A Payara Services employee at the awards ceremony

Payara Services

Global enterprise software firm Payara Services, Alzheimer’s Society and Sony Music UK have been recognised as some of Europe’s Top 50 Inspiring Workplaces for 2025.

The awards highlight organisations with a people-first culture and evidence of commitment to their people. They recognise excellence across the areas of culture and purpose, leadership, wellbeing, inclusion, employee voice, and employee experience, and each of these were also judged separately for special recognition.

Organisations entered a category based on how many employees they have and what type they are, including large, medium and small businesses, as well as enterprise business, and government and non-profit. The top 50 winners were then decided by an independent expert judging panel.

Payara was recognised due to its commitment to creating a workplace where innovation, collaboration, and employee wellbeing are at the heart of its growth strategy.

The UK and Ireland Top 50 Inspiring Workplaces in 2025 are:

  1. Alzheimer’s Society
  2. Sony Music UK
  3. Cooper Parry
  4. Clarion Communications
  5. FIECON
  6. Concentrix
  7. memoryBlue
  8. Reward Gateway | Edenred
  9. Visiting Angels
  10. Churchill Group

Julia Millidge, chief people officer and founder of Payara, said: “We are incredibly proud to be recognised as one of Europe’s most inspiring workplaces. This award is a testament to the strength of our global team and the culture we’ve built together, one that empowers individuals to take ownership, think boldly, and grow continuously. Our people are the driving force behind our innovation and our customer success, and this recognition reaffirms that our people-first approach is not just part of our culture, it’s the foundation of our success.”

Matt Manners, founder of The Inspiring Workplaces Group, added: “As Inspiring Workplaces marks its 10th anniversary, we’re proud to recognise organisations that are setting the gold standard for people first cultures. This isn’t just a feel-good approach, it’s a fundamental business strategy. With AI reshaping the way we work, companies that continue to prioritise profit over people may find themselves facing short-term wins but long-term setbacks.”