Gowling WLG has been named one of the UK's Best Workplaces for the 17th consecutive year

The firm was ranked 27th in the 'Large category' (organisations with 500+ employees) in the annual Best Workplaces. The firm has been ranked since the awards began in 2001 and this year the firm climbed three spaces.

Gowling WLG continues to hold "master status", being one of only two companies listed since the survey began in 2001. It is also the only law firm to appear in the list, which also includes Capital One (Europe) plc, Mars UK, EY and Hilton Worldwide.

Chief executive David Fennell said: "We're incredibly proud of our people and the outstanding service they deliver to our clients, and their enthusiasm to grow and improve our business. It really does shine through, and this is another opportunity for me to acknowledge all of their hard work and effort over the last twelve months. Great Place to Work provides us with regular, independent feedback and we're committed to using that to better understand how we can continue to deliver on our people and talent commitments."

HR Director Chris Oglethorpe added: "We are very clear that engagement is driven out of strong communication, a clear offering and a good understanding of where people fit with our strategy. We take the wider feedback from Great Place to Work® and really focus on what it is saying, as opposed to simply saying that we have got a badge called 'great place to work'."

This year the firm has introduced a range of new initiatives these include an online performance management system, creating development centres, and improved the total rewards package (buying holiday, sabbatical leave, enhanced family leave provision (maternity, paternity, adoption), and a new virtual GP service).

In terms of recruitment the firm has introduced new ways of promoting and interviewing candidates and new starters are welcomed with a new refreshed on-boarding programme.

The methodology behind the Best Workplaces list is one of the most rigorous available and (uniquely) comprises both an employee survey and an audit into organisations' management and HR practices.

Tom O'Byrne, Great Place to Work® CEO, said: "We are delighted to see Gowling WLG on our Best Workplaces list for the seventeenth year. It is a validation of their progressive leadership and commitment to creating and maintaining a high performing and competitive business in a highly competitive market. Their investment and belief in their people clearly works and we look forward to their continued success as a great business and employer."

Gowling WLG is an international law firm providing clients with legal services at home and around the world.

Great Place to Work® UK is part of the world's leading consultancy specialising in employee surveys and workplace cultures. It helps organisations improve their business performance by understanding and improving their workplace culture.

Media contacts

Dawn Beddard Senior Corporate Communications Manager Birmingham