Top Workplaces in the USA: Employee Feedback Drives the 2025 Rankings

American employees have spoken, and their voices have determined the top workplaces in the United States for 2025. A mortgage lending company, another mortgage lending company, a certified public accountant firm, a staffing business, and a general insurance company have been recognized as the leading employers based on employee feedback. This recognition stems from the fifth annual national survey co-sponsored by Energage and USA TODAY, a comprehensive initiative designed to identify and celebrate outstanding workplaces across the nation.

The Top Workplaces USA awards program focuses on recognizing midsize and large organizations, specifically those with at least 150 employees. This inclusivity extends to companies with operations spanning multiple markets, reflecting the diverse and geographically dispersed nature of the modern American workforce. The 2025 survey saw participation from a substantial 2,251 companies, underscoring the program’s widespread reach and the eagerness of organizations to gain insights into their employee engagement levels.

What sets this ranking apart is its exclusive reliance on employee feedback. The entire ranking process is driven by the results of surveys conducted throughout 2024, ensuring that the voices and experiences of employees are at the heart of the evaluation. Winning companies are not judged on financial performance, market share, or other traditional business metrics. Instead, the focus is solely on how employees perceive their workplace, their engagement, and their overall satisfaction.

The companies that emerged as the top overall workplaces, according to survey respondents, represent a diverse range of industries. These organizations have demonstrated a commitment to creating positive and supportive work environments, fostering employee growth, and prioritizing employee well-being. Notably, Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp. and Plante Moran, a certified public accountant firm, demonstrated their consistent excellence by maintaining their positions from last year’s ranking, where they also finished first and second, respectively. This consistency highlights their enduring commitment to employee satisfaction and a strong workplace culture.

Beyond the overall rankings, the survey results also identify winners in four distinct categories based on company size. This categorization ensures that organizations are compared against their peers, taking into account the unique challenges and opportunities that come with different employee populations. The categories are:

• Companies with 2,500+ employees: This category recognizes large enterprises that have successfully fostered positive work environments across significant employee bases.
• Companies with 1,000 to 2,499 employees: This category focuses on mid-sized to large organizations that have effectively balanced growth and employee engagement.
• Companies with 500 to 999 employees: This category highlights companies of a more moderate size that have demonstrated a strong commitment to employee well-being and a positive workplace culture.
• Companies with less than 499 employees: This category recognizes smaller businesses that have cultivated a close-knit and supportive environment for their employees.

Energage, the survey co-sponsor, meticulously ranks the top 100 employers in each of these categories, providing a comprehensive overview of the leading workplaces across different size segments. Following the top 100, the remaining winners are listed in alphabetical order, ensuring that all recognized organizations receive the acknowledgment they deserve.

The invitation to participate in the Top Workplaces USA survey was extended to more than 39,000 employers nationwide. This widespread invitation reflects the ambition to capture a broad and representative sample of American workplaces. Of those invited, 2,251 companies embraced the opportunity to participate by administering the employee engagement survey. Based on the results of these surveys, a total of 1,526 companies received recognition for their outstanding workplace practices. This significant number of recognized organizations underscores the growing emphasis on employee engagement and workplace culture across the American business landscape.

The benefits of receiving a Top Workplace award extend beyond mere recognition. As Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage, aptly stated, "A Top Workplace award brings a company’s culture to the national stage, and it helps them differentiate themselves in a fiercely competitive market space." In today’s talent-driven economy, attracting and retaining top talent is crucial for success. A Top Workplace award serves as a powerful signal to potential employees, showcasing the organization’s commitment to providing a positive and rewarding work environment.

The award is not just a badge of honor for the company; it is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of its employees. As Rubino emphasizes, "It’s an honor for the workforce and an effective tool to attract the right talent to an organization." By publicly acknowledging the positive experiences of employees, the award reinforces a sense of pride and belonging within the organization. It also sends a clear message to prospective employees that the company values its workforce and is committed to creating a workplace where individuals can thrive.

In conclusion, the Top Workplaces USA awards program provides a valuable service to both employers and employees. By relying solely on employee feedback, the rankings offer an authentic and insightful perspective on workplace culture and employee engagement. The program recognizes organizations that have created positive and supportive work environments, fostering employee growth, and prioritizing employee well-being. A Top Workplace award serves as a powerful tool for attracting and retaining talent, differentiating companies in a competitive market, and celebrating the contributions of their employees. As the program continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of work in the United States.

The survey also highlights the importance of understanding what employees value in a workplace. It is not just about compensation and benefits; it is also about feeling valued, respected, and having opportunities for growth and development. Companies that prioritize these aspects of employee experience are more likely to attract and retain top talent, improve employee productivity, and ultimately achieve greater business success. The Top Workplaces USA awards program provides a valuable benchmark for companies to assess their own workplace practices and identify areas for improvement. By learning from the best, organizations can create more positive and productive work environments for their employees, leading to a brighter future for both the company and its workforce.