The top 10 workplaces in Singapore have been revealed

A recent study by the research and consulting firm Great Place to Work Institute Singapore reveals a strong connection between high levels of trust and engagement among employees and a high-performing work environment.

In addition to the new report, Singapore Insights 2015, Great Place to Work Institute Singapore has unveiled its first-ever 10 Best Companies to Work For in Singapore List. Salesforce, the cloud computing giant, claims the top spot. Many companies on the list are, unsurprisingly, tech-focused: Cisco, InterContinental Hotels Group, Singaporean development consultancy ROHEI, and SAP Asia round out the top five.

“Relationships are highly valued in Singaporean companies," says Joni Ong, Managing Director at Great Place to Work Singapore. “We have seen that the best companies possess a clear vision for their culture and have implemented HR practices designed to bring that vision to life. These practices are put into action by leaders and managers with authenticity and a human touch, resulting in positive everyday experiences for employees. This is what separates the best from the rest.”

Great Place to Work has been studying exceptional workplace cultures and publishing best workplace rankings globally for over three decades. Their consistent finding is that trust, pride, and a sense of community are the universal cornerstones of a great workplace. The process for selecting Singapore’s Best Companies to Work For mirrors that of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Two-thirds of a company’s score is determined by the results of the Trust Index Employee Survey, which is distributed to a randomly selected group of employees from each company (ensuring a 95% confidence level). The remaining third is based on responses to the Culture Audit. This audit delves into detailed questions about compensation and benefits packages and includes open-ended questions regarding recruitment practices, internal communication methods, training programs, recognition initiatives, and diversity efforts.

The list acknowledges that exceptional workplaces in Singapore share a common thread: a robust corporate culture defined by high levels of trust, camaraderie, and pride. Employees at these top 10 companies also place a premium on effective management and well-structured workplace policies and practices.

The Singapore Insights 2015 report delves deeper into these findings, illustrating how outstanding cultures translate into a competitive edge. It provides insights into how companies can foster employee loyalty and enhance their perception as a great place to work.

The complete list of Singapore’s Best for 2015 is also included in the report. These Best Workplaces represent six diverse sectors, spanning information technology, hospitality, manufacturing, production, and professional services.

Here are the top ten companies, starting with number one:

Salesforce

“Salesforce truly deserves the top position in this inaugural Singapore Best Companies to Work For list! Every element that contributes to a fantastic workplace culture is something that Salesforce employees genuinely experience - it’s not just a concept, it’s ingrained in the company’s DNA,” said Ong.

“At Salesforce, our core values revolve around customer success, innovation, giving back, and having fun. This award validates the effort we put in every single day in Singapore to embody those values. We are incredibly proud to be recognized as the No. 1 great place to work in Singapore, and we are excited to continue driving success in this market, for our employees and our customers," shared Simon Tate, Area Vice President, Asia, Salesforce.

Cisco

Cisco, known for its commitment to connecting the world through technology, has also dedicated itself to building a people-centric workplace culture that prioritizes relationships. “Cisco’s People Deal centers around transforming the employee experience one person at a time," Ong observed.

“Our people are our most valuable asset, and at Cisco, we have cultivated an inclusive, collaborative, and innovative culture that earns us the title of a Great Place to Work. We firmly believe that work is an activity, not a place. The technology that seamlessly integrates work, life, play, education, and everything in between is crucial to this shift toward a future-ready workplace. Cisco consistently ranks as a top workplace in Singapore and the region because of our incredible team, leaders who value our contributions, and a camaraderie that makes coming to work enjoyable," said Ang Thiam Guan, Managing Director for Cisco in Singapore and Brunei.

Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG)

“IHG demonstrates a truly impressive dedication to its employees! With their commitment to providing Room to be Yourself, each employee experiences a fantastic onboarding process, is encouraged to contribute ideas and feedback, is supported in their professional development, and is given the resources to care for their loved ones,” Ong commented.

