is inspiring enough to the employees that they will follow you”.
For Best Companies Founder and CEO, Jonathan Austin, recognising and celebrating those organisations that are truly putting their people at the forefront is of the utmost importance
Everybody is a winner today, wherever you are. To be on one of these lists is an achievement, especially considering how tough of a year it’s been. It’s been really quite challenging with the aftereffects of the pandemic, the cost of living, and a tightening economy. As a result, making one of our lists and actually maintaining engagement is phenomenal
