Best Companies in Manchester to Work For
Just a stones throw from my hometown, sits the city of Manchester, UK. It’s not only known for its rich industrial heritage and vibrant cultural scene but also as a city with a thriving business environment. In recent years, many companies in Manchester have set new standards for employee satisfaction by prioritising workplace wellbeing and introducing innovative employee initiatives.
After the success of my previous research and articles focussing on the best places to work in Leeds and Liverpool, it only felt right that I continue to fly the flag for the North of England and cover the gem that sits between the two cities I call home, Manchester. And who knows, after doing this research I feel a sudden pull to be more central. Situated in a prime position for motorway access and travel to London or up to Edinburgh/Glasgow, it feels silly of me that I have not considered Manchester before. It’s certainly on my radar now.
Here, I highlight the top 8 companies in Manchester that have distinguished themselves as some of the best places to work, with a special focus on their commitment to employee wellbeing.
KPMG, one of the Big Four accounting firms, has a significant presence in Manchester and is highly regarded for its focus on employee development and wellbeing. The company provides a supportive environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
What They Do for Employees:
- Health and Wellbeing: KPMG offers a variety of wellbeing initiatives, including access to mental health resources, fitness programs, and comprehensive health insurance plans.
- Flexible Working: Recognising the importance of flexibility, KPMG offers various flexible working arrangements, including part-time options, remote work, and job-sharing.
- Learning and Development: KPMG invests heavily in the development of its employees. The company offers extensive training programs, leadership development courses, and supports continuous professional education.
- Inclusive Culture: KPMG is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. The firm has multiple diversity networks and is proactive in creating a supportive environment for all employees, regardless of background or identity.
The Co-op Group is a staple in the UK, known for its ethical business practices and strong community ties. This cooperative operates across multiple sectors, including food retail, insurance, and funeral care, making it a diverse employer with a strong focus on its people.
What They Do for Employees:
- Mental Health Support: Co-op has implemented a comprehensive mental health strategy that includes over 500 trained mental health first aiders and an employee assistance program offering confidential counselling services.
- Flexible Working: The company supports work-life balance by offering flexible working arrangements, including remote work and flexible hours.
- Career Development: Co-op invests in its employees through various training programs, ensuring opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Pets at Home, headquartered in the Manchester area, is the UK’s largest pet supplies retailer. The company is known not just for its dedication to pet care but also for its exceptional commitment to its employees. Pets at Home has consistently been recognised as one of the best companies to work for in the UK, thanks to its focus on employee wellbeing, development, and a supportive work culture.
What They Do for Employees:
- Workplace Wellbeing: Pets at Home offers comprehensive wellbeing support to its employees, including mental health resources, access to counseling services, and wellness initiatives that focus on both physical and emotional health. They have also introduced initiatives like ‘Wellbeing Wednesdays,’ where employees are encouraged to engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental health.
- Flexible Working Arrangements: Understanding the importance of flexibility, especially for employees with pets or family commitments, Pets at Home provides flexible working hours and remote working options. This helps employees maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Employee Development: Pets at Home is committed to the growth and development of its employees. They offer a wide range of training programs, leadership development opportunities, and clear career progression paths. Additionally, the company has a unique initiative called ‘Petopedia,’ an internal training program that provides employees with extensive knowledge about pet care, enhancing their expertise and customer service skills.
- Inclusive Work Culture: The company fosters an inclusive and supportive work environment. Pets at Home has various diversity and inclusion initiatives, ensuring that all employees feel valued and respected. They also encourage volunteering and community engagement, with employees being given paid time off to participate in charitable activities.
Auto Trader, a leading digital marketplace for automotive sales, consistently ranks as one of the best companies in Manchester to work. The organisations commitment to its employees is evident in its strong focus on wellbeing and inclusive culture.
What They Do for Employees:
- Wellbeing Initiatives: Auto Trader’s approach to wellbeing covers physical, mental, and financial health, offering gym memberships, wellbeing workshops, and financial advice services.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The company promotes a culture of inclusion with active diversity networks and unconscious bias training.
- Employee Empowerment: With a flat organisational structure, Auto Trader encourages collaboration and innovation, empowering employees to take ownership of their work.
