Introducing the Top 1% Employers: Escape Certified!

At Escape the City, we’ve been on a mission for 15 years to help people find work that truly matters—to them and to the world. Over time, we’ve seen how purpose-driven organisations are leading the way in shaping a better future. But let’s face it: it’s tough for job seekers to find organisations that not only have meaningful missions but are also truly exceptional places to work.

It's not just about the ping-pong tables or free fruit. The real question is: How well do these companies treat their people? Do they invest in their teams, provide accessible leadership, offer generous parental leave, and make real strides in areas like closing salary gaps? These are the things that truly matter when it comes to workplace culture.

That’s why we’ve created the Top 1% Employer Certification. This isn’t just another “badge” or accolade—it’s a movement to raise the bar for small, progressive companies serious about building exceptional people-first workplace cultures.

The Top 1% Employer Certification is designed to recognise organisations that are making a real difference—not only in terms of their mission but also in how they care for, support, and empower their people. This new, rigorous assessment looks at the most important aspects of workplace culture, ensuring that companies earn their spot among the best of the best.

For job seekers, it’s more than just a shiny badge. It’s a trusted signal that these companies are genuinely walking the walk when it comes to creating great working environments. If you want to work somewhere that values you as much as it values its mission, look no further than these certified organisations.

So, What Makes a Top 1% Employer?

We wanted to define exactly what “good” looks like when it comes to building workplaces that genuinely put people first. We wanted a rigorous standard that companies could aspire to, something that job seekers could trust as a true reflection of an organisation’s culture.

The result? A new certification that recognises organisations across five key criteria:

• Mission & Strategy
• Leadership & Management
• People Foundations
• Enabling Teams
• Reward & Recognition

We also take into account anonymous employee feedback, making sure that companies are truly living up to their values from the inside out.

Meet the Founding Group of Top 1% Employers

Today, we’re excited to introduce our founding cohort of Top 1% Employers. These organisations aren’t just talking the talk—they’re truly putting people at the heart of everything they do!

Our Founder Dom explained: "The Top 1% Employer certification is the ultimate badge of honour for small organisations that are raising the bar on what greatness looks like. While many purposeful companies boast incredible missions, too often they fall short on the crucial areas of people and processes. But not these trailblazers. They’ve gone above and beyond, setting the gold standard for employee experience and workplace culture. They didn’t just meet our rigorous benchmark—they absolutely smashed it."

If you're looking for a progressive workplace, these are the companies leading the way. Explore their people-first policies and find your next career move with the Top 1% Employers.