The 2024 Work Watch Report from Monster reveals that workers prioritize various aspects of their jobs. According to the report, 29% of workers desire more flexible work hours, while 22% seek increased remote work flexibility. Additionally, 20% want more paid vacation time, and 21% are interested in additional fitness stipends and mental health services. Some companies are effectively addressing these priorities for their employees.
Glassdoor's recent Best Places to Work report features a list of the top 100 large companies based on employee reviews, highlighting industries that are excelling in creating positive work environments. Among the top 100 companies, the tech industry stood out the most, with 31 tech companies included. Glassdoor's lead economist, Daniel Zhao, notes that the tech industry historically invests in the employee experience and typically offers competitive salaries. Despite a slight decrease in representation compared to the previous year, tech remains a desirable industry due to its good work-life balance and opportunities to work on cutting-edge products. STEM professions within the tech industry continue to be in high demand, with significant growth projected in the coming years. Notable companies on the list include NVIDIA, Procore Technologies, and VMWare, with positions such as senior fullstack engineer at NVIDIA offering annual salaries ranging from $144,000 to $224,250.
The consulting industry, represented by 12 companies on Glassdoor's list, is another attractive sector for employees. Consultants in this industry advise organizations on strategic decisions and are known for providing excellent career opportunities. Bain & Company, the top organization on the list, is an example of a leading consulting company. Financial stability and a strong career trajectory are often associated with the consulting industry. Notable companies in this sector include McKinsey & Company, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Huron Consulting Group, with positions like expert consultant at Bain & Company offering annual salaries ranging from $108,500 to $127,500.
Furthermore, the finance industry, represented by 11 companies on the list, is known for its attractive compensation packages and robust career prospects. Employees in finance companies commonly praise competitive pay, benefits, and career stability. Fidelity Investments, Mastercard, and Fannie Mae are examples of finance companies recognized for their favorable work environments. Positions like data science associate at Fidelity Investments offer annual salaries ranging from $85,000 to $179,000.
Surprisingly, the retail industry, with 10 companies on the list, also stands out for providing remarkable workplace experiences. Despite retail not being widely associated with high pay and benefits, Glassdoor's report highlights several companies excelling in this regard. Flexibility is a standout feature, with some retail companies offering accommodating shift schedules to support employees' work-life balance. Trader Joe’s, Nike, and Lululemon are among the retail companies recognized for their positive work environments. For example, a community specialist at Lululemon can make an hourly wage ranging from $20.50 to $23.58.
If considering a career switch to one of these industries, it's essential to recognize the transferability of skills across different sectors. Skills like communication, project management, and leadership hold value across various job roles and industries, making it crucial to assess how your current skills can overlap with positions in your desired industry. Conducting thorough research on job descriptions and identifying areas of skill overlap is important when transitioning to a new industry.