McDonald’s, Halfords and Santander among best employers

McDonald's auto-enrolment plans

Halfords, Santander and Zenith are among the top 100 best employers to work for, according to The Sunday Times.

The Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2015 ranked lingerie retailer Bravissimo in its list, as well as Hymans Robertson, Bibby Financial Services, White Stuff, BMW UK, The Perfume Shop and Volvo Construction Equipment.

But insurer Simply Business was ranked as the number one employer to work for in the 15th annual list. The organisation was selected for the social activities organised by and offered to staff, such as regular pub trips, a weight-loss club, boxercise, running, yoga and movie nights.

The newspaper’s other annual list, The Sunday Times Best Big Companies to Work For, ranked Zurich, EE, Iceland Foods, American Express and McDonald’s Restaurants, with resturant chain TGI Friday’s ranked number one.

The rankings are based on feedback from employees through a detailed questionnaire about workplace culture, practices and employee sentiment towards their employers.

Catherine Hambleton-Gray, head of people at Halfords, says: “We are thrilled to have again been named as one of the best organiations to work for by The Sunday Times. This is testament to the many initiatives we have in place for our colleagues including the 3 Gears Programme, our three-year apprenticeship programme at Autocentres, and wider community programmes including teaching primary school pupils about bike safety and maintenance.

“It’s great to know our employees are proud to work for Halfords, and it’s thanks to them that Halfords is the success it is today.”

Simon Lloyd, chief people officer and general counsel at Santander, said: “We’re delighted to be placed in the list. The fact that the awards are based on direct feedback from employees makes this achievement even more valuable.

“The wellbeing and job satisfaction of our employees is paramount to the success of our organisation and our goal to being a bank that is simple, personal and fair.” 

Dominic O’Connell, business editor at The Sunday Times, said: “Congratulations to all the organisations recognised in this year’s awards.

“Whilst from a wide range of sectors and a varying number of employees, what they have in common is enlightened and forward-looking leaders investing in the wellbeing and motivation of their most valuable assets- their employees.”