The best places to work in the South East in 2022
Job website Glassdoor has released their list of the top 50 best places to work for in the UK in 2022.
Included in the list are companies ranging from software firms to shoe stores and car companies to confectionery manufacturers.
We’ve narrowed down the list to the companies which have a substantial base in the South East and have included their Glassdoor rating out of five.
ServiceNow
Rating: 4.6
American software company ServiceNow creates cloud-based software platforms to help companies with their digital workflow and IT management systems. The company has an office in Staines. Current and former employees have left positive reviews about their experience working at ServiceNow, stating that it is a “positive and motivating place to work”.
AND Digital
Rating: 4.6
Maidenhead headquartered AND Digital specialises in enterprise software and network solutions. They enhance the product development of a range of companies; their extensive client list includes British Airways and Conde Nast, to The Telegraph, Gousto and many other well-known organisations. A senior product analyst at the company's Reading branch said: “They are truly a people-first organisation, with a great culture for encouraging feedback and a growth mindset.”
Adobe
Rating: 4.5
Maidenhead-based Adobe has been described as “exceptionally well organised” and caring about the health and wellbeing of their employees. The company is well-known for its software products including Photoshop, Acrobat Reader, and Adobe Creative Cloud. A current employee based in the South East said that working at Adobe is "interactive and highly informative".
VMware
Rating: 4.5
American cloud computing and visualisation company VMWare was one of the first companies to virtualize the x86 architecture, an ISA series for computer processors. VMware has offices in Staines. Employees have left positive reviews, saying that “VMware is one of those companies that really give you a sense of job satisfaction” and that there are lots of opportunities for progression.
Hitachi Capital
Rating: 4.5
Financial services company Hitachi Capital, which has its headquarters in Staines, was originally established to create innovative solutions for manufacturers; now they cater to the demands of consumers, brokers and businesses all over the UK. Former employees have lots of praise for the company, saying that the pay is competitive and comes with benefits; one Reading employee said the company has a "good work-life balance".
Microsoft
Rating: 4.4
The multinational technology company is best known for producing computer software, consumer electronics and personal computers. The company has offices throughout the UK including Reading. A senior finance director at the company said that Microsoft focuses on “delivering impactful, valuable work” and makes employees feel that they can “make a positive difference in the world”.
SAP
Rating: 4.4
German multinational software company SAP, which has offices in Maidenhead, specialises in developing software to manage business operations and has been described as a ‘market leader in business software and solutions.’ A sales executive wrote a review of the company stating that they are a “Global leader in provision of Travel, Expense and Invoice spend management platforms”.
Oliver Bonas
Rating: 4.3
Independent British lifestyle store Oliver Bonas, which has its headquarters in Surrey, is considered to be one the best luxury homeware brands in the UK, followed closely by The White Company and Anthropologie. A sales assistant in the South East branch at Oliver Bonas said the company is invested in their employees and pays lots of benefits including a staff discount and reward.
SoftCat
Rating: 4.3
IT infrastructure and services provider Softcat Plc is recognised as one of the UK’s most successful technology solutions businesses with offices located in Marlow and Southampton; they have won awards for apprenticeship programs and being in top rankings on Glassdoor. A security analyst said: “Support is offered every step of the way and you are treated like a family member, unlike most companies. Management truly cares about the company and people and they set reasonable expectations.
Cisco Systems
Rating: 4.3
Technology conglomerate corporation Cisco Systems, which has offices in Chandler's Ford, develops and manufactures networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other high-end technology. Glassdoor reviewers say that management are supportive and that they receive good pay and benefits. An operations manager in Reading said: “Good reputation of a first class portfolio of products and services mean that customer confidence and trust is high from the start”.
Sage
Rating: 4.3
Software company Sage Group, which has offices in Wokingham, is best known for their software solutions in accounting, payroll and human resource management and payments. An enterprise architect in Reading said: “Sage looked after employees throughout the pandemic, with a no furlough policy. Still investigating and working to make life better for colleagues and customers.”
Johnson & Johnson
Rating: 4.3
Healthcare company Johnson & Johnson, which has bases in Wokingham and High Wycombe, is well-known its household name products such as Johnson's baby products and Neutrogena skin and beauty products. With 134,000 people at 260 companies spread throughout 60 countries, the company was ranked 15 in the ‘World’s Most Admired Company’ list.
Fidelity International
Rating: 4.2
Investment management services company Fidelity International, which has offices in Surrey, specialises in investment solutions and retirement planning. Fidelity stated on their Glassdoor page: ‘Our Workplace and Personal Financial Health business provides individuals, advisers and employers with access to world-class investment choices, third-party solutions, administration services and pension guidance.’ A manager at the company's Wallington branch said that Fidelity is a "great place to develop your skills".
Procter & Gamble
Rating: 4.2
Procter & Gamble has brands, which has bases in Weybridge and Reading, produces household names convenience goods including those under the brand names of Gilette and Pampers. One National Account Manager said the company provides: “Frequent training and up-skilling of employees and the option to work abroad during your career.” Another employee in Brighton said the company's management was "amazing".
Capgemini Invent
Rating: 4.2
Digital innovation, consulting and transformation brand of the Capgemini Group, Capgemini Invent state that they combine digital capabilities with deep sector to help organisations to test and new products, services and business models. Capgemini has offices in Woking. One management consultant commented: “The company has a wide range of benefits, including an excellent wellbeing hub, and lots of groups you can join, e.g. Women in Capgemini, LGBT, Race and Ethics, Book Clubs, Volunteer Work and much much more.”
Mars
Rating: 4.2
The American multinational manufacturer of confectionery, pet food, and other products has 129 factories spread throughout 66 countries. With 48,000 staff, Mars produces annual sales of $22 billion.
The company has a base in Slough. Best known for its chocolate bars, Twix, Snickers and Starburst, the company has also been on the World’s Best Workplaces list for eight consecutive years. One project engineer said that Mars has: “A friendly team, with lots of company investment into new large scale projects at the site”.
O2
Rating: 4.2
Based in Slough, the British telecommunications services provider has been ranked the second best phone provider in the UK out of the big four (EE, Three and Vodafone). Reviewers state that the company provides employees with plenty of opportunities. One territory trainer commented: “O2 has always facilitated a way of progressing and working towards your future goals. Personally I have had the chance to work across different departments and experience working in different environments.”
