Best Companies to Work - Methodology

Introduction to Women’s Choice Award Updated Methodology:

We have modified our methodology for 2024 to address changes in the recruiting environment, much of which was greatly impacted by the pandemic, creating significant and enduring changes in employment market and work/life balance.  These modifications we’ve made will assist in recognizing companies for keeping up with trends of changing employee values, aiding HR and hiring managers alike in seeking to find and retain valuable talent.

With more employees than ever working from home, we have reduced the weighting of onsite benefits, and increased the weighting of family time off.  We have also added a new category of Corporate Care which includes points received for a company providing Paid Time off for Volunteer work, Matching donations, Offering Confidential Mental Wellness Benefits, and also if the company has transparent benefits available on their site for would be employees to explore, and finally, if the company has DEI Manager or Department, and provides for DEI Networking groups within the organization.  Also, from a DEI standpoint of view, a recent research study from Deloitte found that 72 percent of employees surveyed would leave their company for a more diverse and inclusive organization. 

While recruiting and retention of employees continues to be challenging across most industries, those companies who strive to stay on top of what employees want and communicate those efforts will continue to attract top talent.  It is our objective in each of the categories below to identify those companies and provide them with an opportunity to stand out in a crowded hiring field, by earning the Best Companies Award in one or more of the following categories: Women, Diversity and Millennials.

2024 Best Companies for Women Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best meet the general needs of all working women, regardless of age, race, or family status.

Our sources include Indeed, Glassdoor, Zippia, LinkedIn, the Company website, annual reports and press releases, employee reviews, among other publicly available sites.   Alternatively, companies may submit an application by completing the questionnaire found on our website.

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Female Representation in the workforce, in management and also on the board of directors.
• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules, remote work and childcare services.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement
• Company Care Policies: Including points for Matching Donations, Paid Volunteer work, confidential mental wellness programs, and transparent benefits for prospective new employees.
• Family Time Off: Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym Memberships, employee discounts, and fertility assistance
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the benefit provided and weighted according to our proprietary process.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies to Work Award.

Best Companies for Inclusion - Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best help women  to navigate the workplace by dismantling systematic barriers and closing race-based gaps.

Sources: Glassdoor, LinkedIn, Diversity Inc. magazine, company websites and annual reports, press releases

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Diversity Representation in the workforce and in management.
• Published and readily available Diversity, Inclusion and Hiring Goals, DEI Manager/Dept.
• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules, remote work and childcare services.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement.
• Company Care Policies: Including points for Matching Donations, Paid Volunteer work, confidential mental wellness programs, and transparent benefits for prospective new employees.
• Family Time Off: Maternity and Paternity Leave.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym membership and employee discounts, and fertility assistance.
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the time/benefit provided and weighted accordingly.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies for Diversity Award.

Best Companies for Millennial Methodology Overview

Our objective is to identify companies that best help millennial women grow professionally and advance their careers while also catering to their active lifestyle.

Sources: Sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, Where Women Work, company websites and annual reports, and press releases.

Criteria (In order of weight):

• Work-Life Balance Benefits, including flexible work schedules and remote work.
• Professional Development/ Support Networks, such as new hire training, professional development and mentorship programs, and tuition reimbursement.
• Company Care Policies: Including points for Matching Donations, Paid Volunteer work, confidential mental wellness programs, and transparent benefits for prospective new employees.
• Health and Wellness Benefits, such as gym membership and employee discounts, and fertility assistance.
• Employee Perks, including discounts, free food, and pet friendly workspace.
• Employee Recognition / Morale, including celebrations, social events and ESG activities.
• Financial Benefits, including stock options, bonus, 401k and pension plans.

 Award Determination: Each category is given a composite score based on the time/benefit provided and weighted accordingly.  Companies that surpass our “highest standards” level earn the Best Companies for Millennials Award.