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Uber, Elsevier & The 10 Best Companies For Employee Happiness

Not happy at work? According to a recent employee happiness survey, top employers including Uber and Elsevier are leading the way when it comes to the companies with the happiest employees

Tue Sep 24 2024

BusinessBecause
As upsetting as it may sound, we spend approximately an entire third of our lives at work, so it’s important that we feel as content in the office as we do outside of it.  

Not to mention, being in a happy workplace doesn’t just make you feel better—you work better, too. According to the Harvard Business Review, happier workers are not just more productive, they’re also more collaborative, meaning they’re more likely to want to contribute positively to an organization.

So, how do companies increase employee happiness? 

Well, if you ask the employer and brand comparison site, Comparably, there are three main factors involved: increasing workplace positivity, creating opportunities for professional growth, and providing satisfactory compensation and benefits.

Based on these metrics, each year Comparably asks workers to rate aspects of their workplace such as diversity, leadership, and burnout in an annual employee happiness survey.

The survey reveals Comparably’s best companies for employee happiness. So, if you’re looking to find an employer that excels when it comes to happiness at work, check out the top 10 in this year’s list. 


Employee Happiness: 10 Top Companies


10. Salesforce 

A leader in cloud-based customer relationship management, Salesforce hasn’t forgotten the value of employee satisfaction. 

Ranked in the top 5% of companies for perks, benefits, compensation, and CEO approval, 91% of employees are satisfied with their benefits packages, and 88% describe the workplace environment as positive.

One anonymous employee shared with Comparably: “Salesforce is excellent at encouraging people to move forward in their careers, learn, grow, and be healthy in every way.”


9. TopGolf

The ninth best company for employee happiness is TopGolf: a business offering a high-tech golf driving range game with electronically tracked golf balls and automatically scored drives. 

But the fun doesn’t end on the course. An overwhelming 97% of the company’s employees describe the work environment as positive, with the team cited in reviews as being friendly, outgoing, and supportive. 

In a time where workplace burnout is on the rise, no employees report experiencing burnout at TopGolf—a unique trait among the top 10 in the ranking.

According to one TopGolf employee, “The TopGolf family is incredibly close-knit. My colleagues are always ready to help out when needed. I look forward to seeing them every day.”  


8. HubSpot

Coming in at number eight is global software company and customer relationship management (CRM) platform, HubSpot. 

Clear communication, a growth-oriented mindset, and strong leadership are consistently mentioned in employee feedback, and an impressive 96% of employees describe the work environment as positive.

As one employee shared, “They are very transparent about the performance of the business and clear about our company goals. They lead with heart, which is inspirational and helps define our culture all the way from the execs to the frontlines.”


7. Esri

A global leader in geographic information systems (GIS), Esri ranks seventh on the list of the best companies for employee happiness.

An impressive 98% of employees describe the workplace as positive, while 92% are satisfied with the company's benefits, which include a comprehensive healthcare package.

One Esri employee shared: “The robust internal communication, shared vision for GIS as a world-changer, and synergistic outcomes as a team of teams are the most positive components of Esri's company culture.”


6. Proofpoint

For this online cybersecurity company, a strong business mission is a key reason why its employee happiness is so high. A staggering 98% of Proofpoint employees say they’re proud to be a part of the tech firm.

One Proofpoint employee told Comparably: “I am happy to be working alongside some of the most hardworking, smartest, understanding and determined people in the corporate world. They make me push myself to bring my best to work every day.”


READ: What Are The Highest MBA Jobs?

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©iStock / ablokhin


5. Paycom

Paycom, an online payroll and HR software provider based in Oklahoma, ranks fifth for employee happiness in Comparably’s 2024 list. 

With over 7,300 employees, more than 95% describe the workplace as fostering a positive environment. A strong culture of recognition and encouragement from leadership is frequently cited as a key source of motivation and job satisfaction.

One employee shared: “The fact that I get to interact with people every day who are positive, uplifting, and keep things fun makes coming to the office a blessing. I love helping companies get into a better position to see success.”


4. Elsevier

Despite being a large global company, Elsevier hasn’t lost sight of the importance of work-life balance, for which it ranks first, according to Comparably. 

As many as 87% of employees report feeling excited to go to work each day, and the company leadership are praised for their commitment to maintaining a transparent, people-centric ethos. 

An anonymous employee said: “The leadership team listens to concerns, actively seeks feedback, and engages employees in discussions to learn what’s working and identify opportunities for change that support the mission and improve the workplace.”


3. ADP

This payroll company has managed to receive high ratings for employee happiness by making diversity a core value. The company ranks first in this category, with employees praising its inclusive culture and open communication.

According to one employee: “We are never afraid to share new ideas. The leadership always welcomes suggestions from associates and takes their feedback into consideration.”


2. Adobe

Adobe isn’t just known for its creative software—it’s also one of the top companies for employee happiness, particularly when it comes to perks and benefits. 

Around 96% of Adobe employees are satisfied with the benefits package, with as many as 72% describing the perks—which include free meals, a pet-friendly office, and social outings for the team—as fantastic.

One Adobe employee shared: “Great culture, continuous involvement of management regarding employee happiness. Senior management keeps giving gifts to the entire team on achieving small milestones. Everyone loves our CEO.”


1. Uber

The number one company for employee happiness according to Comparably is the world’s most popular ride-hailing app, Uber. 

With its strong focus on diversity, inclusion, and professional growth, Uber surpasses other top companies such as Meta, Google, and Amazon in terms of employee happiness. Plus, Uber staff members also report feeling content with their benefits and compensation packages—which even includes a wellness allowance.

One anonymous Uber employee told Comparably: “I consider it as one of the best places to work. It is a company with strong values that are pushing me to become a better professional and better person. I feel motivated, as the workplace [is] a supportive environment.”


So, there you go, these are the top companies to apply for if you want to feel happy at work. 

If you're interested in finding out how you can launch a career at one of these companies and want free advice from b-school careers experts, download our BusinessBecause Careers Guide: What's Next After Business School.