Best Companies to Work For Methodology

Introduction to Women’s Choice Award Updated Methodology:

We have modified our methodology for 2022 to address changes in the recruiting environment, much of which was greatly impacted by the pandemic, creating significant and enduring changes in employment market and work/life balance. These modifications we’ve made will assist in recognizing companies for keeping up with trends of changing employee values, aiding HR and hiring managers alike in seeking to find and retain valuable talent. With more employees than ever working from home, we have reduced the weighting of onsite benefits, and increased the weighting of personal and family time off. Additionally, we’ve added an ESG component, as recent studies have proven that more than half of younger employees will only join a company which has proven to be socially and environmentally responsible. Also, a recent research study from Deloitte found that 72 percent of employees surveyed would leave their company for a more diverse and inclusive organization.

While recruiting and retention of employees continues to be challenging across most industries, those companies who strive to stay on top of what employees want and communicate those efforts will continue to attract top talent. It is our objective in each of the categories below to identify those companies and provide them with an opportunity to stand out in this ultra-competitive employment environment, earning a Best Companies Award in one or more of the following categories: Women, Diversity and Millennials.

2022 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 Working Mother Magazine, Best Places to Work, Fairygodboss, Women on Boards, Paid Leave for the US, Where Women Work, Extraordinary Women on Boards, LinkedIn; company websites and annual reports, press releases, and employee review sites such as Glassdoor, and Indeed. Alternatively, companies may submit an application by completing the questionnaire.

Criteria (In order of weight):

Female Representation in the workforce, in management, and board of directors.
Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules, remote working and childcare services.
Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement
Paid Time Off, including vacation days, sick leave and personal days.
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 time/benefit provided and weighted accordingly. Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies to Work Award.

Best Companies for Multicultural Women Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best help women of multicultural backgrounds 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
Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules, remote working and childcare services.
Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement
Paid Time Off, including vacation days, sick leave and personal days
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

Best Companies for Millennial Women 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 working
Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement
Paid-Time Off, including vacation days, sick leave and personal days
Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym Memberships, 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