We’re a quarter of the way through the year, and the Employer of Choice survey is already shaping up to be a fascinating insight into workplace engagement across the UK. With businesses of all sizes participating—from teams of just 38 employees to organisations with over 3,600—we are seeing a broad and diverse picture of what makes a great employer in 2025.

Who’s In the Running?

Entries have been pouring in from a wide range of sectors, including Manufacturing, Hospitality, Charities, Professional Services, Distribution, and Retail. With such a strong field of contenders, it’s anyone’s game to take home the coveted Employer of Choice 2025 Award.

Scores on the Doors – What We’re Seeing So Far

The results so far have been impressive, and we can already infer some key trends from the data:

• Employee Engagement Index: 74% This high score demonstrates the calibre of participants and their strong focus on creating engaging workplaces.

• Career Development: 69% While a respectable score, this suggests there is room for improvement in providing employees with clear growth opportunities.

• Company Culture and Values: 72% Organisations are doing well in establishing strong cultural foundations, but consistency in embedding values across the business could further enhance this area.

• Diversity and Inclusion: 75% A standout score, showing that many businesses are making great strides in creating inclusive workplaces where employees feel valued and respected.

• Employee Engagement and Satisfaction: 73% This score reflects positive overall sentiment but indicates that continuous engagement efforts are needed to maintain motivation and morale.

• Leadership: 69% A key area for growth—effective leadership remains a significant driver of engagement, and businesses should focus on leadership development to boost this score.

• Pay and Benefits: 72% A solid result, but in an evolving job market, businesses will need to stay competitive in their compensation and benefits packages.

• Positive Reputation: 70% Companies are performing well in establishing a strong employer brand, but ongoing efforts in transparency, ethics, and communication can push this even higher.

• Work-Life Balance: 72% Businesses are recognising the importance of flexibility, but maintaining a sustainable balance remains a priority.

What Does This Mean?

These scores reflect an overall positive trend, with employers investing in engagement, inclusion, and company culture. However, areas like career development, leadership, and work-life balance remain critical focal points for companies looking to stand out as an Employer of Choice.

There’s Still Time to Get Involved!

The 2025 cohort runs until November, with the winner to be announced and present with the Employer of Choice 2025 Award then. If you haven’t joined in yet, there’s still time to benchmark your organisation against the best and gain invaluable insights into your employee experience.

📢 Prices start from £395 – For more details, contact ellie@anthem-engagement.co.uk or steve@anthem-engagement.co.uk.

Let’s see where you stand in the race to be an Employer of Choice!