Jan Smits, CEO, Asia, Middle East and Africa (AMEA), IHG, emphasized that this award recognizes IHG as an employer of choice and reflects the trust their employees have in them. “As a service-oriented industry, our people are absolutely essential to our success. Each of our hotel brands embodies a promise to our guests, and it is our people who deliver on that promise and bring those brands to life," he said.

“Singapore serves as the regional headquarters for our Asia, Middle East and Africa operations. Being the largest international hotel operator in the country, we are heavily invested in nurturing local talent and engaging our employees. We strive to ensure that our hotels and offices offer a supportive and growth-oriented environment."

ROHEI

“Despite being a relatively young, small, and locally-based company, ROHEI stands shoulder-to-shoulder with industry giants. They truly deserve their No. 4 ranking. ROHEI’s management team pours their heart and soul into engaging with and developing their employees holistically. Imagine receiving a surprise bouquet of flowers or a batch of freshly baked cookies just because it’s your 12th week at work," Ong shared.

“We are incredibly grateful to Great Place to Work Institute for their belief that any company can be a great workplace. We at ROHEI are incredibly fortunate to have a team that works tirelessly to ensure everyone feels supported in their roles, enjoys working together, and ends the day feeling energized and fulfilled! We remain dedicated to building a culture that inspires hope, joy, courage, and purpose in our global workforce,” the company stated.

SAP

“The Great Place to Work Institute commends SAP for its ambitious mission to ‘help the world run better and improve people’s lives.’ It is clear that their ability to achieve this stems from their exceptional talent! With the belief that every employee is a valuable asset, SAP goes above and beyond to create and nurture a holistic learning environment. From the moment a new employee joins, they embark on a dedicated learning journey designed to cultivate their unique skills and strengths," Ong noted.

“At SAP, we are devoted to fostering the learning, growth, and development of our employees. We invest significantly in initiatives that allow us to attract, recruit, and retain the brightest minds in the industry - individuals who will help us realize our vision of simplifying the world and improving lives. We see this award as a positive affirmation of our efforts, and we remain committed to making SAP a truly exceptional place to work," said Darren Rushworth, Managing Director, Singapore, SAP Asia.

Autodesk

“Purpose and meaning are incredibly powerful motivators. Employees at Autodesk will tell you that their work is about more than just a job; it’s about contributing to something meaningful. Guided by their vision to Help People Imagine, Design and Create a Better World, Autodeskers are united by their passion for what they can accomplish together. This sense of pride and commitment to the company’s goals and positive impact on society is palpable among every Autodesker," said Ong.

“Autodeskers hold values such as respect, teamwork, and trust in high regard. This award serves as powerful recognition of our efforts to create a positive and supportive environment for our 700+ employees in Singapore, all of whom are dedicated to shaping a brighter future through innovation,” the company stated.

AbbVie, a biopharmaceutical company

“‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step’; at AbbVie, this translates to a commitment that extends beyond patient-centricity. They strive to be true partners on their patients’ journeys - seeing, feeling, and experiencing life through their eyes. Every single AbbVie employee, regardless of their role or seniority, is driven by a shared purpose: to make a tangible and positive difference in the lives of patients.

“This is a significant accomplishment for AbbVie and our entire team. It acknowledges our success in cultivating a culture of engagement, built from the ground up, across all departments. From research and development to manufacturing and commercial operations, we are all united by our dedication to making a real difference for patients. This is particularly meaningful given that we are approaching our third anniversary as an independent biopharmaceutical company. Our hope is that this award inspires our current team and attracts even more talented individuals to join us!” the company stated.

NetApp

“Both NetApp employees and their customers agree: working with NetApp feels ‘different’ – a positive and remarkable kind of different. Beyond their focus on innovation and delivering outstanding customer experiences, what truly sets NetApp apart is their deep commitment to listening - it’s woven into the very fabric of their company culture,” Ong pointed out.

“We are firm believers in our people being our most valuable asset. They are what gives us a competitive advantage. It is through their dedication that we have cultivated such a dynamic and innovative work environment. We are incredibly proud of the culture we have at NetApp, and we will continue to prioritize the development of a thriving and supportive work environment that fosters happiness and engagement among our employees,” stated Krishna Arani, Vice President and Managing Director, NetApp East Asia.

