Apple has made a comeback on Glassdoor’s annual list of the 100 best places to work, landing at No. 39. The tech giant had fallen off the list last year but rebounded thanks to its stability, security, and impressive stock performance. However, the tech sector’s presence on the list decreased compared to previous years due to layoffs and turmoil within the industry.
Glassdoor’s lead economist, Daniel Zhao, noted that the tech industry has lost some of its allure, but it still remains an attractive field for job seekers. The absence of tech companies on the list made room for traditional employers such as banks, retailers, and manufacturers.
The top-ranking company on the list was management consultant firm Bain & Co., followed by chipmaker Nvidia, known for its contributions to the artificial intelligence field. Despite long working hours, Bain’s reputation for career enhancement propelled them to the number one spot for the sixth time.
Other notable tech firms on the list include Adobe, Microsoft, and Google. However, Salesforce, Intel, Netflix, and Yahoo dropped off the list this year. In the finance sector, Fidelity Investments climbed from 18th place to 10th, while Raymond James Financial, Barclays, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. made appearances.
Work-life balance gained significant importance among employees last year, with mentions of anxiety increasing fourfold on Glassdoor’s community sites. However, factors such as career opportunities still hold considerable weight.
As tech stalwarts like Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook) faded, companies from other industries filled the void. The number of retail companies on the list more than doubled, with Lululemon Athletica, HEB Grocery, and Wegmans Food Markets making appearances. Manufacturing firms also saw an increase in representation with companies like Boston Scientific, Cummins, and Texas Instruments.
To qualify for the list, companies must have over 1,000 employees and receive at least 75 employee ratings across nine workplace attributes. The rating threshold resulted in last year’s top-ranking company, Gainsight, dropping off the list entirely.
Overall, the list reflects a shift in the job market, with old-guard companies making a comeback. It suggests a move toward a more balanced job market with a diverse range of industries represented for job seekers.