Cisco and Hilton among UK’s Best Workplaces for Development 2024

Cisco, logistics business DHL Express and hotel chain Hilton have been named as some of the UK’s Best Workplaces for Development in 2024.

For the first time, workplace culture organisation Great Place To Work analysed more than 230,000 employees' responses to identify areas that have the greatest impact on a positive employee perception of development. These were found to be empowerment, recognition, management behaviour and development essentials.

Employers that have been included on the list have been recognised for making staff development a key part of their culture, for offering employees the chance to better themselves, to learn new skills and to progress within the organisation.

The report highlighted that by demonstrating that development is not a one-size fits all and that they actively support employees, employers will see their workforce fuelled by a sense of purpose, feel valued and give their best work.

The survey also found that 85% of employees said they want to stay at their organisation for a long time, compared to the UK average of 61%, while 90% said people at their organisation give extra to get the job done, compared to the UK average of 67%. More than four-fifths (83%) of leaders were investing in leadership and management training, compared to 61% at other organisations.

The best employers for development are:

Top five super large organisations (1,001+ employees):

1. Softcat
2. Cisco
3. Baringa
4. Hilton
5. DHL Express

Top five large organisations (201-1,000 employees):

1. ServiceNow
2. Nvidia
3. xDesign
4. Samsara
5. Unum

Top five medium organisations (51-200 employees):

1. Talos360
2. Hatmill
3. SquaredUp
4. Mercator Digital
5. AlumierMD

Top five small organisations (10-50 employees):

1. Sumillion
2. Iconic Smiles
3. BlakYaks
4. Signable
5. PPC Geeks

Benedict Gautrey, managing director of Great Place To Work UK, said: “When employees don’t see opportunity, they don’t bring their best selves to work, and productivity and retention will be adversely impacted. Employee development is future-focused and evidences a commitment to employees' long-term growth. It ensures people feel valued, and feeds into the overall organisation culture and strategy. Each year, we recognise organisations whose thriving workplace cultures are enabling both their people and their business to flourish. Opportunities for learning and development are a crucial element of this success.”