EY named one of the UK’s 'Best big companies to work for'

EY has been ranked as one of Top 10 'Best big companies to work for' in the UK, by The Sunday Times.

The list ranks companies based on the views and opinions of their employees, who are surveyed about their experience of their workplace environment, leadership, development opportunities, wellbeing, pay, benefits and a company’s commitment to ‘giving something back’.

Steve Varley, UK Chairman at EY, said: “To be named one of the UK’s Best Big Companies to work for again, is a fantastic achievement. It is recognition for our people who work hard every day, to create a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

“It also strengthens our focus on what we can do more of, to be the UK’s most inclusive and favoured employer, both now and in the future.”

Wellbeing & flexibility a firm focus

EY’s ranking is positive recognition for the firm’s investment in employee wellbeing. Physical and mental health are prioritised equally and are a significant focus for the firm. EY has trained over 700 of its people as Mental Health First Aiders, who have the skills to respond to the first signs of illness.

The firm also has an employee-run mental health network, with a buddy scheme, and a fast track referral process. Every month EY runs webinars on a wellbeing topic, providing information, advice and tips, which is typically attended by over 3-400 people.

The design of EY’s working environments also has wellbeing in mind. The firm has installed calm rooms for quiet time, walking treadmills, standing desks and well points, where employees can review their health statistics. It is complimented by the firm’s approach to flexible working, encouraging its people to choose how, where and when they work, to help them to balance their professional and personal lives.

In an internal survey, 84% of EY respondents said they work flexibly and 67% believed it improved wellbeing. Over half of respondents said the firm’s flexible working culture was a key factor in joining or remaining with the firm.

Top employer for Working Families

Listed in the UK’s top 10 employers for Working Families, EY was recently commended for leading the way in building flexible, family friendly workplaces. The firm has adopted shared parental leave and offers career and family coaching for parents returning to work, to help their transition back into the business.

To help those who have had a longer career break of between two and ten years, EY Reconnect supports individuals returning to the profession. The 12-week programme, which has expanded its intake this year, offers a supported route back into work with an induction, coaching and mentoring to help talented individuals reconnect with their career.

EY Foundation

Since its launch three years ago, EY Foundation – an independent charity set up by the firm - has helped 1,500 young people and social entrepreneurs. It aims to support young people facing barriers into work and higher education, through intensive soft skills training, meaningful work experience and mentor support.

Last year, 98% of young people on EY Foundation’s Smart Futures and Our Future programmes received a leadership qualification from Chartered Management Institute. Around 70% of Smart Futures students also said they felt confident about finding a job. In 2017 the charity saw a 40% increase in the number of volunteers, mainly from EY, who acted as mentors, programme facilitators or fundraisers.

Maggie Stilwell, Managing Partner for Talent at EY commented: “I’m incredibly proud of our people; what they achieve every day for our clients and how they build a high performing, inclusive culture at EY. Being listed as one of the top Best Big Companies to Work for recognises their efforts, which together with our firm-wide investments, make EY a fantastic place to work.”



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