5 Best Companies To Work For In The UK

When considering the best companies to work for in the UK, it’s easy to begin thinking of the most wealthy or high-paying organisations immediately. But when those same companies have high turnover rates and huge customer dissatisfaction, it’s hard to consider the phrase in that context.

A Glassdoor spokesperson claimed: “With the jobs market softening and the rise of Gen Z, many employers are rethinking their compensation, flexibility and company culture,” They promote a work-life balance, have a fun company culture and ensure their employees have their voices heard. Today, Real Business will look at the five best companies to work for in the UK based on testimonials and accolades of each business.

5. Mott MacDonald

Mott Macdonald is a global engineer who tackles the world’s most challenging and important projects, such as transport, energy, water, environment, health, education and international development.

It’s a company owned by its employees, constructed to foster a culture of collaboration and shared responsibility. They work to enhance green living and sustainability, increasing their stake in the company, as it’s within an ethical frame.

Furthermore, Mott MacDonald invests a lot of money into its employees’ growth and development. They offer a range of training, mentorship, and support for professional qualifications to further pursue passions and develop skills.

Its accolades are as follows:

Employee Satisfaction

Here are some employee feedback that best describes why we feel it’s one of the best companies in the UK:

• “Mott MacDonald is a great place to start your career. The company offers a supportive and collaborative environment, and there are plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. The pay for entry-level positions could be improved though.” – Laura Green, Graduate Engineer, Birmingham
• “I have been with Mott MacDonald for over 10 years, and I still love coming to work every day. The company has a strong sense of purpose, and I feel like I am making a difference in the world. However, upward mobility can be a bit challenging at times.” – Robert Taylor, Project Manager, London

4. SAP

SAP is a global technology company. Their business model is providing software solutions to businesses of all sizes intending to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the management of operations and customer relations.

What makes SAP one of the best companies to work for in the UK is its culture of continuous learning and development. Through its learning platform, SAP Learning Hub, employees can train their skills extensively through programs, workshops and online courses to develop them into top talent.

SAP is committed to diversity, implementing various initiatives to ensure colleagues of different backgrounds can enter the workforce as their whole selves. Their company size is huge, with offices and customers in over 180 countries.

SAP’s accolades consist of the following:

Workplace Feedback

The following feedback is based on honest feedback made on Glassdoor:

• “A place where you can truly grow.” – Software Engineer, Walldorf, Germany (2023): “SAP is an amazing company with a strong focus on employee development. The learning opportunities are endless, and I feel like I’m constantly growing in my career. The work can be demanding, but the supportive team and management make it a rewarding experience. I also appreciate the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, which creates a welcoming environment for everyone.”
• “A global company with a small-team feel.” – Marketing Manager, Palo Alto, USA (2023): “Despite its global reach, SAP manages to foster a sense of community and belonging. I feel connected to my colleagues even though we’re spread across different continents. The company’s culture encourages collaboration and innovation, which makes every day exciting. The work-life balance can sometimes be a challenge, but SAP’s flexible work arrangements make it manageable.”

3. Mastercard

Mastercard is a global technology company that operates in the payments industry. They connect customers to many financial institutions across the world, and deeply value their employees, fostering a workplace that prioritises growth and well-being.

Mastercard empowers employees to take full control of their work, encouraging a culture of innovation and risk-taking. Employees make their own decisions and drive projects forward, leading to a sense of pride, and they offer comprehensive health benefits and mental health resources to all.

Furthermore, they offer a comprehensive program called “Mastercard Learning and Development”, which offers personalised learning paths and mentorship opportunities.

Their accolades are as follows:

Employees Survey Responses

The following are unbiased reviews and testimonials collected to give insight into why we’ve picked Mastercard as one of the best companies to work for from Glassdoor:

• “Supportive environment with a focus on innovation.” – Senior Software Engineer, New York, NY (2023): “Mastercard fosters a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to innovation. The company is constantly pushing the boundaries of technology in the payments industry, which makes the work both challenging and exciting. There are ample opportunities for professional development, and the company truly cares about the well-being of its employees. However, the fast-paced nature of the industry can sometimes lead to long hours and tight deadlines.”
• “A company that values diversity and inclusion, but could do better with internal mobility.” – Marketing Manager, Dublin, Ireland (2023): “I love working at Mastercard because it’s a place where diversity and inclusion are not just buzzwords but are truly embedded in the company culture. I feel valued for my unique perspective and am empowered to make a meaningful impact. The company also offers a wide range of employee resource groups and initiatives that promote a sense of belonging. However, I do wish there were more opportunities for lateral movement and career progression within the company.”

2. Housing 21

Housing 21 is a not-for-profit provider of retirement and care services across England. They specialise in affordable yet high-quality housing and support services aimed at older people who have various needs, such as dementia, and learning disabilities.

They offer independent living apartments and bungalows with communal facilities, providing on-site care and support staff with 24/7 availability. They foster a positive and inclusive work culture with flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave entitlements, and family-friendly policies.

Furthermore, they offer competitive compensation packages, with salaries aligned with industry standards and a pension scheme with employer contributions. Many carers across England consider this to be one of the best companies to work for in the UK.

The accolades that Housing 21 has collected are as follows:

Employees Feedback

The following is honest feedback gathered on several websites:

• “Rewarding but challenging work in social care.” – Support Worker, Worcester (Indeed, March 2023):
  • “The most enjoyable part of working at Housing 21 is making a positive difference in the lives of older people and seeing the direct impact of my work. The company culture is generally supportive and there are opportunities for training and development. However, the workload can be heavy at times, and pay could be more competitive compared to other care providers.”
• “Fulfilling career with a strong sense of community.” – Scheme Manager, Bristol (Glassdoor, January 2023):
  • “Housing 21 offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about social care. The sense of community within the team is strong, and I feel valued for my contributions. The company also promotes a good work-life balance, which is important in this field. However, there could be more opportunities for career progression and a clearer path for moving up within the organization.”

1. Bain and Company

Bain and Company is a global management consulting firm. Their job is to target complex business challenges, and their clientele includes businesses, non-profit organisations, and even governments.

Their speciality is in helping clients define a long-term vision and realise growth opportunities whilst developing actionable plans to achieve their goals. This includes optimising operations, efficiency, and growth through functions such as supply chains, marketing and technology.

They pair employees with mentors who offer guidance and support and allow employees to work in different offices throughout the world to expose them to different industries internationally. They focus on results, encouraging employees to creatively think and challenge assumptions.

Their accolades are as follows:

Employee Feedback

Bain & Company Employee Testimonials (Glassdoor):

• “Supportive, High-Performing, and Rewarding Culture” – Senior Associate Consultant, London, UK (2023): “Bain fosters an environment where you’re surrounded by brilliant, driven individuals who genuinely care about your success. The firm’s commitment to mentorship and professional development is unparalleled. While the workload can be demanding, the supportive nature of the teams and the emphasis on work-life balance make it sustainable. The opportunities for learning and growth are immense, and the rewards, both intrinsic and financial, are significant.”
• “Collaborative and Impactful Work, Steep Learning Curve” – Consultant, New York, NY (2023): “At Bain, you’re not just a cog in the wheel – you’re a valued member of a team tackling high-stakes challenges for global clients. The work is intellectually stimulating, and you quickly gain exposure to a wide range of industries and business functions. The learning curve is steep, but the support and mentorship from colleagues are invaluable. Bain’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is also evident in its culture and hiring practices.”

Conclusion

Businesses are changing from the ground up, not only to make way for Gen Z, but also to take advantage of the overwhelming research that shows that employees who feel pride in their work, and loyalty to their company through development, will be more productive and stay in their roles for longer.