LONDON, January 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

New Croner/YouGov research reveals what a good company looks like for employees

Google is mentioned most often (81 times) as the best company to work for - and Apple isn't far behind (80 mentions) - in a new survey of more than 2,133 UK adults.

These cutting-edge technology companies head the list of desirable places to work in research carried out by YouGov for Croner (http://www.cronersolutions.co.uk), the UK expert in workplace information, software and services, part of Wolters Kluwer.

High profile British companies like John Lewis (72 mentions), Virgin (62 mentions) and the BBC (55 mentions) are also seen as attractive employers. And perhaps surprisingly in the current climate, the NHS features high on the wanted list.

People taking part in the survey were asked what makes a good employer. At a top-scoring 82% a good working environment heads the list, closely followed by good pay and benefits (81%). Career development (65%) and training and development opportunities (69%) also feature high up on the wish-list.

Over three-quarters (76%) of the survey's participants say it is important that an employer should offer a good work-life balance. Interestingly, this proportion remains fairly constant across all the age groups surveyed, from 18-24 year olds (75%) to people over 55 (75%).

Good culture and strong company values (41%), good leadership (47%) and a culture of innovation (27%) all feature in the list. Perhaps surprisingly, however, working for a well-known name doesn't seem to guarantee a good place to work: only 11% of the survey's respondents think a great brand makes a good company - although men think it's more important than women (14% vs 8%).

Croner's managing director, Andy Hague, says: "Our survey does reveal that over 40% of adults believe that a great working culture and strong values make a good business, and these have been shown to provide a great source of competitive advantage in business.

"It's no coincidence that the companies named in the survey are all successful in their own right and that people would work for them if they had the opportunity.

"Being a good employer is something these businesses have worked hard at. Putting the needs of the workforce at the heart of their organisations has a significant effect on their success. It singles them out as employers of choice."

The YouGov survey confirms the effectiveness of the advice Croner gives to employers to create a desirable workplace:

• Have a strong culture and set of values and exceptional leadership
• Create inspiring places to work where people like to go
• Invest in training and development
• Have clear career progression plans where employees can develop their skills
• Create appropriate reward packages
• Be open and honest with employees
• Treat everyone with respect and empathy

*Respondents were asked: "Even if you don't work/ are unable to work we would be interested in your thoughts for the following question… If you could work for any company which ONE would it be? (Please write the name of the ONE company in the box below)" - figures are spontaneous mentions and are unweighted

All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc. Total sample size was 2133 adults. Fieldwork was undertaken between 9-11 November 2011. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all GB adults (aged 18+).

SOURCE Croner