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Research and data platform Great Place To Work analyzed 1.3 million confidential survey responses from employees across the country, specifically measuring just how much workers
"The key to great workplaces is the quality of the relationships within them — and that starts with the culture leaders create," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place To Work. "There's no benefit you can put in place that will persuade employees to feel they work for a great workplace if their day-to-day experience lacks fairness, respect or the fundamental ability to trust their leaders."
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Lewis-Kulin stresses that the best workplaces are the ones that prioritize trust and connection over hierarchy. If companies want a shot at making it on next year's list, Lewis-Kulin advises them to survey their workers using the same metrics as Great Place To Work. Regardless of whether the company makes it on Fortune's list (notably, only employers with 1,000 or more employees can qualify), leaders should know if their employees trust them.
"Listen to your people. Measure what matters. Make targeted, data-informed improvements. And don't forget to build on your strengths," says Lewis-Kulin. "Nothing is held against you if you don't make [the list] initially, and the data you get back through the process will enable you to make informed decisions to prioritize the efforts that will have the maximum benefit on your people and business."
Want a look at the competition? Here are the top 15 companies that made Fortune's list this year.