Softcat named Best UK Workplace for Women as channel firms make DEI gains

This year's list includes an impressive number of channel firms, with Cisco, TD SYNNEX, Version 1 and Insight also making the cut

Channel companies continue their progress towards gender equity in business, with a number of partners being highlighted in Great Place to Work's Best Workplaces for Women 2024 ranking.

Channel heavyweight and reigning Top VARs champion Softcat took the top spot, with 91 per cent of its employees saying it was a great place to work, compared to the UK average of 54 per cent.

Besides being listed as a great workplace for women, Softcat also ranked No.1 in the ratings provider's list of best companies for development and was also included in its Best Workplaces for Wellbeing and Best Places to Work lists.

But Softcat is not the only channel company recognised for its DEI efforts.

Cisco, TD SYNNEX, Version 1 and Insight also made the list at No. 5, No. 15, No. 23 and No. 33, respectively.

92 per cent of Cisco employees rated it as a best place to work, while TD SYNNEX, Version 1 and Insight also beat the national average with 81 per cent, 85 per cent and 82 per cent.

While overall approval ratings are highly weighted in the overall ranking, the Best Workplace for Women is put together using a more holistic formula.

85 per cent of the ranking is derived from women's personal accounts of their work environment, with the list of winners indicative of the backing provided for female employees.

For example, the survey questions are designed to examine whether people trust each other and whether employees can reach their full human potential, no matter who they are or what they do.

The ranking also considers the representation of women at all levels of the workforce relative to each company's size and team make up.

"Being named one of the UK's Best Workplaces for Women for the fifth year in a row by Great Place to Work® demonstrates the commitment of our team towards achieving a truly diverse workforce," stated Darren Hedley, UK managing director at Insight.

"We remain dedicated to enhancing our diversity and ensuring better representation at all levels of the business."

Version 1 and Insight landed at No. 40 and No. 8 of the Top VARs list, which is ranked purely on revenue for the most recent financial year of each business.