The top 10 companies with exceptional workplace cultures, offering competitive compensation, attractive benefits, and a healthy work-life balance.

What does it mean when companies boast about their "excellent workplace culture"?

A company's culture is typically reflected in its mission statement and leadership, as seen in how managers handle employees and the benefits provided.

Microsoft has been ranked as the top global company with the best workplace culture, according to a new report from Comparably. The annual ranking is based on feedback from 70,000 employees who shared their ratings on the company review site over a 12-month period from March 2021 to March 2022.

Nearly 20 different topics were comparably considered to define a positive workplace culture, including compensation, work-life balance, and professional development opportunities.

The top 10 global companies with a workplace culture of at least 500 people are ranked as having the best workplace cultures.

1. Microsoft

CEO: Satya Nadella

Headquarters: Redmond, Washington

Industry: Technology

2. IBM

CEO: Arvind Krishna

Headquarters: Armonk, New York

Industry: Technology

3. Google

CEO: Sundar Pichai

Headquarters: Mountain View, California

Industry: Technology

4. HubSpot

CEO: Yamini Rangan

Headquarters: Cambridge, Massachusetts

Industry: Technology

5. Elsevier

CEO: Kumsal Bayazit

Headquarters: New York, New York

Industry: Publishing

6. Chegg

CEO: Dan Rosensweig

Headquarters: Santa Clara, California

Industry: Education technology

7. Concentrix

CEO: Chris Caldwell

Headquarters: Fremont, California

Industry: Technology

8. RingCentral

CEO: Vlad Shmunis

Headquarters: Belmont, California

Industry: Technology

9. Experian

CEO: Brian Cassin

Headquarters: Costa Mesa, California

Industry: Credit reporting

10. Estee Lauder Companies

CEO: Fabrizio Freda

Headquarters: New York, New York

Industry: Skincare, makeup, fragrance and hair care

Comparably CEO Jason Nazar tells CNBC Make It that many of the companies that were ranked in the top 10 last year, including HubSpot, IBM, RingCentral, and Microsoft, have maintained their positions due to their continued provision of flexible work arrangements for employees and the increase in their profits during the pandemic.

He states that this group of companies is not responding to employees' requirements but is establishing guidelines for how to adapt to the new work environment we are currently experiencing.

Leadership efforts to create diverse, equitable work environments have been praised by employees at various organizations, including Chegg, IBM, Elsevier, and Concentrix. One employee at Concentrix stated that these initiatives have improved the company's culture to be more inclusive, equal, and joyful.

What distinguishes Microsoft, according to Nazar, is the leadership style of CEO Satya Nadella and the confidence he inspires in his employees. In a recent survey conducted by Fortune and Korn Ferry, Nadella, who has been in the role since 2014, was voted the "most underrated" CEO by his peers. The survey highlights Nadella's transparent, empathetic approach to leadership and his humility as reasons for his success.

In these challenging times, it is comforting to be part of a robust organization with a capable leadership team," one employee stated on Comparably. "He possesses a clear vision and the global strategy is exceptional.

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