EY has been listed as one of the top ’25 Best Big Companies to Work For’ by The Sunday Times, which ranks ‘the cream of Britain's happy and motivated workforces’.
The global professional services firm, which employs 14,000 in the UK, was ranked 13th – up one place on last year. EY also received a one star accreditation, which acknowledges excellence in the workplace, and was presented with a special award for ‘Innovation in Engagement Practice’ at a ceremony in London last night.
With ratings based on employee opinions, the ‘Best Companies to Work For’ list is widely acknowledged as the ‘most extensive research into employee engagement carried out in this country’.
Steve Varley, UK Chairman and UK & Ireland Managing Partner, said: “Being named one of the top ‘Best Big Companies to Work For’ is certainly a highlight of the year for the firm. It is a sure sign that we are continuing to create a positive working environment where our people feel empowered to achieve their personal and professional ambitions.
“We have introduced far reaching and progressive initiatives over the last year, which not only benefit our people, but also help to deliver exceptional client service and better business performance.”
Last year, EY introduced a shared parental policy, which equalised the firm’s approach to mothers, fathers, partners and adoptive parents, offering additional pay on top of the statutory entitlement for 39 weeks. It is supported by a strong flexible working culture that empowers people to decide when, where and how they work.
The firm has also invested in inclusiveness training for leaders in the business – nearly 2000 -to help challenge traditional mind-sets and behaviours, with the aim of creating a working environment where difference is embraced and valued. In addition, EY has trained more than 400 Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) and was recognised at the MHFA awards in 2015 for improving mental health awareness in the workplace.
Varley concluded: “At EY we have a leading people culture, and will continue to be innovative in our approach to recruiting and retaining the very best talent whilst shaping the workplace for the future, for the benefit of our people, our clients and the communities we work in.”
EY also transformed its student recruitment selection process six months ago, by removing academic qualifications from their entry criteria, widening access to the profession and creating a level playing field for talented individuals from all backgrounds
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