The Best Places to Work

Do beanbags, baristas and “bring your dog to work” days make a workplace great? Maybe. But what truly sets apart the best companies to work for in Australia goes deeper than trendy perks. It’s about trust, flexibility, culture, and career opportunity.

Whether you’re job hunting, choosing an employer, or building a company culture of your own, understanding what makes a workplace great is more relevant than ever. Here’s a look at what leading organisations are doing—and what you should look for in your next role.

Australia’s Top Workplaces: What the Data Says

The Great Place to Work Institute has been surveying workplaces globally for over 25 years. In Australia, thousands of employees across hundreds of companies participate in their “Best Places to Work” survey, which assesses organisations based on two key factors:

• A Trust Index™ survey filled out by employees, measuring credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie
• A Culture Audit™ that evaluates HR practices, policies and benefits

Recent Australian winners include names like Canva, Cisco, and Atlassian—companies known for bold innovation, flexible policies and people-first leadership.

What Makes a Workplace Great?

1. Flexibility Is Non-Negotiable

According to PwC’s Future of Work report, flexibility now ranks as a top priority for employees. The best companies offer:

• Hybrid or remote work options
• Flexible start and finish times
• Compressed workweeks and “early finish Fridays”

Over 70% of companies on Australia’s top employers lists offer some form of flexible working. These policies reduce burnout and increase retention.

2. A Culture of Trust and Inclusion

Employees thrive in workplaces where leadership is transparent, feedback is encouraged, and people feel valued. The best workplaces in Australia build culture through:

• Clear communication from leadership
• Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) strategies
• Recognition programs and peer-to-peer appreciation

Perks Are Nice—But Purpose Wins

Sure, some companies still offer free massages, gaming zones or in-house baristas (hello, Canva). But even more important are benefits that support long-term career growth and wellbeing:

• Paid learning & development time
• Professional certification support
• Mental health programs and wellness stipends

Diageo Australia, for example, includes a company bar, yes—but also promotes internal progression and flexible schedules. NetApp, which has topped past rankings, supports employees with paid community service days and educational allowances.

If you’re looking to build in-demand leadership or communication skills, check out our leadership courses and communication training programs.

Why Tech and Services Lead the List

Interestingly, IT and professional services make up nearly half of the top-ranked workplaces in Australia each year. Why?

• They’re quicker to adopt flexible, hybrid-friendly work models
• They invest heavily in employee upskilling and innovation
• They understand that people are their core asset

Companies like Google and Atlassian have made “20% time” a staple—giving employees one day a week to work on any project of their choosing. Google Maps and Gmail were both created during this time.

How to Find—and Get Hired by—a Top Employer

What to look for:

• Check employer awards and rankings like Great Place to Work Australia and AFR Best Places to Work
• Read employee reviews on Glassdoor and SEEK
• Pay attention to how companies handle wellbeing, DEI, and learning

Boost your chances:

• Highlight soft skills like collaboration, adaptability and purpose-driven work
• Showcase digital and leadership credentials—try a business course or project management qualification
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to reflect the company’s values

The Future of Work Is Human-Centred

The best employers know that happy, supported staff are more productive, more creative, and more loyal. Forward-thinking companies are now designing work environments that are inclusive, adaptive, and fulfilling—proving that work-life balance and career growth can coexist.

If you’re ready to move toward a workplace that supports your goals, we can help you find the right course to get there. Start now, and build the skills top employers are actively looking for.