UK’s Best Companies to Work For 2026
What We Can Learn from the 2025 Standouts
With the 2026 UK Best Employers list still open for nominations and votes, now is the perfect time to reflect on what makes a workplace truly outstanding. Organisations that put people first - valuing wellbeing, culture, development and support - don’t just win awards - they help employees thrive and perform at their best.
At MOCO Coaching, we celebrate workplaces that align with these values and we believe there’s a lot to learn from companies that consistently top the charts.
What the 2025 Standouts Taught Us
Recent surveys - including Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work 2025 and other employee-driven rankings - highlight organisations UK workers genuinely love. These companies shine because they implement tangible initiatives that improve daily work life. Here are some notable examples:
Arm - Community and Purpose
Employees praise collaborative culture and a sense of belonging.
Regular team hackathons and innovation weeks foster creativity and engagement.
Strong diversity and inclusion programmes, including mentoring schemes for underrepresented groups.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
Equal Experts - Autonomy and Flexible Working
Trust-based flexible working, including remote-first options.
Project teams have autonomy to shape workflows, boosting accountability and engagement.
Transparent career growth pathways allow employees to plan long-term development.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
Informa - Learning and Development
Structured training programmes across technical, leadership, and soft skills.
Encourages internal mobility and “grow from within” philosophies.
Strong employee feedback loops influence benefits, policies, and working practices.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
SAP - Wellbeing and Inclusion
Offers mental health resources, gym subsidie, and mindfulness sessions.
Inclusive leadership training ensures all employees feel valued.
Flexible time-off policies support work-life balance and family commitments.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
Mars - Purpose and Values
Employees cite values and mission alignment as top reasons for satisfaction.
Encourages volunteering and community engagement, giving staff a sense of purpose beyond work.
Strong recognition programmes, celebrating achievements publicly and regularly.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
easyJet - Supportive Work Environment
Transparent communication from leadership, including regular Q&A sessions with executives.
Policies for career flexibility and sabbaticals, supporting long-term employee wellbeing.
Actively listens to staff feedback via surveys and acts quickly on concerns.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
ServiceNow - Growth and Development
Mentorship programmes for junior and mid-level employees.
Encourages cross-team projects to develop new skills and career paths.
Supports inclusive work culture, with employee resource groups and networking opportunities.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
Capgemini Invent - Employee Recognition and Voice
Uses employee surveys and feedback loops to shape policy and culture.
Strong reward and recognition systems highlight performance across teams.
Promotes flexible, hybrid working to balance professional and personal needs.
(glassdoor.co.uk)
What MOCO Coaching Shares With These Employers
The companies that make these lists reflect values we champion at MOCO:
People‑Centered Culture: prioritising wellbeing as foundational to performance.
Supportive Environments: encouraging openness about challenges and growth.
Feedback‑Led Improvement: listening and acting on what employees really need.
Holistic Success: recognising success is about wellbeing and results.
MOCO Coaching helps individuals and organisations embed these practices - turning good intentions into daily habits that support long-term health, resilience and engagement.
Lessons for Workplaces and Individuals in 2026
As the 2026 UK Best Employers list continues to take shape, here are key takeaways from the 2025 standouts:
✔ Culture Over Perks
Employees value respect, purpose and meaningful roles more than superficial extras.
✔ Wellbeing Is Strategic
Health - mental, physical and social - boosts engagement, retention and productivity.
✔ Growth and Voice Matter
Clarity around development and platforms to share feedback, make work life better for everyone.
✔ Support Beats Stress
Supportive leadership and inclusive environments create resilience and loyalty.
Who Are You Voting For in 2026?
The 2026 rankings are still open and this is your chance to make your voice heard:
Who inspires you with culture, care, and consistency?
Which companies deserve recognition for putting people first?
Your insight helps shine a light on organisations that are getting it right and encourages more workplaces to prioritise people.
The MOCO Takeaway
The UK’s best companies to work for aren’t just about awards - they embody behaviours that enable people to thrive. Whether it’s support, wellbeing, career growth or a sense of community, these organisations show what’s possible when people are put first.
At MOCO Coaching, we celebrate these examples and help bring their lessons into everyday work life. Because strong teams and healthy individuals create stronger, more sustainable organisations - and ultimately, a better world of work.
👉 Who will you nominate for the 2026 list? Let’s start a conversation.
How Do You Nominate a Company for ‘Best Places to Work’ in 2026?
If your company deserves recognition for excellent culture, support and employee experience, you can nominate them - or encourage colleagues to do so. There are a few ways to get involved:
UK Best Employers 2026 (FT & Statista): No nomination form - employees simply complete the anonymous survey.
Sunday Times Best Places to Work Awards: Organisations enter directly before 31 March 2026.
Great Place To Work® UK: Nominate via certification to be in Best Workplaces lists.
Other awards: Many business awards accept general nominations year‑round.
