As European companies face an array of challenges—ranging from labor shortages to rapid technological changes—the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe provide a blueprint for building high-trust cultures that support business resilience and success. This prestigious list, compiled by Great Place To Work and Fortune, features 25 multinational companies and 75 large companies, recognizing companies that excel in creating outstanding workplace cultures across Europe. The selection process is rigorous, with over 1.3 million employees across Europe surveyed. These surveys assess trust, camaraderie, respect, fairness, and pride in the workplace—key indicators of a healthy work environment.
Let’s take a closer look at how these top-performing organizations are using culture as a competitive advantage.
1. Boosting Productivity Through Trust and Collaboration
At a time when European productivity has been lagging behind global competitors, the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe show how workplace culture can drive significant improvements in this area. Nearly 90% of employees at these companies report going above and beyond to get the job done, compared to just 59% at typical European workplaces.
This increase in productivity is fueled by high levels of trust and camaraderie among employees. Workers at these top companies feel a strong sense of connection with their colleagues, which encourages cooperation and drives higher performance. In a supportive environment where everyone is working toward shared goals, employees are more motivated to give their best effort, day in and day out.
2. Retaining Top Talent and Generating Referrals
The European labor market is increasingly competitive, and attracting and retaining top talent has become a major challenge for many organizations. However, the companies on the 100 Best list have a significant advantage. At these organizations, 86% of employees plan to stay with their employer long-term, compared to just 60% at typical European workplaces.
Retention is just one part of the equation. The 100 Best Companies also excel at generating employee referrals, with nearly 90% of workers recommending their employer to family and friends. This is a clear sign of high employee satisfaction and engagement, which reduces recruitment costs and helps build a strong reputation in the marketplace.
The key to these high retention and referral rates is purpose. Employees at these organizations feel that their work is meaningful and aligned with the company’s values, which strengthens their loyalty and commitment to the organization. Leaders who cultivate this sense of purpose can expect to see lower turnover rates and more enthusiastic advocates for their employer brand.
3. Fostering Innovation and Agility
In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, innovation and agility are critical for success. The 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe excel in both areas, with nearly 90% of their employees describing their organizations as adaptable to change—54% more than at typical European workplaces.
These companies foster a culture of innovation by encouraging employees to experiment and try new ideas, even if the outcomes are uncertain. This willingness to embrace experimentation drives creativity and ensures that these organizations stay ahead of the curve in a fast-paced market. Employees at the 100 Best workplaces are 66% more likely to report having meaningful opportunities to innovate, thanks to the emphasis on continuous learning and development.
4. Prioritizing Employee Well-Being
Despite Europe’s leadership in promoting work-life balance, many employees still struggle to find harmony between their professional and personal lives. However, the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe stand out for their commitment to employee well-being. At these organizations, 85% of employees report having a psychologically and emotionally healthy workplace, compared to just 53% at typical European companies.
These top companies understand that supporting employees' mental and emotional health is key to long-term business success. By promoting inclusion and creating environments where workers feel they can be themselves, these organizations reduce the risk of burnout and build a more resilient workforce. Employees who feel supported and valued are more engaged, productive, and likely to stay with the company for the long haul.
5. Delivering Outstanding Customer Service
A positive workplace culture doesn’t just benefit employees—it also leads to better customer outcomes. At the 100 Best Companies, 91% of employees say their organization is a great place to work, and 89% believe that their customers would rate their service as excellent. This is a stark contrast to typical European workplaces, where only 61% of employees believe their customer service is exceptional.
The connection between employee engagement and customer service is clear: when employees are happy, they are more likely to go the extra mile for customers. By fostering a high-trust culture, the 100 Best Companies create a virtuous cycle where employees feel motivated to deliver their best, leading to satisfied customers and stronger business performance.
About the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe™
Great Place To Work selected the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For in Europe™ List by gathering and analyzing more than 1.3 million confidential survey responses representing the experiences of over 2 million employees in the region. Of those, 1 million responses came from companies eligible for the list, and this ranking is based on that feedback. Companies must be recognized on at least one national Best Workplaces list in Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Türkiye, or the United Kingdom during 2023 or early 2024. To be eligible for the list, companies must have 500+ employees. Multinational organizations must also appear on at least three national lists in Europe. The list ranks the best 25 multinational companies followed by the best 75 large companies. Organizations are assessed on their efforts to create generous, supportive, high-performance work experiences for every employee in the organization.
