Equativ ranked #1 globally on the HappyIndex®AtWork rankings, reflecting a culture rooted in authenticity, trust, and employee well-being. Discover how leadership and happiness drive performance.
We're pleased to have been named the #1 company globally by Choose My Company in their 2025 HappyIndex®AtWork, a recognition driven by employee feedback on culture, relationships, and growth opportunities.
We sat down with Stacy Parkinson, EVP, People and Culture, Americas, to talk about what makes our culture at Equativ unique, how leadership plays a role, and why happiness at work is a strategic advantage.
This recognition is special because it’s based entirely on what our employees say about working here. The HappyIndex®AtWork ranking tells us that employees not only enjoy their work but also feel valued, connected, and supported. The results showed that 88% of our employees are satisfied with how they balance professional and personal responsibilities, 83% believe they have opportunities to learn and develop new competencies, and 86% say they can see the value and impact of their work on our success.
Perhaps most telling, 87% appreciate the quality of interpersonal relationships at Equativ, and 86% would recommend the company to a friend as a great place to work. For me, these numbers are proof that happiness at work is not just a feel-good metric; it’s a reflection of a healthy culture that drives our success.
It's our commitment to authenticity, trust, and belonging. We’ve intentionally created a culture where people feel safe to bring their whole selves to work. This means fostering an environment where learning and growth are encouraged, flexibility is respected and encouraged, and relationships are prioritized. Employees often describe Equativ as a place that feels like a family, where collaboration and mutual respect drive the day-to-day experience. One employee told us that the company’s blameless culture promotes a positive work environment and makes the team feel truly connected, and I think that captures what makes Equativ special.
Psychological safety starts at the top. When leaders show up as real, imperfect humans, it gives everyone else permission to do the same. At Equativ, we actively practice this by being transparent, showing vulnerability, and opening up about our own experiences. I’ve seen how a single moment of openness—like a leader sharing their struggles with mental health during a team meeting—can spark powerful conversations across the organization. That moment set the tone that you don’t have to pretend to be “perfect” to succeed here, and it’s exactly that kind of authenticity that strengthens trust.
Belonging doesn’t happen by accident—it’s built intentionally into how we work. At Equativ, we encourage employees to connect through shared passions and interests, whether that’s through resource groups, casual Slack channels, or activities like cycling, board game nights, or yoga sessions that I’ve had the chance to lead.
We’ve also embraced a flexible work philosophy that empowers people to shape their schedules and working styles. Feedback from our team shows that this balance between autonomy and collaboration is one of the things they value most, and it plays a huge role in why so many describe our culture as both positive and supportive.
That decision was pivotal for me. Saying no to a role that didn’t align with my values taught me that success isn’t worth compromising who you are. Instead, I took a sabbatical, pursued yoga teacher training in India, and became a certified executive and leadership coach. That period grounded me and clarified my purpose. It’s why I lead with authenticity today and encourage others to do the same. When people see leaders making values-driven choices, it empowers them to stay true to themselves as well. It reinforces that they don’t have to fit into a mold to succeed; they can thrive by being themselves.
Happy employees are engaged employees, and engaged employees drive results. When people feel safe, trusted, and valued, they bring more creativity, innovation, and integrity into their work. It makes them feel empowered to make decisions, solve problems, and grow the business. That energy naturally extends to how we serve our clients and partners. Authenticity builds trust internally and externally, and it’s one of the reasons we’ve been able to attract top talent, deliver high-impact solutions, and continue to grow. Happiness at work isn’t just a feel-good metric—it’s a competitive advantage that fuels everything we do.
For me, it comes down to three words: lead with care. When leaders truly listen, connect, and care, they create workplaces where people feel safe to be themselves. That kind of culture doesn’t just make people happier—it makes organizations stronger. Being ranked #1 on the HappyIndex®AtWork tells me we’re on the right path, but it also inspires us to keep evolving. Culture is never “done,” it’s something we nurture and need to adapt every single day.
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The HappyIndex®AtWork survey, conducted by ChooseMyCompany, measures employee satisfaction across key areas such as professional development, work environment, management quality, recognition, sense of purpose, and sustainability. The platform guarantees that all responses are 100% verified and fully anonymous. Our results are benchmarked in the global ranking for companies with 500+ employees.
As Brand Marketing Coordinator at Equativ, Matthew supports a wide range of marketing initiatives, including social media, blog content, employer branding, and events. He also leads the company’s Thought Leadership program, advancing Equativ’s global presence through strategic participation in industry events, public relations, media engagements, and award submissions.
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