News

This Place Is Better To Work At Than Google

by Kate Fustich

Whether you are in the market for a fresh career start, or just want to stay sharp of the opportunities out there, good news — Glassdoor, just released their annual list of best companies to work at in 2016. Brimming with perks and positivity, each one of the 50 companies on the list score highly not only on the work itself, but also in terms of the company culture, work environment, and much more. The big surprise? Google — much lauded as a terrific place to work — isn't the number one winner. It's still in the top 10, though, which is probably to be expected.

The results that comprise the list are based on anonymous reviews from actual employees. The reviews take into consideration the employee's opinion of the job itself, the workplace, and the company as a whole. These reviews generate a rating on a scale of one to five (one being the lowest, five being the highest) and the conglomeration of reviews generates an average overall score for that company. This year, every company in the top 10 had an average review of 4.3 or higher.

Within the United States, Glassdoor breaks companies into two categories of recognition: 50 Best Places to Work (honoring employers with 1,000 or more employees) and 50 Best Small & Medium Companies to Work For (honoring employers with less than 1,000 employees). Here, let's take a look at the top 10 on the list of employers with 1,000 or more employees; for the complete top 50, as well as the small and medium companies who made the cut, head on over to Glassdoor.

If you're familiar with Glassdoor's annual list, you probably expect to see a few familiar names. True, the likes of Google have remained a stronghold for years — but there are also numerous change-ups in the list, including a handful of newcomers.

Below, we take a look at the cream of the crop.

1. Airbnb

The Company: An online marketplace to list and book housing accommodations around the world.

Rating: 4.6

Location: San Francisco, Calif.

What Employees Are Saying: "Amazing people, vibrant workplace, and an unbeatable culture that is real and not just something posted on a wall/website. I literally could not ask for a better work experience. Also, pay, insurance, perks, food, parties, and growth opportunities are topnotch."

2. Bain & Company

The Company: A global consulting firm committed to sustainable business solutions.

Rating: 4.6

Location: Boston, Mass.

What Employees Are Saying: "Incredibly supportive culture with an incredible focus on learning and mentoring. Highly intelligent, down-to-earth and fun people. Focused on making a real impact for our clients."

3. Guidewire

The Company: A software production company catering to the insurance industry.

Rating: 4.5

Location: Foster City, Calif.

What Employees Are Saying: "Guidewire hits the sweet spot between 'startup culture' and 'big corporate culture.' There is the small company vibe, wherein you can talk to everyone and get things done.And there is enough room for flexibility in processes for individuals and teams to choose what works best for them, while having the support of the larger organization."

4. HubSpot

The Company: A firm that blends marketing and technology to create innovative PR solutions.

Rating: 4.4

Location: Cambridge, Mass.

What Employees Are Saying: "Leadership places a heavy emphasis on employee growth across all divisions, from tuition reimbursement to offering opportunities to take on challenges outside your core responsibilities. Transparent culture from top to bottom. Management actually listens to employees, and makes quick changes to structure if/when needed."

5. Facebook

The Company: An online platform to connect and engage individuals and media with more than 1 billion users.

Rating: 4.4

Location: Menlo Park, Calif.

What Employees Are Saying: "The culture is really amazing and in my opinion even better than the media portrays it. The perks are wonderful, but the professional experience is even better! I feel the energy everyday working here."

6. LinkedIn

The Company: A website dedicated to helping people grow and connect professionally.

Rating: 4.4

Location: Mountain View, Calif.

What Employees Are Saying: "Our culture is about transformation, integrity, collaboration, humor, and of course results. This culture drives everything we do and is supported by the company's core values that every employee knows and lives each day. Our values are grounded in our members who come first always."

7. Boston Consulting Group

The Company: A leading advisory firm for business solutions.

Rating: 4.3

Location: Boston, Mass.

What Employees Are Saying: "The work is intellectually intense and challenging. Smart colleagues, great teams, excellent culture and some terrific clients."

8. Google

The Company: An internet platform that brings together innovative apps and search solutions.

Rating: 4.3

Location: Mountain View, Calif.

What Employees Are Saying: "Everyone works together to achieve big and have fun while doing it. The perks are unbelievable (food, massage, gyms, discounts, etc.) but the best part is being surrounded by such amazing talent. It's truly inspiring."

9. Nestle Purina PetCare

The Company: A producer of quality pet care products that emphasizes pet health and education.

Rating: 4.3

Location: St. Louis, Mo.

What Employees Are Saying: "People-oriented company. Heavy investment in employees and endless opportunities. Strong work-life balance and a culture that stresses open communication."

10. Zillow

The Company: A website committed to empowering the real estate buyer with information and resources.

Rating: 4.3

Location: Seattle, Wa.

What Employees Are Saying: "The views are amazing, the free food/snacks/drinks are great, and the benefits are great. I'm surrounded by smart people, and [I] am constantly learning. Little red-tape and no business politics allow for us to immediately benefit the company and have a huge impact."

Check out the full rankings over at Glassdoor.

Images: Pexels; courtesy of Glassdoor (10)