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In a Hollywood now driven by technological advancement, the best workplaces may no longer be within the traditional film and television sectors, according to a recent Glassdoor survey.
The report conducted in partnership with The Hollywood Reporter, reveals that when it comes to employee satisfaction the best employers increasingly come from the gaming and tech worlds.
Video games companies like Riot Games, known for its popular online games, and Electronic Arts, publisher of the hugely successful EA Sports label, scored highly in employee reviews alongside a mix of established studios and newer players.
As “old” Hollywood navigates economic uncertainties and grapples with a challenging reputation due to recent HR controversies, such as the #MeToo movement and the impacts of industry restructuring, the criteria for what constitutes a top workplace have evolved.
New Hollywood emerging from tech sector
The report surveyed 163 companies across Hollywood, aggregating employee feedback on work satisfaction, benefits, and overall company culture between June 2021 and May 2024.
While traditional film and TV powerhouses such as Netflix, Pixar, and HBO made the list, they are joined by disruptors like YouTube, Meta, and Live Nation, underlining just how much how the definition of “Hollywood” has broadened.
The report’s top-rated company, Riot Games, is known not only for its generous compensation packages and work-life balance but also for fostering a collaborative culture in an increasingly competitive entertainment landscape.
Netflix and DreamWorks Animation continued to score high for offering substantial financial rewards and a historic studio atmosphere, while newer streaming platforms like Apple TV and Hulu won praise for employee morale and innovative work environments.
The gaming sector, represented prominently by EA and Riot Games, has reshaped Hollywood's employment options by attracting top creative talent and appealing to younger workers who prioritize innovation and inclusivity.
Riot and EA stand out for offering perks that often rival those found at traditional Hollywood studios. Employees report satisfaction with flexible work policies, cutting-edge creative opportunities, and the high impact of their work reaching a global audience. The appeal of gaming companies illustrates the shift towards workplaces that not only offer substantial financial benefits but also prioritize inclusive and progressive company cultures, increasingly important in an industry driven by young talent.
Talent retention challenges in Hollywood
By contrast, traditional film companies face talent retention challenges as they attempt to retain their best amid a growing preference for hybrid work environments.
With Amazon, Meta, and YouTube featuring among the highest-ranked employers, the report suggests a clear alignment between tech-centric companies and job satisfaction. High ratings across companies such as Spotify, Roku, and even live entertainment giant Live Nation indicate a broader entertainment landscape where flexible, tech-savvy employers are thriving.
For Hollywood’s traditional employers, the rise of gaming and tech as top workplaces suggests a competitive shift in the war for talent. With significant HR hurdles and evolving employee expectations, companies are urged to foster progressive workplaces that prioritize well-being and inclusivity.
The top 25 places to work in Hollywood
Riot Games
Netflix
DreamWorks Animation
Pixar
Nickelodeon
Apple TV
Spotify
Electronic Arts
Fox Sports
YouTube
Live Nation
A+E Networks
NBCUniversal
Roku
HBO
ESPN
PBS
ABC Broadcast Network
Meta
Ticketmaster
Universal Music Group
Warner Music Group
Paramount Pictures
Hulu
Sony Pictures
[source:Glassdoor/Hollywood Reporter]
