The best companies to work for don’t get their staff deliver results by putting them under pressure, they keep them happy and inspired.

And they do it not by giving free drinks, bus rides, cakes and donuts. Instead, they create a culture in which the employees feel they’re a family and the management is there to help them grow within the company.

With these in mind, the Great Place to Work (GPTW) institute has released this year’s 25 best workplaces in the UAE, and the list covers a wide cross section of businesses, from furniture and fashion retailers to courier forwarders and hotels.

“Great workplaces foster inspiration and happiness in society. Happy people produce more, live longer and drive better economic development in their communities and countries,” said Maha Zaatari, managing director of Great Place to Work in the UAE.

The global research training and consultancy firm released the latest rankings after an extensive review, taking into account the level of credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie within the organisation.

The companies were assigned scores and a huge part (two-thirds) of the rating was based on the confidential feedback of the employees, while the remaining score was attained from an audit of management and HR practices.

The study is now on its eighth year, and for the 2017-2018 edition, the best workplace crown went to THE One, a furniture retailer founded by a Swedish entrepreneur and philanthropist.

The company rose from last year’s fourth position, edging out DHL, which moved down to the second place, and Omnicom Media, which also moved down one spot to take the third position.

Splash emerged as the fourth-best company to work for, while Hyatt trailed behind in the fifth position, climbing seven places from last year’ list.

Rounding out the top ten were Weber Shandwick, Hilton, Hilti, Cisco and FedEx, ranking from sixth to tenth place, respectively.

Great Place to Work also gave special recognition to Dubai Airport Freezone Authority for its outstanding workplace culture, various happiness programs and efforts in taking care of its employees at all times.

This year’s winner, THE One, was recognised for delivering the best experience for its employees. According to GPTW, the company strives to raise its own bar by learning from best human resources and corporate social responsibility practices around the world.

In the company, employees feel they each make a different as part of their daily job. “Employees working in THE One have well-planned career paths – many of the leadership team started in junior positions and were supported enough to grow within the organisation,” the consultancy firm said.

“This results in highly engaged staff, while reinforcing the company’s supportive family culture.”

Here are the ‘Best 25 Workplaces in the UAE,’ according to GPTW
1.THE One (Retail)
2. DHL (Logistics)
3. Omnicom Media Group (Media)
4. Splash (Fashion)
5. Hyatt (Hospitality)
6. Weber Shandwick (Communications)
7.Hilton (Hospitality)
8.Hilti (Technology)
9.Cisco (Technology)
10.FedEx (Logistics)
11.Philips (Technology)
12.Iconic (Fashion)
13. WSP (Engineering, professional services)
14. Apparel (retail)
15. Leminar Air Conditioning Company (Industrial)
16. Danube (FMCG)
17. UAE Exchange (Finance)
18.Smith & Nephew (Healthcare)
19. Danone (Food and beverage)
20. Leminar Air Conditioning Industries (Industrial)
21. Pizza Express (F&B)
22. NMC Healthcare (Healthcare)
23. Redington (Supply chain)
24. Delta Partners (Management consulting)
25. Centrepoint (Fashion)