The most attractive employee brands of 2018.

Apple has been named the nation’s most attractive employer in the 2018 Randstad Employer Brand Research, taking the glory from Qantas and Virgin who have shared the podium for the last four years. The report, based on a survey of more than 9,500 employees, cites Apple’s innovation focus, financial stability and strong reputation as the reasons the brand came out on top.

“Technology is ingrained into our everyday lives. From ordering food on the fly, to searching the latest jobs, the whole world is just a few taps away from your fingertips. Apple has led the technology revolution, so it’s no surprise that Aussies looking to ride the wave of innovation see the Californian tech giant and the technology sector in general as a great place to develop their careers,” said Frank Ribuot, CEO of Randstad Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and India.

Virgin Australia and Qantas were still up there as second and third respectively.

Randstad’s latest research shows that Australian employees believe their employers focus is on financial deliverables and technology while the employees are looking for work-life balance and salary and benefits. With the results also showing that 30% of Australians are planning to change roles within the next year, employees who use this insight to better align their EVP with what employees are looking for will see the benefits.

“The 2018 Randstad Employer Brand Research confirms that workers aren’t solely focused on salary and long-term job security. It is the ability of companies to deliver a genuine, consistent and balanced experience that will prove to be the big winners in a competitive job market” said Ribuot.

“With 30% of Australians planning to change roles within the next year, a markedly increased number from last year, we are calling on businesses to revitalise their employer value propositions. It is crucial that companies present a true image of who they are and commit to it. That is the secret to the success of Australia’s most attractive employers.”

According to the report, the top 20 most attractive brands for employees in Australia in 2018 are:

1. Apple
2. Virgin Australia
3. Qantas
4. Competitive Foods Australia
5. ABC
6. Wesfarmers
7. UNSW
8. JB HI-FI
9. Australia Post
10. Cabrini
11. Australian Government
12. Queensland Government
13. PWC
14. Healthe Care
15. RMIT
16. The University of Melbourne
17. IBM
18. NSW Government
19. Nestle
20. ACT Government

If you are looking to revitalise your EVP, the report found that you should focus on work-life balance, salary and benefits, job security, pleasant work atmosphere and good training. A culture that is reflective of these key elements that employees look for, may not see you on top of the list next year, but it will certainly elevate your brand for employees and help you attract and retain top talent.