The Sunday Times Best Places to Work awards survey uses questions developed by behavioral scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics and other independent parties to most accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing and discretionary effort in the workplace. To be successfully accredited as a Sunday Times Best Place to Work, organisations must achieve a minimum 70 per cent overall engagement score.
The businesses are awarded their scores based in the following metrics:
1. Reward and Recognition
2. Instilling Pride
3. Information Sharing
4. Empowerment
5. Wellbeing
6. Job Satisfaction
The survey asks employees to respond to statements including:
• I am happy with the hours I work
• I am fairly paid
• I am recognised when I do something well
• I do something worthwhile
• I feel proud to work for my organisation
• Information is regularly and openly shared with me
• I have enough information (and training) to do my job
• My views are heard at work
• I understand the organisation’s plan
• I am trusted to make decisions
• I have what I need to do my job well
• My employer cares for my wellbeing
• I rarely feel anxious or depressed about work
• I feel happy at work
• I am treated with respect
• I have a good relationship with my manager
• I am being developed
• I work in a well-run organisation
The lists are split into categories of small, medium, big and very big companies. We have included businesses of all sizes in our list, refining it to beauty and wellness brands:
ADDITIONAL LENGTHS 
Additional Lengths, based in Stockton-on-Tees, has grown from humble beginnings into a leader in hair extensions and care products, with a strong focus on quality and an employee-first approach. Founded by Victoria Lynch in her parents’ house in 2003, the company now operates out of a 20,000 sq ft distribution center that includes a global head office, a thriving store, and an on-site salon.
Additional Lengths supplies premium hair extensions and hair care products, partnering with top brands like Olaplex, GHD and more.
At the heart of their success is a commitment to their team. With a close-knit group of 33 staff, the company ensures a supportive work environment through regular one-on-one meetings with managers, quarterly reviews, and customized training programs. Team members are given room to grow and are recognized for their hard work with perks like staff discounts, performance bonuses, and a positive workplace culture that makes coming to work feel rewarding. With their dedication to quality and care for their team, they are a deserving candidate for the Sunday Times Best Places to Work List.
DR PAWPAW 
Founded in 2013 by a husband-and-wife duo passionate about skincare, this company began with a single balm and has since flourished into a dedicated team of 21 based in Bromley.
Their people-first approach to business is evident in the way they empower staff to drive their own professional development, offering the freedom to select personalized training courses and attend industry events. Many team members have been promoted to managerial positions, underscoring the company’s commitment to career growth.
Each year, a new employee benefit is introduced—ranging from extra days off to recognize hard work to health benefits like eye and dental care, mental-health support, and monthly in-office massages. The company’s culture is built around continuous improvement and a deep respect for work-life balance, creating an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.
MOMO KOMBUCHA
Founded by husband-and-wife team Josh and Lisa Puddle after discovering kombucha during a New York trip. MOMO brings a personal touch to their team of 16 based in London.
Employees benefit from a £250 annual allowance for personal development, which can be used toward anything from a new skill to a mental wellness resource, ensuring everyone can thrive both professionally and personally. Efforts are celebrated with thoughtful perks, including performance bonuses, share options, and the much-loved early Friday finish.
MOMO’s supportive culture reflects the heart behind their craft—prioritizing well-being, nurturing growth, and fostering a sense of belonging that makes every day at work something to savor.
THE COLLECTIVE DAIRY 
This West London-based B Corp is committed to building a culture where each of its 35 team members not only feels they belong but also actively contributes to shaping the company’s ethos.
Believing that a workplace should nourish personal as well as professional growth, they offer more than just unlimited yogurt. Employees receive two volunteering days and two wellness days annually, private healthcare, enhanced pension contributions, and flexible working arrangements, creating a balanced and fulfilling work life.
New parents are supported with generous parental leave, while a structured bonus scheme rewards hard work across all levels. A robust events calendar keeps everyone connected, from summer socials to winter gatherings, fostering a close-knit community that celebrates each other’s achievements. Together, these benefits make working here a truly enriching experience, blending personal well-being with a shared sense of purpose that’s both inspiring and impactful.
BIRD & BLEND TEA
At this Worthing-based company, taking time for a warm tea break and a friendly chat is part of daily life. Known as a “tea mixology company on a mission to spread happiness,” they started in 2012 as a humble market stall and have blossomed into a thriving business with 164 employees across 15 outlets.
Founders Krisi Smith and Mike Turner still know each staff member by name, reflecting the close-knit culture they’ve built. Employees enjoy generous holiday allowances, paid leave to support family and health matters, and competitive salaries that underscore the value placed on each team member. Discounts on their signature tea blends are a thoughtful perk, along with opportunities to expand their tea knowledge through mixology workshops and tasting sessions.
Team socials, wellness initiatives, and career growth opportunities ensure that employees feel supported, engaged, and part of something truly special. This warm, inclusive environment turns a simple cup of tea into a shared experience of joy and connection every day.
REFY
Refy Beauty, the Manchester-based brand co-founded by visionary entrepreneur Jenna Meek and social media star Jess Hunt, has quickly made a name for itself in the beauty industry. Since its 2020 launch, this trendsetting company has seen remarkable growth, with sales soaring to over £24 million last year.
Refy’s 59-strong team thrives in a workplace where career aspirations are celebrated and nurtured through structured professional goals and personal development plans. The brand places a premium on fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture, regularly gathering feedback from employees and recognizing their contributions. Team members feel empowered, knowing their voices are valued and their achievements acknowledged.
Beyond professional development, Refy invests in a positive work-life balance, with flexible hours and a wellness program that includes mental health support and team-building activities. This approach not only strengthens team spirit but also ensures that employees feel inspired, motivated, and part of a shared vision to redefine beauty in an authentic, innovative way.
ORGANIX
This Bournemouth-based, B Corp-certified company, specializing in organic children’s food, is as dedicated to supporting its adult team members as it is to creating wholesome products. For the 62 employees, work is more than just a job—it’s a journey of personal and professional development.
With sustainability and social responsibility woven into the company’s fabric, diversity is celebrated through the inspiring “Be You” philosophy, ensuring everyone feels valued and understood. Wellbeing is prioritized with a host of supportive initiatives, including flexible hybrid working arrangements, a commitment to the right to disconnect, and resources to assist those experiencing menopause. Health benefits further contribute to a workplace where every individual’s needs are thoughtfully considered.
This company not only focuses on nurturing healthy futures for children but also on cultivating a thriving, inclusive environment for its team members. Here, employees feel empowered and motivated, knowing they’re part of an organization that champions both their personal wellbeing and a positive impact on the world.
LVMH 
This esteemed London-based powerhouse is a major force in the perfume, makeup, and skincare sectors, champions self-improvement as a core value for its impressive team of 1,300. Employees are encouraged to pursue growth through a wealth of opportunities, from leadership programs and skill development workshops to personalized mentoring. Inclusivity is actively promoted, with neurodiversity workshops creating a supportive environment for all team members.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility and representation, the firm also hosts a summer school, offering young people from underrepresented backgrounds a meaningful introduction to the beauty industry. To further expand horizons, employees are invited to explore new languages, enriching both personal and professional lives while embracing the brand’s global vision.
This commitment to continuous learning, paired with a nurturing culture, allows each team member to feel valued and inspired as they pursue their individual paths within a collaborative, forward-thinking organization. In every sense, this firm transforms the workplace into a dynamic space where beauty and growth truly go hand in hand.
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