Workplace culture, good leadership and more helped these companies succeed in 2023

Most employees expect their organizations to provide a culture where they can thrive. Not all businesses meet that expectation — so when an employer goes above and beyond to support their workforce, it's noticed.

Whether it's an inspirational leader or a vibrant company culture, there are plenty of things that set exceptional organizations apart from the rest. Comparably recently culled employee reviews and sentiments about CEOs and work culture to rank the best of the best. On average, the CEOs on their list have a 90% approval rating, while Comparably's site-wide average sits at around 69%. 

Maria Black, CEO of ADP, made her debut on this list at number three, while Adobe's Shantanu Narayan made an appearance in the top five for the fifth year in a row. For the first time in Comparably's history, five women made it to the top 10. The famous CEOs of Amazon and Meta have failed to make the list at all for the third year in a row. See all the organizations in the top 10, and what employees had to say: 

Read about what sets these leaders apart: The 10 best CEOs of 2023, according to their own employees

Comparably also reviewed anonymous employee feedback on why certain cultures stand above the rest. What they found is that today's workforce is thinking about way more than their paychecks: Work-life balance, professional development opportunities including mentorship programs, and inclusion were other characteristics highlighted by employees at top-ranked organizations. 

Companies including Uber, Netflix, AT&T and In-N-Out Burger are excelling in this space. Check out the top cultures at large organizations below, complete with feedback from the workers who know best:  

Read about the companies setting a high standard for workplace culture: 25 places to work with the best company culture, according to employees

Many employers were focused on improving their employees' lives through benefits this year. Bank of America, for example, launched the new sabbatical program in 2023, and uses it to celebrate milestones: After 15 years with the company, an employee can take a four-week break; after reaching 20 or 25 years, five weeks are available; and after 30 years, six weeks is available.

Elsewhere, Chobani recently announced the launch of its partnership with Upwards (formerly WeeCare), a leading child care provider, to provide expanded child care and elder care benefits for all full-time U.S. employees, and Prudential teamed up with Lyra to offer mental health support to their 41,000-person workforce. See which other benefit programs got a boost this year: 

Read about the new benefits offered by Aon, Allstate and more: 15 companies that expanded employee benefits in 2023

While we've celebrated employers, leaders also take the time to celebrate their employees, too. While some organizations missed the mark on their holiday gifting, like a boss who gave team members a stocking of potatoes, others managed to send the right message. 

"The company organized a weekend getaway for the team — a rejuvenating spa retreat," one respondent shared. "It wasn't just about the luxurious pampering but the thoughtful gesture of acknowledging our hard work. This gift fostered team bonding, relaxation and a genuine sense of appreciation." 

Read on for the best and worst gifts employees have received for Christmas: The best, worst and weirdest corporate gifts employees have received