Google, Apple and John Lewis are perceived to be the best three employers in the UK, with the ability to create a good working environment considered the key criteria in desirability terms.
According to a survey among 2,133 adults undertaken by pollster YouGov on behalf of workplace services provider, Croner, Google was nominated 81 time, Apple, 80, and John Lewis, 72. Next on the list was Virgin (62), followed by the BBC (55).
Andy Hague, Croner’s managing director, said: “Being a good employer is something these businesses have worked hard at. Putting the needs of the workforce at the heart of their organisations has a significant effect on their success. It singles them out as employers of choice.”
Some 82% of those questioned, meanwhile, believed that a positive working environment was the most important factor in deciding on what made an employer good or not. A further 81% valued a decent pay and benefits package (81%), while just over three quarters felt that appealing employers would offer workers a good work/life balance.
Other appealing characteristics included training and development opportunities (69%), a strong leader at the top (47%) and a great culture and strong values (41%).
But simply working for a well-known brand did not cut it as reason to rate an employer. Only 11% of respondents believed that a strong brand equated to a good employer, with fewer women (8%) than men (14%) holding this view.
