New research has revealed the UK areas with the best-rated employers, with London ranking sixth.
Experts at Meditopia, the all-in-one mental health solution, analysed the Glassdoor ratings for all companies in each area of the UK that have more than 1,000 global employees.
They found the percentage of companies in each area that have an average rating of four stars or above given by employees. The areas with the highest percentage were identified to reveal those with the happiest workforces.
The UK areas with the highest percentage of employers rated above four stars
| Rank | City | Percentage of employers rated above four stars (%) |
| 1 | Bristol | 16.24 |
| 2 | Reading | 16.04 |
| 3 | Cambridge | 15.99 |
| 4 | Edinburgh | 15.85 |
| 5 | Crawley | 15.71 |
| 6 | London | 15.61 |
| 7 | Birmingham | 15.14 |
| 8 | Belfast | 15.12 |
| 9 | York | 14.88 |
| 10 | Manchester | 14.87 |
Bristol takes the top spot, with 16.24% of employers being rated above four stars. In total, 5,013 employers were included in the analysis, with 814 rated over four stars. Overall, companies in Bristol have an average rating of 3.495 stars out of five.
Reading is second, with 16.04% of companies rated above four stars. There were 4,027 included in the analysis, and 646 are rated above four stars. All companies in the town have an average rating of 3.503 stars out of five.
Cambridge places third, with 15.99% of employers being rated above four stars. Overall, 3,177 employers were analysed and 508 are rated over four stars. Companies in Cambridge have an average rating of 3.496 stars out of five.
Edinburgh ranks fourth, with 15.85% of companies rated above four stars. There were 3,987 companies included in the analysis and 632 rated above four stars. Edinburgh’s employers have an average rating of 3.509 stars out of five.
Crawley is next, with 15.71% of companies having an average employee rating above four stars. In total 3,666 companies were analysed and 576 have a rating of above four stars. The town’s employers have an average rating of 3.489 stars out of five.
London is sixth, with 15.61% of employers having a Glassdoor rating above four stars. All companies in the city have an average rating of 3.491 stars out of five.
Birmingham comes in seventh place, with 15.14% of companies being rated above four stars by employees. Companies in the city have an average rating of 3.479 stars.
On the other hand, Blackpool is home to the unhappiest workforce, with just 9.81% of employers being rated above four stars. Closely following are Blackburn and Chelmsford, with 9.90% and 10.64% of employers being rated above four stars, respectively.
Fatih Mustafa Çelebi, Co-founder and CEO of Meditopia, commented,
Companies can improve staff happiness and wellbeing by recognising employee achievements, asking employees for input and promoting a good work-life balance. A positive work culture is crucial, as it can help improve work ethic, productivity, and staff turnover.
Fatih Mustafa Çelebi, Co-founder and CEO of Meditopia
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.