Stocks at the 100 Best Companies outperform the market by a factor of nearly four times, according to Great Place to Work. Many organizations chase 'best place to work' accolades for branding. However, the rigorous qualification processes and subsequent market outperformance show these awards reflect deep, impactful cultural investments. Companies that strategically pursue and genuinely embody these principles gain sustained competitive advantages in talent acquisition, retention, and financial returns.

What We Know About Workplace Awards

  • Stocks at the 100 Best Companies outperform the market by nearly four times, according to Great Place to Work.
  • 84% of employees at Certified companies plan to stay long-term, compared to 61% at other companies, according to Great Place to Work.
  • Kyndryl has achieved over 180 workplace awards, according to Morningstar.
  • A minimum of 33% of employees (or 1,000 for companies with 3,000+ headcount) must complete the Pulse Validation for Most Loved Workplace® list qualification, according to Best Practice Institute.
  • DM Cantor was named Small-and-Medium Law Firm of the Year at Az Business magazine's Excellence in Law Awards, according to AZ Big Media.

How Rigorous are Best Place to Work Awards?

To qualify for a Most Loved Workplace® list, a minimum of 33% of employees (or 1,000 for companies with 3,000+ headcount) must complete the Pulse Validation, according to Best Practice Institute. This high threshold filters for deeply embedded positive cultures, ensuring recognition comes from widespread employee sentiment, not superficial claims.

This stringent process creates a tension: companies seek branding, but the participation requirement means awards are not easily gamed. Organizations must genuinely invest in culture for meaningful recognition.

Such commitment translates to tangible results. The nearly four-fold market outperformance by '100 Best Companies' stocks proves employee well-being drives shareholder value. Many executives still undervalue this direct link between culture and robust business performance.