HR Magazine - Boots Opticians tops the list of Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2011

Boots Opticians and Goldman Sachs have topped the list of the Sunday Times Best Companies to Work For 2011.

Each year the listing, which is based on surveys taken by employees from participating organisations, recognises 25 large scale companies which employees score highly in each of the eight workplace factors measured by the Best Companies organisation: leadership, my manager, personal growth, wellbeing, my team, giving something back, my company, and fair deal. Alex Gourlay, chief executive of the health & beauty division for Alliance Boots, said: "At Boots we truly believe in our businesses having the most empowered and engaged teams. Through this engagement we can be confident that our colleagues can deliver the products and customer care that makes the Boots brand one of the most trusted in the UK. Like thousands of my colleagues I am proud to say I work for Boots." Andy Ferguson, MDof Boots Opticians added: "To be number one in the Sunday Times Best Big Companies list is a landmark achievement for Boots Opticians. Following the merger with Dollond & Atchison in 2009, our new Boots Opticians business has seen many changes and an ambitious integration process. To be able to continue to drive real positive engagement and passion from our teams is a testament to the fantastic organisation we have in place today."

Meanwhile for the first time McDonald's has been ranked in the list.

Jez Langhorn, VP, people, McDonald's UK said: "During the last five years, we've worked hard to build an industry-leading range of initiatives that help support and motivate our people in their jobs and careers. Whether it's by offering them transferable, nationally-recognised qualifications, flexible working options or opportunities to progress quickly, we know that employee engagement is key to having a loyal and confident workforce who are committed to providing the best possible service to the two and a half million customers we serve in the UK every day. "Featuring in the Best Companies rankings for the first time will increase employee pride and commitment, and we're delighted to achieve this recognition for our business and our people."

The top tens

Top ten large companies

1 Boots Opticians

2 Goldman Sachs International

3 Sytner Group

4 Bourne Leisure

5 Orchid Group

6 Iceland Frozen Foods

7 Marriott Hotels International Ltd

8 Mothercare

9 KPMG

10 InterContinental Hotels Group