The Straits Times has partnered with global research firm Statista to rank the best 200 employers in Singapore for the year 2021.
More than 1,700 companies in Singapore that employ at least 200 people was shortlisted.
As part of their research process that took place from August to September last year, the two firms gathered more than 20,000 evaluations via online panels and surveys, including opinions of thousands of employers as well as scores for hundreds of companies.
At the core of the scoring was whether the staff would recommend their own employer to family and friends.
Employees were also asked to share their opinion of their own employer on a variety of topics, ranging from salary and work-life balance, to potential for development, their work environment, and the employers’ reputation.
Another key question was their assessment on how well the employers’ managed the Covid-19 crisis.
Employers were then ranked by their total score based on the gathered evaluations. Only the top 200 companies with the best scores — which make up less than 15 per cent of the eligible companies — made the cut.
#1: Google Singapore
Tech giant Google is listed as the best employer in Singapore with a score of 8.62.
Last July, it announced a new jobs and skills training initiative for 3,000 entry-level and mid-career jobseekers in Singapore. Called Skills Ignition SG, it prepares participants for jobs related to digital marketing and cloud technology.
One of the programmes focuses on providing on-the-job training opportunities for up to 600 applicants.
“We remain focused on empowering Singaporeans today for tomorrow, as we create good training opportunities and vital industry experience for them,” said Google Singapore country director Ben King.
Google also said it returned its Jobs Support Scheme wage subsidies as an additional show of support for the local community and has pledged to decline future payouts from the Government.
Google Singapore has a 4.5 star rating on Glassdoor, with 95 per cent approving of its CEO and 89 per cent stating that they would recommend the firm to a friend.
All over the world, Google offices are well-known for its employee perks and benefits and year after year, it has been ranked as one of the top companies to work for.
This is hardly surprising, considering perks such as such as stock options, massage rooms, nap pods, laundry services and hairdressers, and mechanics for your car on site.
Daniel Wasik, Google APAC’s Head Of Talent And Outreach, affirms that Google takes the welfare of its employees seriously.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, 24/7 counselling services are available and Blue Dot, an employee-led mental health awareness group, is also available on Google Meet.
Google is also allegedly known for paying its staff well. A product specialist is paid around S$116,000 a year, while managers take home around S$133,000 to S$173,000 per annum, according to Glassdoor data.
#2: Apple Singapore
Following closely behind Google is fellow tech giant Apple with a score of 8.60.
In early 2020, Apple was the market leader among mobile vendors in Singapore with a market share of approximately 33.6 per cent.
It has set its sights on Singapore as a major destination to release its new products, and this is made clear with the opening of its third store at Marina Bay Sands.
Apple Singapore has a 4.1 star rating on Glassdoor, with 95 per cent approving of its CEO Tim Cook and 83 per cent stating that they would recommend the firm to a friend. Feedback on working at the company typically depicts a challenging, yet rewarding work experience.
According to Apple, it offers flexible medical plans that cover both physical and mental healthcare for its employees. They have the option to access medical professionals from almost anywhere and get free personal counselling, be it virtual or in-person.
Apple’s medical coverage plans include family-friendly features such as child wellbeing exams, childhood immunisations, maternity expenses and fertility treatments. It also supports all kinds of new parents with paid leave and a gradual return-to-work programme.
Apple also strongly believes in personal and professional growth. Employers are free to enrol in classes, seminars and tap on various tools under Apple University; and for more formal education related to advancing their career at Apple, the company will reimburse certain educational expenses, including tuition.
Apple also guarantees that women earn the same as men who perform similar work.
According to Glassdoor data, an intern is paid around S$1,000 a month, while specialists take home about S$39,000 a year. Meanwhile, managers are paid approximately S$114,000 to S$120,000 a year.
Apple lovers have even more of a reason to join the tech giant as employees from both the Apple stores and office get up to 25 per cent discount for Apple products.
To add on, every employee also has the opportunity to become an Apple shareholder, because all are eligible for stock grants and also a discount when purchasing Apple stock.
#3: Adidas Singapore
Third on the list is retailer Adidas Singapore with a score of 8.52.
Adidas Singapore has a 4.2 star rating on Glassdoor, with 100 per cent approving of its CEO Kasper Rorsted and 68 per cent stating that they would recommend the firm to a friend. Most reviews lauded the fun and close-knit company culture.
Similar to how athletes can compete at the highest level when they have the best training and equipment, Adidas believes that its employees can only achieve their best when they have the proper benefits and resources.
This is why they provide all their employees with a generous, comprehensive and individualised benefits package.
Some of their perks include medical, dental and flexi benefits. They also offer other benefits such as retirement plan, canteen food, company sports and events, as well as product discounts to employees.
According to Adidas, there is a variety of sports for employees to choose from — Adidas Runners, football matches, yoga classes, laser tag, Bounce!, bubble bump challenge, just to name a few. Through sports, employees can forge camaraderie as they bond together, building on teamwork.
Adidas also believes in work-life balance. They have a “Work from Home Policy” for employees who want to work from home, so they can better balance their career and lifestyle. Beyond their home, employees can flexibly choose their workplace in the office, be it at their own desk, in the meeting room, or in the relaxed atmosphere of the pantry.
According to Glassdoor data, an intern is paid around S$1,200 a month, while roles like specialist, brand communications executive, and assistant store manager take home about S$3,000 a month.
Who Else Is On The List?
Other firms that made it to the top five list include Singapore American School and e-commerce giant Amazon.
The list of companies that made the cut are varied, spanning across 26 different industries, including IT, banking, and transportation.
For government services, 10 companies made it into the list, including Ministry of Manpower, Infocomm and Media Development Authority, Ministry of Social and Family Development, Monetary Authority of Singapore, Housing & Development Board, and Ministry of Finance.
You can view the full list of 200 companies here.
Featured Image Credit: Vulcan Post / Apple / Adidas
