100 BEST COMPANIES TO WORK FOR 2025

THE PANDEMIC ushered in a softer leadership style, with companies offering maximum flexibility to help staff survive the crisis. Five years on, CEOs are charged with finding the new normal at work. Execs who once vulnerably delivered updates from kitchen tables—with pets and children in the background—are now mulling productivity and whether to summon workers back to the office.

- Orianna Rosa

Work-from-home policies aren’t the only tough decisions. Political shifts and economic headwinds are further muddying the waters. Many CEOs are considering whether to walk back DEI commitments, scale down cushy benefits, or trim down teams. Striking the right balance is tough: What's best for productivity and the bottom line doesn’t always translate to higher employee morale and retention.

In the evolving culture of the post-COVID world, leaders at the 100 Best Companies to Work For can offer guidance on navigating core issues.

“COVID was a challenging time for everyone, and it demanded a particular response to keep people safe. I think everyone would agree that the pendulum went vastly one way,” says Rani Hammond, SVP of global human resources at IHG Hotels & Resorts (No. 17 on the list). “I do think that we'll see things settle back into a new normal.”

For the 2025 ranking, Great Place to Work surveyed more than 1.3 million U.S. workers to find company cultures that stand out. Hundreds of thousands of employees have weighed in with a clear message: Keeping them engaged isn’t about gimmicks, it’s about listening when they say they need flexible hours or added incentives to feel like trusted partners at work.

While the days of getting a deep tissue massage at your desk and free laundry may be over, these leaders highlight how to cultivate a strong culture without all the bells and whistles.