The top companies that treat employees like people

If you take the time to think about it, the traditional relationship or view of employer/employee seems very binary. As soon as you use those terms, a power dynamic appears, where one person has control over the other. Yet, is that really the way it is in modern workplaces? At the end of the day, aren’t we all just people?

Thinking people first means seeing them as individuals and for who they really are. Understanding what motivates them, why they come to work every day, what they want to contribute to the company... And more importantly start asking yourself how you can help them achieve that?

There are an increasing amount of studies revealing the key ingredients for people to feel happy and engaged at work. Here are just a few:

1. Finding purpose and meaning in your work
2. Feeling rewarded - tools like Impraise that allow you to give praise to colleagues and regularly collect feedback can help contribute to this
3. Opportunities for growth and development
4. Feeling empowered to do your job
5. A strong sense of belonging to the company as well as good relationships with co-workers
6. Creating a safe environment for people to share ideas and express themselves

We’ve taken a look at some of the best companies out there.

Top 10 companies who view their employees like people

1. Salesforce

Salesforce helps their people feel good by giving back to the community. They also offer great challenges and rewards, and have open communication culture.

2. Cisco

Cisco offers good benefits that focus on family and enabling people to combine parenthood with their jobs. It’s also a great place to learn and develop professionally.

3. AbbVie

Biopharmaceutical company AbbVie focuses on diversity & inclusion and has trained 1,000 managers to identify and prevent unconscious bias towards women. It also offers childcare support and flexible working practices.

4. Mars

Mars has comprehensive health and wellness programs, volunteering opportunities and career development perspectives.

5. Admiral Group

Admiral allows people to give back to the community through charity. They have built a strong sense of belonging and believe in the importance of having fun so people bring their best to work.

6. DELA

Dutch company DELA has created a strong company culture and people are very proud of their contribution to society. People also feel like their opinions are valued and listened to.

7. The Sovini Group

The Sovini Group has a strong sense of pride and belonging across the business. Thanks to its innovative structure, there are exciting career opportunities for people.

8. Baringa Partners

Baringa operates off five core values: quality, ownership, collaboration, passion and integrity. People have a real sense of ownership and are able to drive external & internal policies, as well as contribute to the company’s overall vision.

9. Abbott

Abbott has great training & development programs for people and also focuses on diversity inclusion in the workplace. They also have an award-winning internship program and support Abbott families through challenging financial situations if need be.

10. Avanade

People at Avanade get to spend a lot of time on training, but also social activities outside of work. People are encouraged to take care of their work-life balance, and the company encourages diversity at all levels.

Are you asking yourself what you can do to improve your company culture? Check out our webinar with 4 experts on the value of impact and recognition.