Hilton Manchester Deansgate, a luxury hotel in the heart of Manchester, is known for its high standards of customer service. Behind the scenes, the hotel is also a stellar employer, offering its staff extensive support and development opportunities.
What They Do for Employees:
- Career Development: Hilton offers access to the Hilton University online learning platform, which provides a range of courses to help employees advance their careers.
- Employee Wellbeing: The hotel provides wellness programs, discounted gym memberships, and flexible working arrangements, along with regular health checks.
- Recognition Programmes: Hilton’s ‘Catch Me at My Best’ initiative allows guests and colleagues to recognise outstanding service, contributing to a positive and motivated work environment.
AO World, an online retailer specialising in household appliances, is renowned for its dynamic work culture and emphasis on employee satisfaction. The company has grown rapidly and continues to invest in its workforce.
What They Do for Employees:
- Health and Wellbeing: AO World offers comprehensive health benefits, including on-site health checks and a dedicated health and wellbeing team.
- Career Progression: The company provides clear career progression paths and supports continuous learning through various training programs.
- Employee Recognition: AO World celebrates employee achievements through initiatives like the ‘Star of the Month’ programme, fostering a culture of appreciation.
Brother UK, a leading supplier of technology solutions, has built a reputation as an exceptional workplace. The company’s commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility extends to its workforce, making it a top employer in Manchester.
What They Do for Employees:
- Sustainable Practices: Brother UK promotes a sustainable work environment with initiatives that reduce carbon footprints and support green commuting.
- Wellbeing Programmes: The company offers wellness programmes, health screenings, and mental health support, along with ‘Flexi Fridays’ for better work-life balance.
- Community Engagement: Employees are encouraged to participate in community service, with paid volunteer days that contribute to both local causes and employee satisfaction.
BNY Mellon, a global leader in investment management and investment services, has a strong presence in Manchester and is widely recognised as a top employer in the finance sector. The company has built a supportive and inclusive workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing.
What They Do for Employees:
- Work-Life Balance: BNY Mellon offers flexible working arrangements, including remote work options, to help employees manage their personal and professional lives effectively.
- Wellbeing Programmes: The company has a comprehensive wellbeing strategy that includes mental health resources, financial wellness programs, and access to wellness activities.
- Diversity and Inclusion: BNY Mellon is committed to fostering an inclusive work environment. The company has multiple employee resource groups (ERGs) that focus on various aspects of diversity, including gender, ethnicity, and LGBTQ+ inclusion.
- Professional Development: BNY Mellon provides employees with access to a range of learning and development opportunities, including leadership programs, mentoring, and continuous education support.
Conclusion: Best Companies in Manchester
Manchester is home to some of the most progressive and employee-centric companies in the UK. The eight companies in Manchester I feature in this article—Co-op Group, Auto Trader, AO World, Brother UK, Hilton Manchester Deansgate, BNY Mellon, KPMG Manchester, and Pets at Home—exemplify the best practices in workplace wellbeing and employee initiatives.
These companies in Manchester understand that their success is closely tied to the satisfaction and wellbeing of their employees. By offering a wide range of benefits, from flexible working arrangements and comprehensive health programs to continuous professional development and inclusive work environments, they have created workplaces where employees can thrive both personally and professionally.
For anyone looking to build a rewarding career considering companies in Manchester to work for, these organisations represent the pinnacle of what it means to be an excellent employer. They not only provide opportunities for growth and development but also foster a culture of care, respect, and inclusivity that makes them stand out in today’s competitive job market.
If you’re considering a career move or just curious about the top employers and companies in Manchester, these organisations should be at the top of your list. They prove that investing in people is the key to long-term success, making them shining examples of why Manchester is a great place to work.
Now, these companies in Manchester got me thinking, should I be looking for a move? [As she scrolls on Rightmove] 😉
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Gina Buckney, is a professional speaker, writer, and founder of Your People Power. Gina founded YPP after experiencing extreme burnout working in the Corporate World and has since been on a mission to improve industry and transform the way we work. At YPP, we are fortunate enough to world with Global Leading Organisations and can see our mission is in full flow. If you’d like to nominate an organisation for the great work they do to support their people, get in touch today, or send us a direct email.
