2017 Top Employers announced – who made the list?

Posted on Feb 10, 2017

• 78 organisations celebrate as this year’s Top Employers UK
• New companies certified include Canon, leading appliance manufacturer Electrolux UK, global information services company Experian and media behemoth GroupM
• Organisations undergo validation and auditing, confirming depth and breadth of employee offerings; this is calibrated against more than 1100 employers, setting global benchmarks

The Top Employers Institute, a global certifier recognising excellence in employee conditions, last night announced 2017’s Top Employers UK at a celebration dinner at the Guildhall in London. Through both strategy and operations, 78 organisations have demonstrated that they provide world-class employee conditions. Top Employers UK include ASDA, Bentley Motors, Goodyear Dunlop, Heineken and Vauxhall Motors (full list below).

The Top Employers certification is awarded only to organisations that achieve the highest standards of excellence in employee conditions. Following validation and an external audit, performance scores are rated against an International standard.

The annual research, undertaken by the Top Employers Institute, recognises leading employers around the world by assessing employee offerings across nine topics; Talent Strategy, Workforce Planning, On-boarding, Learning & Development, Performance Management, Leadership Development, Career & Succession Management, Compensation & Benefits and Culture*.

James Gooding, Director of UK Operations at Top Employers said:

“Companies that seek Top Employer Certification all share a common interest – a mindset to ensure actions improve employee offerings and that HR contributes to the business in a positive way. Gaining this deep assessment means they can tell how well they compare with other companies, giving them clear vision to implement new strategies or practices. Their employer brand gains greater awareness, helping them attract talent, retain and engage their people.”

The Top Employers Institute sets a global benchmark for exemplary performance. Over 1100 participating organisations in more than 100 countries are calibrated against the same international standard. Top Employer Certification denotes a company that is dedicated to implementing a world-class talent strategy and offering exemplary employee conditions.

Within the 78 companies receiving well-earned recognition in 2017 are the Top Ten performers: PepsiCo UK & Ireland; Roche Products; CHEP UK Ltd; British American Tobacco UK; Weightmans LLP; CGI UK; Tata Consultancy Services; JT International Business Services; Rider Levett Bucknall UK Ltd; Travis Perkins Plc.

Alison Bainbridge, Business Leader at Novartis UK, who have made the list for four consecutive years said:

“Novartis UK is a great place to work with a healthy focus on looking after our business objectives to meet the needs of the patients we serve, but also the individual as an employee.   Our open culture promotes associates to live our values in our daily activities, and personal growth of associates is paramount.   Through the flexible working programme I am supported in my life/work balance, enabling me to prioritise my career and wellbeing.”

Erica Cassin, HR Director at Novartis UK, said:

“I’m thrilled that we have achieved the UK Top Employer accreditation for the fourth consecutive year and, in addition this year, Novartis UK has also been accredited as a European Top Employer. Novartis UK has consistently been recognised for excellent practices in the areas of talent and career development, as well as leadership.  Within a culture that is hugely passionate, collaborative and supportive, our leaders’ active involvement in the development of our associates through coaching and mentoring, and our commitment to building diverse and flexible career paths sets us apart.”

Miriam Ort, VP and Head of HR at PepsiCo UK&I, who celebrate inclusion for the sixth year in a row said:

“At PepsiCo, we are deeply committed to investing in the development of all our colleagues, from the factory floor right through to senior management. This is a top priority as we know that our success as a business is tied to the quality of our talent. We are delighted to be recognised again this year. And we want to thank each of our 5,000 dedicated colleagues who are so integral to both delivering our results and making this a great place to work.” 

Stephan Eder, Head of Sandoz UK, said:

“Being certified as one of the Top Employers is a great achievement and very important to us”.

“This exclusive certification underlines our commitment to become the best place to work for our people and to be even more attractive for talents. It allows us to assess the employee conditions already in place and to develop new practices for our people.”

Andrew Stephenson, Lookers Group People Director said,

“The Top Employers United Kingdom 2017 Certification is a great honour.  We are delighted to be officially recognised as a leading employer and provide ‘excellence in employee conditions’.  Our people from across the business do amazing things every day and this award is recognition of their commitment of being excellent and delivering an outstanding customer retail experience.”

The award comes as Lookers announced a comprehensive package of benefits for their people including 1 full year’s paid maternity leave, 2 years critical illness cover and enhanced holiday packages from year 1 of employment.

Commenting on the award Andrew added,

“As one of the leading motor retailers we are always looking to attract, recruit retain and reward talented people from every business sector. By always putting the customer at the heart of every single decision we are confident that our business will move forward.  The measures and benefits we have introduced have created a meaningful and noticeable different place to work.”

Top Employers UK 2017: Certified Companies

Certifying Companies in 2017 (A-Z)