Paychecks at work matter, but it is not everything. If you’re compensated well but have to give up your physical or mental health for work, the money won’t do any good either. A good working environment means growth and balance, and that’s exactly what employees are looking for this year.
Based on employee reviews and detailed survey data, here are a few companies that made work more than just work in 2025.
Bain & Company
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Topping the list once again, Bain has built a reputation not just for smart strategy but for treating its people well. Employees talk about experiencing the sense of community and leadership that’s in the trenches with the team. No wonder, it maintains low employee attrition rates compared to the industry average of 20-25%.
University of Notre Dame
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As the highest-ranked employer on Forbes’ large company list, this Indiana-based institution fosters deep loyalty. Faculty and staff praised its supportive environment, meaningful mission, and long-term stability. But what really stands out is that they offer full tuition reimbursement in annual professional development support for employees. It’s academia, but with heart.
Crew Carwash
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It might not be the first name you think of for dream jobs, but Crew Carwash keeps showing up on top workplace lists for a reason. This workplace stands out for flexibility and internal mobility. It also stands out for offering structured training paths. Crew Carwash offers tuition assistance up to $3,500 per year for eligible employees, supporting their educational and professional growth.
In-N-Out Burger
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Fast food gigs are usually just that—gigs. But In-N-Out flips that script completely. The average wage for entry-level is approximately $19.83 per hour, which is about 15% above the national average for similar positions. Plus, they get real respect from managers and get to work in a culture that feels more like a team than a shift schedule. It’s fast food with staying power, and that’s saying something.
NVIDIA
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Did you know that NVIDIA is one of Fortune’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” with zero layoffs in over 15 years? Yes, that’s true. Known for technological innovation, NVIDIA is just as admired for how it treats employees. Engineers especially feel motivated by the company’s forward-thinking projects and collaborative energy that extends from the top down.
Houston Methodist
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Houston Methodist offers up to $4,000 annually for full-time employees; up to $2,000 for part-time employees per year as tuition reimbursement. Moreover, there are also on-site wellness centers for all staff. Talk about a company that really treats staff like no other. It’s one of the top healthcare employers nationwide that has earned accolades for its commitment to staff at every level.
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You’d think a company this massive might lose its soul a little, but nope, Google still feels personal. Approximately 80% of training is delivered through peer-to-peer programs, where employees teach and learn from each other. Most of its employees also participate in education programs subsidized by the company. The vibe here is curious, open, and not afraid to let people work the way that works best for them.
Microsoft
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Still a tech giant, still a favorite. Ranked #6 on Glassdoor’s “Best Places to Work” 2025 list, Microsoft ranks highly for transparency, inclusive leadership, and a thoughtful approach to remote work. Plus, significant improvements in engagement and HR efficiency have led to better retention among managed teams. Employees also appreciate the freedom to develop and share ideas. And when you need to hit pause, there’s a solid respect for work-life balance.
Eli Lilly and Company
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Working in pharma doesn’t have to feel like a grind, and at Eli Lilly, it doesn’t. This company has a remarkably positive feedback skew. In fact, 72% of employees say they’re proud to work here (Comparably). Workers credit generous retirement plans, approachable managers, and work that feels purposeful. There’s a real path forward here, and the atmosphere makes it easy to picture yourself growing with the company.
Delta Air Lines
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For an industry known for chaos and churn, Delta is weirdly calm. But what truly stands out is their profit-sharing payouts, which totaled $1.4 billion to employees in 2024. This bonus equated to approximately 10% of eligible employees’ annual earnings, translating to about five weeks of additional pay. Moreover, it offers industry-leading training programs that keep the workforce ahead of the others. And the perks (hello, travel!) are just the cherry on top of a surprisingly grounded culture.
Salesforce
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If you like a fast pace but still want your weekends back, Salesforce might just be your sweet spot. People truly admire their 1-1-1 philanthropic model that offers 56 hours of paid volunteer time annually. This model dedicates 1% of the company’s equity, product, and employee time to charitable causes. Also, they recently expanded mental health coverage to include digital wellbeing tools.
Navy Federal Credit Union
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According to a report by Training Magazine, the organization’s development program has resulted in a 70% promotion rate among its participants, alongside an 89% retention rate. Employees here speak warmly about the institution’s sense of mission and its steady, supportive culture. It’s also one of the few financial institutions where work-life balance isn’t sacrificed for performance.
Apple
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The bar is high at Apple, but so are the rewards. The company continues to score points for thoughtful compensation, career mobility, and the pride that comes with working on industry-defining products. In fact, they offer up to $5,250 per year in tuition assistance for eligible employees, subject to managerial approval. Plus, they also get access to cutting-edge internal training through Apple University. And there’s a strong emphasis on innovation without burnout.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
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Not your usual corporate contender, but don’t count them out. Employees here talk about purpose with a capital P—alongside reliable leadership and a workplace that feels grounded. It enjoys a 4.6/5 rating on Glassdoor, which is among the highest for public sector employers. Benefits are generous, the atmosphere is calm, and there’s a refreshing lack of office drama.
Trader Joe’s
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Long known for its upbeat vibe in stores, Trader Joe’s also shines as an employer. Staff mention generous health coverage from day one, including medical, dental, and vision benefits starting at 30 hours/week. With approachable supervisors, the workplace feels genuinely team-oriented. Its culture of respect and support runs deeper than most in the retail sector.
