The best Australian workplaces of 2019

Great Place to Work Australia has released its much-anticipated annual publication 50 Best Places to Work 2019. The report is based on research conducted by surveys and evaluation of a company’s policies and procedures.

The report found that the hiring process plays an important role in retention rates of employees —almost 80% of organisations consider employee retention to be their biggest challenge. Artificial intelligence is assisting in the acquisition of skilled workers in most organisations. It can analyse, predict and filter what the organisation needs from each employee.

The report is sectioned into three different categories based on size: 1,000 or more employees, between 100 and 999 employees, and 100 or fewer employees.

1,000+ employees

With a staff of 1,473, IT giant Salesforce placed top of the list. By powering the world’s number one CRM, it empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. Salesforce believes that honouring their employees is key to leading an organisation; for example, each presentation begins with a thank-you slide in recognition of their peers’ hard work and efforts.

Second place goes to Cisco Systems Australia, who develop tech equipment to consumers and other businesses. Cisco takes pride in a culture that promotes and encourages personal and professional development. Global hospitality chain Hilton nabbed third place due to a priority on team recognition and occasional shout-outs from the president and CEO, guests and team members.

The top 10 for companies with 1,000 or more employees:

1.      Salesforce

2.      Cisco Systems Australia

3.      Hilton

4.      MECCA Brands

5.      MARS Australia

6.      REA Group

7.      SAP Australia

8.      Service NSW

9.      Atlassian

10.   Campbell Arnott’s

100–999 employees

Healthcare manufacturing company Stryker takes top spot for best place to work. The organisation installs different development programs for their employees, such as the Women Without Limits program and the Emerging Leaders Program for employees who show potential. Graphic design website Canva placed second after finishing first in 2018. Upon hiring new employees, Canva introduces an ice-breaker activity in the style of a treasure hunt, where they’re given clues to look for locations and staff members.

The top 10 for companies with 100–999 employees:

1.       Stryker

2.       Canva

3.       Intuit Australia

4.       OMD Australia

5.       AbbVie

6.       Adobe

7.       Envato

8.       Optiver

9.       Nous Group

10.   Richard Crookes Constructions

100 or fewer employees

The winner was Avenue Dental an Australian company of just 65 people with a mission to ‘positively transform dentistry’. Their employees claim that the organisation reinforces positive values and recognises and rewards staff who perform well. Employees recognise each other’s efforts during weekly meetings by reading out positive feedback given by their patients or co-workers.

The top 10 companies with 100 or fewer employees:

1.       Avenue Dental

2.       LogMeIn Australia

3.       Insentra

4.       Amicus

5.       Cobild

6.       SC Johnson & Son

7.       Versa

8.       Altis Consulting

9.       Beaumont People

10.   Morgan McKinley

Related links:

• Australia's top 10 highest paying jobs
• Breaking down the top 100 graduate employers 2019 report
• What you need to know before making a career change