Profiles of the 100 Best Companies to Work For are published in order of rank between pages 26 and 77. The 20 Best Big Companies to Work For are published between pages 14 and 25. The two lists, together with the 100 Best Small Companies to Work For, published last weekend, can be found here.

We have included some common data at the head of each firm’s profile to give a broad outline of its size and staff demographics and to allow basic comparison between them. Additionally, through the use of 10 icons, we indicate which firms offer the best provision in terms of perks, pensions and equal opportunities, and those that are rewarded with the most loyal and charitable staff. Eligibility criteria for the icons are given.

DATA

Annual sales: company turnover in the most recent year for which accounts are available. Usually the figure given applies to British operations only.

Staff numbers: the total number of UK-based staff including all full-time, part-time and contract workers.

Male/female ratio: the percentage split between the sexes among full-time and part-time workers.

Average age: of full-time and part-time workers in September 2008.

Staff turnover: the percentage of the full-time and part-time workforce which left the company in the course of the year to September 2008.

Earning £35,000+: the percentage of the workforce with a gross annual income in excess of £35,000. There is a wide variation in the scores, with technology companies, consultancies and thoseoperating in the financial and media industries having many more people on high salaries than the retail and service industries.

Typical job: the job with which the organisation is most associated and not necessarily the position in which most people are employed.

ICONS

Holidays: companies offering a minimum of 25 days’ annual leave to all employees (63 of the top 100 companies/seven of the top 20 big companies gain this icon)

Maternity: companies offering at least 10 weeks on full pay during the first period of maternity leave or a bonus payable on return to work (62/15)

Childcare: companies that provide a workplace crèche or nursery, or free nursery place and/or vouchers or cash to contribute towards childcare costs (92/20)

Women: companies where at least 33% of the senior managers are women (38/3)

Long service: companies where at least 40% of the staff have worked there for more than five years (29/7)

Pensions: companies offering a final salary or non-contributory pension scheme, or one in which the employer puts in at least double the amount contributed by staff (50/12)

Health insurance: companies offering private health insurance for all employees, their spouses and dependants (47/13)

Gym: companies offering either an on-site gym or subsidised gym membership or wellness programme (88/19)

Shares: companies where employees are offered share options. These may be available to senior managers and directors only (35/10)

Charitable activities: companies where at least 10% of staff are known to undertake charitable activities during business hours without incurring financial loss (43/12)

Explore Best 100 Companies

• Best 100 Tables