Best Workplaces, Retention Strategy, Employer Branding, Benchmarks & Trends, Employee Experience
Key Takeaways:
- People-first culture: A better work life is shaped more by how people are treated than by the industry they work in.
- Employee experience: Fair treatment, appreciation, and meaningful contributions are what drive stronger job satisfaction across roles and sectors.
- Workplace cooperation: Teams perform better when people can rely on each other, adapt quickly, and give extra effort when needed.
- Trust and fairness: Respect, appreciation, and managers who avoid favouritism help create loyalty and stronger workplace culture.
- Employee retention: People stay longer and recommend their employer more often when they feel cared for and supported at work.
The 2024 Best Workplaces™ by Industry offer a people-first culture and satisfying experience for their people no matter what industry they’re in.
- Are you thinking about a career change?
- Are you wondering what is the best industry to work in?
Our research shows that the better question to ask is, “Which is the best company to work for?”
Ultimately people deserve to work where they are treated fairly, where they feel appreciated and where their contributions really matter. Do they have to make a complete career changeto find this level of personal and professional job satisfaction? Thankfully, no they don’t. They may need to switch companies though, and find one where a people-first culture is the priority.
People are making career decisions to best fit their life and their goals, and they don’t take career change lightly. Switching industries is difficult and there is a lot of knowledge and talent lost when people leave an industry. Organizations should be aware of this potential loss and strive to be a great, people-first employer in whatever industry they operate. From manufacturing to healthcare, from retail to technology, the actual challenges of the job may vary but conditions that support talent retention, employee productivity, workplace cooperation and a great employee experience are the same. The Best Workplaces know this and they aim to be employers of choice who capture great talent when it becomes available.
Our research has shown unequivocally that companies that prioritize people are the best employers and they outperform across all culture and business metrics no matter the industry. You don’t have to operate in a flashy tech field or provide niche healthcare services to attract and keep great people – if your daycare workers know you care about them, if your assembly line workers know they will be treated fairly, if your delivery drivers feel appreciated, these are the things that really matter. And these people-first practices are what you can focus on so that when people do contemplate a career change, they choose instead to stay within their industry and move to your organization.
What the Best Workplaces do better
“People look forward to coming to work here.”
85% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
The payoff of people-first cultures shows up in a variety of ways and perhaps one of the most telling is their enthusiasm for simply coming to work. 85% of employees at the Best Workplaces™ by Industry say they look forward to coming to work. Think about the impact this attitude has on the entire workplace culture – it’s infectious and highly motivating for everyone. This attitude is precisely what prevails when you take care of your people.
If you want to increase productivity, performance, innovation, and agility levels, you need enthusiastic and engaged people. To get and keep those people, it’s your job to make sure they look forward to coming to work every day. Lead this way and you won’t look back.
“You can count on people to cooperate.”
88% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
“People here are willing to give extra to get the job done.”
87% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
“People here quickly adapt to changes needed for our organization's success.”
85% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
Working to build a strong culture where all employees are seen, heard and valued is particularly important when it comes to productivity and agility — top of mind to leaders in the current lean economy. When employees can count on their colleagues to cooperate, for example, they are more likely to give extra effort and adapt to change. When people work well together, they are united and dedicated to not only their individual and team goals, but the overall goals of the organization as well. This spirit of cooperation and camaraderie arises from, and is sustained by, a people-first culture. Allow your people to be their best and bring their best ideas forward within a safe, supportive and respectful workplace and the best people will come to you.
“People care about each other here.”
91% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
"My direct manager shows appreciation for good work and extra effort."
85% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
"Managers avoid playing favourites."
81% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
Great people are attracted to a workplace that is built on a solid foundation of trust, credibility, respect, and fairness. This foundation doesn’t arise from perks and shiny objects. You need to show people you care about them as people. You need to treat them fairly and be proactive in combatting sources of bias and favouritism. It’s hard work to provide a work environment where people feel truly respected and appreciated, yet the result is immeasurable in terms of employee loyalty and dedication. The key is to connect with people honestly and genuinely. These trustworthy, supportive connections are what people lean on during challenging times and celebrate when things are going well.
“I want to work here for a long time.”
85% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
“I would strongly endorse my organization to friends and family as a great place to work.”
87% Agreement at Best Workplaces by Industry
When you treat people well, the results speak for themselves in terms of employee retention. In people-first cultures people choose to stay and they actively work to recruit and refer people they know. There really is no greater endorsement than high retention numbers and lots of employee referrals.
When people have choice they will exercise it. Aim to be an employer of choice in your industry so that if/when great people in your industry decide on a career change, they choose to change organizations and bring all their industry knowledge to YOUR workplace. This is how great workplaces are built – one person, one leader, one interaction at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What has the biggest impact on work-life satisfaction?
The quality of the workplace often matters more than the industry itself. Fair treatment, appreciation, and a people-first culture have a stronger influence on day-to-day satisfaction.
Why do some companies keep great talent more effectively?
Strong employers create conditions where people feel respected, supported, and valued. That leads to better retention, stronger engagement, and more employee referrals.
How does a people-first culture improve performance?
When people cooperate well, give extra effort, and adapt to change, teams become more productive and agile. Those behaviours grow more naturally in supportive, respectful workplaces.
What makes employees want to stay long term?
Trust, fairness, genuine appreciation, and supportive management all help people build lasting commitment to their workplace. These factors also strengthen loyalty and advocacy.
What role do managers play in creating a better workplace?
Managers help shape everyday culture through appreciation, fairness, and consistent behaviour. When they avoid favouritism and build trust, people are more likely to feel respected and motivated.
Why is staying in the same industry sometimes the better move?
Changing companies can preserve valuable industry knowledge while improving the employee experience. A better fit often comes from finding an employer with a stronger culture, not starting over in a new field.