EMC

“EMC recognizes that its employees are the heart and soul of their operations. They take a comprehensive and strategic approach to talent acquisition, ensuring that every new hire is not only a cultural fit but also well-equipped for success from day one. Guided by their 10 core values, EMC employs creative, multi-platform engagement strategies that help their employees connect their diverse skills and talents to the company’s success. It’s no surprise that EMC is considered a ‘hub for top talent’ and a fantastic place to work, especially given their emphasis on empowering employees to take ownership of their career growth!” Ong shared.

“This achievement is a testament to EMC’s winning mindset and our collaborative team spirit. Our customers can attest to the fact that EMC employees approach even the most demanding challenges with innovation, speed, and passion. We share this recognition with all our employees in Singapore - they are the ones who shape our culture and make EMC a truly great place to work,” stated EMC Singapore.

Diageo

“From the moment someone joins Diageo, they embark on an incredible journey! Employees are empowered to achieve success, given the tools and support to be their best selves, and encouraged to tap into their entrepreneurial spirit," Ong explained.

“Here at Diageo, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for our employees. We value diversity and individual contributions, empower one another to achieve success, and actively contribute to the communities where we operate," stated Sam Fischer, President Greater China & Asia, Diageo.

Royal Plaza on Scotts (RP), recognized as Singapore’s first entirely smoke-free business hotel, and Singaporean property leader City Developments (CDL) both received Watch Out World Special Mention Awards (W.O.W awards).

“At Royal Plaza, they don’t have employees - they have talent. Going beyond simply providing exceptional amenities and top-notch customer service, each member of their team embodies the heart of Royal Plaza’s ethos: genuine care for one another. One unique way they demonstrate this care is by offering an annual education subsidy for every employee’s child, covering their education through secondary school. It’s these everyday interactions - the warm smiles, authentic gestures, and openness towards one another - that truly define the sense of pride and strong connection employees feel towards the company. It’s no wonder that RP’s team genuinely believes their workplace ‘feels like home and treats you like family’!” Ong remarked.

“We see this W.O.W award 2015 from Great Place to Work Institute as recognition from our team that validates the practices we have in place. By implementing these best practices, we cultivate a positive work environment that inspires our team to be their absolute best. This, in turn, directly translates to the positive and memorable experiences our team creates for our guests,” stated RP.

“At Great Place to Work Institute, we believe that creating a truly great workplace requires going beyond simply offering employee benefits and programs. We place a strong emphasis on fostering strong relationships within the workplace, built on a foundation of trust, pride, and camaraderie. These core values deeply resonate with us, aligning perfectly with our own Employee Value Proposition, which centers around trust & respect, passion, celebrating successes, making a difference, and infusing a sense of fun into the workplace,” said Patrick Fiat, General Manager & Chief Experience Officer of Royal Plaza on Scotts.

“CDL is characterized by its warm ‘family’ culture, a source of immense pride for its employees. The bonds forged over years of working together are both strong and resilient, serving as an inspiring example for newer team members who are quick to embrace this family-like team spirit. CDL’s practices reflect the care and support that exists between colleagues, which in turn motivates them to actively give back to the wider community,” Ong observed.

“A great workplace naturally fosters a great workforce. CDL prioritizes the creation of a work environment that supports our employees’ growth and well-being. This approach not only leads to increased productivity, engagement, and satisfaction among our team but also enhances our overall organizational and business excellence,” added Grant Kelley, Chief Executive Officer, City Developments.

“We are honored to be acknowledged as a Watch Out World workplace, as it strengthens our reputation as an employer of choice and supports our efforts to attract and retain top talent. As a homegrown company here in Singapore, we have spent the past 50 years cultivating a family-oriented work culture, and our employees’ dedication has been instrumental in establishing our position as an industry leader. CDL is committed to continuing to shape an even better workplace and nurturing the relationships we have with our employees.”

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*All pictures from Great Place to Work Institute Singapore

Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0