Best Companies to Work - Methodology

Introduction to Women’s Choice Award Updated Methodology

The employment landscape has undergone lasting transformation, reshaped by the pandemic, rapid technological change, and evolving employee expectations. To ensure our Best Companies to Work program reflects these realities, we updated our methodology for 2026 to align with the values and priorities driving today’s workforce — particularly women, who remain the primary decision‑makers in employment choices.

Our enhanced methodology places greater emphasis on belonging, flexibility, mental wellness, transparent benefits, and opportunities for continuous learning and upskilling. We also expanded our evaluation to five categories — Women, Inclusion, Millennials, Young Professionals, and AI Upskilling — to better capture the full spectrum of what employees seek in a modern employer.

These updates allow us to highlight organizations that are not only keeping pace with workforce expectations but leading the way in creating high‑trust, high‑growth environments that attract and retain top talent. 

2026 Best Companies for Women Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best meet the general needs of all working women, regardless of age, race, or family status.

Our sources include Indeed, Glassdoor, Zippia, LinkedIn, the Company website, annual reports and press releases, employee reviews, among other publicly available sites.   Alternatively, companies may submit an application by completing the questionnaire found on our website.

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Female Representation in the workforce, in management and also on the board of directors.
• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules, remote work and childcare services.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement
• Family Time Off: Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym Memberships, employee discounts, and fertility assistance
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the benefit provided and weighted according to our proprietary process.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies to Work Award.

Best Companies for Inclusion - Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best help women  to navigate the workplace by dismantling systematic barriers and closing race-based gaps.

Sources: Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Diversity Inc. magazine, company websites and annual reports, press releases

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Diversity Representation in the workforce and in management.
• Published and readily available Diversity, Inclusion and Hiring Goals, DEI Manager/Dept.
• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules, remote work and childcare services.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement.
• Family Time Off: Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym membership and employee discounts, and fertility assistance.
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the time/benefit provided and weighted accordingly.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies for Diversity Award.

Best Companies for Millennial Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best help millennial women grow professionally and advance their careers while also catering to their active lifestyle.

Sources: Sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, Where Women Work, company websites and annual reports, and press releases.

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules and remote work.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement.
• Family Time Off: Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym membership and employee discounts, and fertility assistance.
• Employee Perks, including discounts, free food, and pet friendly workspace.
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

 Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the time/benefit provided and weighted accordingly.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies for Millennials Award.

Best Companies for Young Professionals Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best help young professionals grow and advance their careers while also catering to their active lifestyle.

Sources: Sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, Where Women Work, company websites and annual reports, and press releases.

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules and remote work.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym membership and employee discounts, and fertility assistance.
• Employee Perks, including discounts, free food, and pet friendly workspace.
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

 Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the time/benefit provided and weighted accordingly.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies for Young Professionals Award.

Best Companies for AI Upskilling – Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that are proactively investing in their workforce by prioritizing AI-driven upskilling and reskilling initiatives, rather than reducing headcount in response to technological change.

Sources include Indeed, LinkedIn, corporate websites, and company press releases, among other publicly available information.

To be considered, companies must meet at least two of the following four criteria:

• Demonstrated and documented strategy for workforce transformation and AI-focused upskilling.
  • A multi-year financial commitment dedicated to employee upskilling and reskilling initiatives.
  • Evidence that reskilling efforts are expected to reduce the impact of potential future layoffs.
  • A public commitment to supporting employees in developing AI-related skills, with a focus on retraining rather than replacement.

Companies that meet the qualification threshold are further evaluated through our proprietary review process. Organizations that demonstrate a strong, sustained commitment to workforce development and exceed our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies for AI Upskilling Award.