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Despite a year of economic strain, political uncertainty, and climate crises, most multinational employers have stayed the course on supporting their people.
That’s according to the 2025 Employer Well-being Strategy Survey from the Business Group on Health, which found that nearly all of the 131 firms surveyed offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), providing workers with counseling and support for both mental and financial health.
But experts warn that well-being programs only go so far without a culture that respects work-life balance. Peter Duris, CEO and cofounder of Kickresume, believes the key lies in visible leadership.
“Employers can promote a healthy work-life balance by encouraging managers to lead by example,” he said. “Teams who see their manager logging off at the end of the working day, using their PTO and setting boundaries around their workload are more likely to model this behavior themselves.”
Duris adds that protecting employees from burnout is essential for retention. “Companies that don’t guard against a culture of overwork will drive away many employees, especially those with children or other caring responsibilities,” he warned. “Employees who might have been happy to stay for years and progress their careers with the company might find themselves looking for another job elsewhere.”
Global recognition for workplace excellence
The latest Forbes World’s Best Employers list reinforces the link between employee care and business success. Compiled with Statista, the ranking is based on surveys from more than 300,000 employees across 50 countries. Respondents rated their employers on pay, career development, work-life balance, and reputation, while also assessing former employers and companies they knew through professional networks.
Responses were scored using data from the past three years, with the most recent feedback and current employee views weighted most heavily. The result: 900 companies earned a spot in the final ranking, representing more than 50 nations.
At the top of the 2025 list is Microsoft, followed by Delta Air Lines, Alphabet, Adobe, and BMW Group. Other high-ranking firms include NVIDIA, Sony, IBM, Apple, and Lego Group, all recognized for maintaining supportive, people-focused workplaces.
While industries and geographies differ, the data paints a consistent picture that says that organizations investing in employee well-being, flexibility, and trust are best placed to attract and retain talent in a turbulent global economy.
Forbes Best Employers 2025 - who made the top 20?
Named in Forbes' top 20 employers, were:
Microsoft
Delta Air Lines
Alphabet
Adobe
BMW Group
NVIDIA
Sony
IBM
Apple
Lego Group
Samsung Electronics
Costco Wholesale
Cisco Systems
Shopify
Rolex
Marriott International
Nike
HubSpot
Airbus
Nintendo
