REVEALED: 15 best companies to work for in the UAE

Microsoft, Marriott hotels and FedEx Express have again been rated the best companies to work for in the United Arab Emirates.

The trio has shared the lead spots in the Top 15 Companies to Work for in the UAE list for the past two years, while Microsoft and FedEx Express also starred in the first list published in 2011.

See the full list of the UAE's 15 best companies to work for

The 2013 winners were announced by Great Place to Work Gulf at a ceremony at the H Hotel in Dubai on Tuesday night.

Funky furniture retailer THE One was ranked fourth. Based in Abu-Dhabi it employs 700 people in six Middle East countries.

Founder Tim Lundgren said the company’s  socially responsible investment programme allowed employees to contribute to society as part of their job.

“It’s about finding meaning in a material world,” Lundgren told Arabian Business.

“You want engaged and motivated people, as they will do a far better job. Happy employees equal happy customers. And the better we do, the more good we can do.”

CEO Omnicom Media Group (MENA), which ranked seventh  in the list, Elie Khouri said ensuring staff enjoyed working at the company had led to lower turnover.

“I’ve always known that people are our most important asset – get that right and you are on the way to building a successful business,” Khouri said.

"We’ve been doing this for ten years now, and I know by the very low churn rates at our agencies that we have got this part of the business just right"?

Great Place to Work Gulf CEO David Robert said employees preferred companies that gave them clear career paths, a strong work-life balance and other perks.

Those employees usually had trusted relationships with their direct managers.

“They’re far more likely to be less stressed and burnt out, experience lower turnover and unnecessary time out of work and perform at a higher level,” Robert said.

“That all drives to a positive bottom line, as well.”

A Top Companies for Millennial Generation also was released this year, recognising organisations voted highly by younger employees.

See the full list of the UAE's 15 best companies to work for

Microsoft, THE One, DHL and Marriott were named in no particular order.

Meanwhile, THE One, DHL, Marriott and Paramount were recognised as the best employers for women.

Companies must have at least 15 employees and have operated for two years to be eligible to enter the awards.

They are chosen based on the results of employee surveys and essays written by management.