Employers That Are Getting It Right (and Their Secret to Success)

Great companies to work for have no shortage of top talent. They often get hundreds of applications for a single position and have their choice of the best of the best.  

But what sets these organizations apart, and why do so many people eagerly apply to join their ranks?  

The short answer: these are companies that treat their employees well. They take care of their people, and their people help them grow.  

Here are a few of the top companies to work for in the U.S. and what makes them stand out from the competition.  

Facebook/Meta 

This social media giant regularly shows up on lists of the best companies to work for—and for good reason! Facebook has all the standard perks of large corporations, like gym stipends, free dry cleaning, and on-site catering. But more importantly, they take care of their employees and their families by covering 100% of health insurance premiums and offering infertility benefits and even egg freezing. And for new parents, Facebook provides four full months of paid leave plus stipends to cover newborn expenses and babysitting costs.  

23andMe 

Just like Facebook, 23andMe focuses on supporting employees, offering 16 weeks of paid parental leave that is inclusive of LGBTQ+ team members. Their family planning benefit provides adoption assistance, funds for fertility treatments, and reimbursement for surrogacy costs. Plus, 23andMe works hard to make new hires feel welcome, setting up mentorship opportunities and hosting regular dinners to help new employees build relationships with members of the leadership team.  

Microsoft 

Not only does Microsoft offer a generous one year of paid parental leave, but they also require all Microsoft suppliers to do so, making the tech giant a regular addition to lists of companies that help people. In addition to comprehensive health insurance, their benefits include paid gym memberships and a variety of on-site services, including a spa, salons, and even numerous restaurants for employers to enjoy during the work week. All Microsoft employees can take unlimited time off—the company doesn’t track PTO and measures work in completed tasks and projects rather than in the number of hours.  

Twitter 

Like Microsoft, Twitter doesn’t monitor employee vacation days, believing that individuals know best when they need to step away from work and recharge. To help employees develop and maintain healthy lifestyles, the social media company provides an on-campus gym, fitness classes, and delicious healthy food at their headquarters, as well as fitness classes and delicious healthy food to help employees develop and maintain healthy lifestyles. With five months of paid maternity leave and 10 weeks of paid paternity leave, Twitter prioritizes families and their needs.  

Google 

In addition to providing a variety of on-site health benefits to employees, like physical therapy, fitness centers, and massage services, Google also encourages their team members to be charitable, ranking as one of the top businesses that do good. When employees donate to a charity, Google will match donations and even donate more for the hours the employee volunteers. This culture of giving helps the company stand out and encourages employees to give their own time and money to charity.  

What makes a good company? 

It can be easy for smaller companies to look at organizations like Google and Facebook and feel that they can’t compete. After all, how can your one-person HR department build a culture and benefits package that match what these huge corporations offer?  

The truth is that a company can have tons of amazing perks, from free food to on-site gyms and dry cleaning, but none of that matters if employee care and gifting isn’t a high-priority value and goal. The best companies know that they can’t succeed without their people and know that their employees are their biggest asset. And your organization doesn’t have to be huge to understand that. 

But how do you help your employees feel appreciated and valued?  

Pay them what they’re worth 

Most people work to live, which means that compensation should always be a high priority for any company that wants their employees to feel valued. If you want to attract and retain top talent, it’s essential to not just pay a living wage but show workers that their work matters through fair compensation.  

Low pay can have a far-reaching negative impact on your company. Underpaid employees typically feel undervalued and are more likely to feel stressed or fall ill, which can have a negative effect on productivity and performance.  

Provide growth opportunities 

Great employees always want to learn and develop their skills, and great companies to work for provide them with plenty of chances to do so. Find ways to encourage your team members to strive for new goals and give them the resources to improve their work and reach new heights. If you don’t provide employees with the chance to expand their experience, growth stagnates, and you end up with workers looking for new positions that will let them spread their wings.  

Listen to and value employee input 

Plenty of companies say that they want to hear from employees, but few actually take these comments and concerns into account. Employee reviews shouldn’t just be about the individual; they should also give the employee a chance to provide feedback to the company. Constructive criticism can help your organization grow and enable you to care for your team members and encourage them to stick around.  

You may even want to consider adding a new executive position, like Chief People Officer, that focuses on employee care and satisfaction.  

Recognize standout work 

Take time to praise individual employee accomplishments, whether with a simple “thank you,” a handwritten note of appreciation, or a thoughtful gift. Don’t wait until an employee’s annual review to tell them they’re doing great work. Let them know that they’re succeeding, and their dedication is appreciated and integral to the success of the company.  

Focus on work/life balance 

A major part of employee care is helping employees avoid burnout and feel that their personal time is valued and respected. Great companies understand that employees have obligations outside of work and that everyone needs time off to recharge. It’s important to provide generous PTO and accommodate the needs of each employee. The more supportive your work environment and policies, the more likely it is that your top performers will stay with the company and contribute to its growth.  

Be open and transparent 

Keep employees informed about the company—not just the financials, but goals for the future, the vision of your organization, and other important updates. Help every team member understand how their work contributes to the company so your employees can feel that they have a stake in the success of the business. 

Create a positive culture 

The best companies build and maintain cultures that are collaborative, creative, and passionate. If you want to attract the best talent, show everyone just how positive your culture is and how much your employees love to be a part of it.  

No company can succeed and grow without dedicated, hardworking employees, and the happiest employees are found in the happiest workplaces. Regardless of how big or small your organization is, you can create a unique culture that prioritizes employee care and happiness, enabling you to attract and retain top talent. After all, what makes a company good to work for isn’t its laundry list of perks but its focus on employee engagement and satisfaction. Before you know it, word will spread that your organization is one of the great companies to work for, and you will have your pick of the best of the best!