Data: The 50 best bosses to work for in the UK – according to employees

Transparency, a strong and clearly communicated strategic roadmap, and prioritising employee wellbeing were some of the key qualities that stood out for 2021’s top-rated chief executives.

Bosses across a range of industries including tech, FMCG and investment banking were all commended in this year’s ranking – with three retail leaders making the cut.

Majestic Wine chief executive John Colley was a first-time entrant and the highest retailer in this year’s ranking, which shows the most popular CEOs based on feedback on Glassdoor.co.uk from companies with 1,000 or more employees.

Glassdoor EMEA director Joe Wiggins said Colley “created a work culture focused on a passion for excellent customer service driven from management” as well as instilling “a strong sense of teamwork” across the business.

“John’s approval rating started rising in early 2020 and stayed high throughout 2021, despite the retailer sector enduring a very tough time,” added Wiggins, with employees citing the company’s “fantastic support during Covid.”

River Island boss Will Kernan was another newcomer to the ranking, coming in 48th with an approval rating of 94%.

Wiggins said employees at River Island praised the retailer’s “kind and considerate managers, welcoming teams and friendly and flexible atmosphere”.

Schuh managing director Colin Temple was 50th with an approval of 93%, marking his third appearance in the ranking. Colleagues praised the retailer’s “friendly bosses, flexible working and supportive, down-to-earth management”.

The overall top-rated CEO, the founder and boss of BlackRock investment firm Laurence Fink, was praised for his open and honest leadership style, his organisation’s flat structure and strong communication during the pandemic. He has been on the list three times previously.

Microsoft’s Satya Nadella, who came second on this year’s ranking, has been on the list a total of five times, the joint-most appearances alongside JP Morgan’s Jamie Dimon and Morgan Stanley’s James Gorman.

Nadella was cited for his strong vision as a leader as well as Microsoft’s support for flexible working styles and internal opportunities.

“In terms of the best CEOs this year, what we see is strong leadership during the Covid-19 crisis and a prioritisation of employees’ health, safety and wellbeing,” said Wiggins.

“The top leaders are both dedicated to the company mission and provide leadership and professional growth opportunities. It is common to see a top CEO who invests in company culture, is personable and approachable and has a transparent leadership style.”

Methodology

_{The Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards for the Top CEOs in 2021 rely on input from employees who voluntarily elected to anonymously submit a company review on Glassdoor. When providing a company review, employees are asked to rate several factors tied to their employment experience. These include rating sentiment around their CEO’s job performance as well as around senior management, among other factors. Specifically, when rating their CEO on Glassdoor, employees are able to choose from one of three options: approve, disapprove or no opinion of the CEO. Employees are also asked to share their opinions on some of the best reasons to work for their employer (pros), any downsides (cons) and are encouraged to provide advice to management.}

_{The Glassdoor Employees’ Choice Awards for the Top CEOs in 2021 feature six distinct categories in five countries. For each category, company reviews and ratings from current and former employees ubmitted between May 2, 2020, and May 1, 2021, were considered.}

_{Each list was compiled using Glassdoor’s awards proprietary algorithm and each CEO approval rating was determined based on the quantity, quality and consistency of reviews during the eligibility timeframe. More information}