Here’s What Employees Had to Say About Work-Life Balance at Some of the UK’s Best Companies

You heard it here first – the age of the rat race is over. No longer are workers expected to work like mindless drones (we now have actual drones for that), rather the age of the employee is nigh. Money is no longer enough, employees want to know that their bosses are able to offer them flexibility and a quality of life that goes beyond the 9-5 humdrum. So, we’ve searched high and low for the companies offering the good work-life balance in the UK. Not only that, but all of these wonderful companies are hiring now – a perfect compilation for those looking for a change in 2017. HomeServe (Work-life balance rating: 4.3) There is little question that HomeServe is making a genuine effort to improve the lives of their employees. Not only do you get 25 days holiday and every public holiday off from the moment you start working for them, but they also offer a unique Employee Assistance Programme. This is for employees who are going through a difficult or challenging time - a recognition your personal life does matter to them. Clearly, this is a company who take work-life balance extremely seriously, one employee gushed, “the company breathes it values.”

See open jobs at Homeserve

Expedia (Work-life balance rating: 4.3) Expedia has set a new standard in terms of how they look after their staff. Offering their employees the ability to work from home as well as the option of flexi time, they also provide travel opportunities to their staff. According to one current employee, they have “lots of travel opportunities and there are always exciting projects to work on.” Thankfully, their open jobs are available below – because this could well be the best option yet.

See open jobs at Expedia

ARM (Work-life balance rating: 3.7) Having grown from a company with 12 employees to a multi-million dollar corporation, ARM holdings are clearly doing something right. According to a current employee ARM “are completely employee driven, meaning they’re focused on your wellbeing.” The also take charity very seriously, ARM allow their staff to spend at least one day each year volunteering on company time. ARM is dedicated to growth and encourage their employees to take time away from their desks. As one very happy employee put it ARM has an, “excellent work-life balance especially when it comes to sabbaticals, the 4-week blocks of extra holiday every 4 years of service.”

See open jobs at ARM

Salesforce (Work-life balance rating: 4.1) As a rising tech superstar, it is no surprise that Salesforce has made this list. According to their website Salesforce “are working to improve the state of the world”. And there is little question that execs at Salesforce have integrated this into employee welfare. One employee in Staines applauded the “endless, amazing volunteering opportunities to give back to the community.” This includes an outstanding 56 hours a year of volunteering opportunities as well as wonderful speakers at lunch and learns. They also encourage a transparent culture with community forums offering employees the opportunity to speak their mind freely, without fear of repercussion.

See open jobs at Salesforce

Peninsula (Work-life balance rating: 4.1) Peninsula offer employees so much more than a traditional job, they provide free ‘high intensity’ fitness classes every Thursday, which thankfully for those who are exercise phobic are non-compulsory. As well as this they also offer 'deep breath' childcare vouchers, contributory pensions plan, life insurance, a free breakfast every Monday and social sessions on the last Friday of the month (with free food and drink and access to discount schemes).  One employee based in Manchester applauded the fact that “working with some amazing people keeps the culture simple and clean.” For anyone tempted by this tantalising offer, vacancies are below.

See open jobs at Peninsula

Google (Work-life balance rating: 4.1) Google consistently feature on Glassdoor’s Best Place To Work lists globally due to the simple fact that they provide whole host of enviable perks. Inside the office Google staff are treated to massages, music lessons and the option of bringing in their favourite canine companion. Cute! And outside Google HQ team members are treated to parties and outings, which have included ski trips and picnics. As if that wasn’t enough, new dads are offered an unprecedented six weeks paternity leave whilst mums are able to take up to 18 weeks. Google, we salute you. According to one of their lucky employees, “it is truly the best company you can ever work for.”

See open jobs at Google