Apple Inc. has made a comeback on the annual Top 100 Workplaces list, as ranked by Glassdoor, securing the 39th position after not appearing last year.
This year’s list saw a decrease in technology companies, with only 31 making it compared to 41 in the previous year.
his shift has opened up spots for more traditional industries like banking, retail, and manufacturing. Leading the list was Bain & Co., with Nvidia Corp. in second place, both acclaimed for their work environments.
Glassdoor’s lead economist Daniel Zhao observed a slight decline in the allure of tech companies, suggesting a shift towards a more balanced job market.
Apple’s resilience, avoiding major layoffs unlike some of its peers, and a notable 48% increase in its share price, are thought to have contributed to its return on the list. Key factors like job stability and security were highlighted.
Other tech giants such as Adobe Inc., Microsoft Corp., and Alphabet Inc.’s Google also featured in the rankings, while some, including Salesforce Inc., Intel Corp., Netflix Inc., and Yahoo Inc., were absent this year.
The financial sector saw firms like Fidelity Investments and new entrants such as Raymond James Financial, Barclays Plc, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. making the list.
Employee priorities have shifted, with work-life balance becoming increasingly important, as indicated by the rise in mentions of “anxiety” on Glassdoor. However, career opportunities still play a significant role in workplace satisfaction.
Bain’s top ranking, its sixth time, was attributed to its career development opportunities despite the industry’s notorious long hours. Bain and Google remain the only companies to have consistently appeared on the list since its inception.
Non-tech industries saw increased representation, with retail and manufacturing sectors doubling their presence. Companies like Lululemon Athletica Inc., HEB Grocery Co., Wegmans Food Markets, Boston Scientific Corp., Cummins Inc., and Texas Instruments Inc. were notable mentions.
To qualify for the list, companies must have over 1,000 employees and receive at least 75 employee ratings on various workplace aspects, such as compensation and culture. This criterion led to the exclusion of last year’s top company, Gainsight Inc., due to insufficient reviews.