TOP employer 2021 rankings

"During the last two years, the labor market in Latvia has experienced dynamic changes due to the pandemic - both rapid shocks and recovery and adaption. We are currently facing new changes, both as we return more or less to offices and physical workplaces by trying to balance the growing desire of employees to maintain flexible working model, and taking into consideration the war in Ukraine, which is deeply emotional and affects our daily lives.

In such a complex environment of uncertainty, employees value higher employers whose organizational culture and values ​​are based primarily on employee involvement, mutual respect and responsibility and coincide with their own values. Focusing on employee well-being is crucial which will ensure higher results and employee retention.

As the skills needed in the labor market and the demand for them change rapidly, employees also value higher employers who provide opportunities for development. Upskilling and reskilling are more important than ever.

The latest top of the best employers highlight an active competition and a big change in the rankings in almost every category. Four category leaders have changed and several new companies have joined with high rankings."

Aivis Brodins, Head of CV-Online Latvia

TOP employer – Top-of-Mind

Top 50 of the main category of the best employers in Latvia (top-of-mind) shows significant changes also this time. Only three companies, including the winner, have managed to maintain their rankings in the previous year. Seven companies have entered the top for the first time, while four companies have returned to the top 50 list. More than half of the companies have managed to improve their rankings. In total 880 companies were spontaneously mentioned in this category, so about 6% managed to enter the top 50 of the best employers.

Latvia’s largest bank AS “Swedbank” has been recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in 2021 in the category TOP employer – Top-of-mind again for the fourth year in a row, spontaneously mentioned as the first most desirable employer by 4.8% of all survey respondents. The biggest intrigue was about the second place where different companies were located during the survey. For the first time in the history, the food retail company SIA “Maxima Latvija” was recognized as the second best workplace, which was mentioned by 3.8% of the survey respondents. The top three is closed by another food retail company SIA “Lidl Latvija”, which was mentioned as the first most desirable employer by 3.1% of all respondents.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Swedbank AS Banking N
2.
MAXIMA Latvija SIA Retail sale of food and other goods +2
3.
Lidl Latvija SIA Retail sale of food and other goods -1
4.
Tietoevry Latvia SIA Information technology, global business services +17
5.-6.
Bite Latvija SIA Telecommunications +5
5.-6.
SEB Global Services centre Global business services +2
7.
Accenture Latvijas filiāle Information technology, global business services -4
8.
SEB banka AS Banking +1
9.
LMT Retail & Logistics SIA Retail sale of telecommunications equipment -3
10.
BTA Baltic Insurance Company AAS Insurance +21
11.
Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA Telecommunications -3
12.
Printful Latvia AS Information technology +2
13.
Printify Development SIA Informāciju tehnoloģijas -1
14.
TestDevLab SIA Informāciju tehnoloģijas J
15.
Evolution Latvia SIA Information technology, global business services -10
16.
Omniva SIA Postal and courier services A
17.-18.
Circle K Business Centre SIA Global business services +2
17.-18.
Tet SIA Telecommunications -1
19.
Optibet SIA (Entain, Klondaika) Gambling and betting +3
20.
Olympic Casino Latvia SIA Azartspēles un derības J
21.
Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca VSIA Operation of hospitals J
22.
Tele2 SIA Telecommunications +6
23.
RIMI Latvia SIA Retail sale of food and other goods -12
24.
Latvijas finieris AS Woodworking N
25.
BENU Aptieka Latvija SIA Drug sales, pharmacies +13
26.
Starptautiskā lidosta Rīga VAS Air transport auxiliary activities +7
27.
Sadales tīkls AS Electricity supply -9
28.
Euro Live Technologies SIA Informāciju tehnoloģijas J
29.
DelfinGroup AS (Banknote, VIZIA) Finanšu darbība N
30.
Air Baltic Corporation AS Passenger air transportation -3
31.
Paul Mason Properties SIA (IKEA) Mēbeļu tirdzniecība +18
32.
Grindeks AS Production of medicines +3
33.
DPD Latvija SIA Postal and courier services A
34.
ERGO Insurance SE Latvijas filiāle Insurance -14
35.
Latvenergo AS Electricity production -22
36.
Drogas AS Retail sale of perfumes and cosmetics -13
37.
Valmieras stikla šķiedra AS Glass fiber production +6
38.-39.
Apotheka SIA Medikamentu tirdzniecība, aptiekas -13
38.-39.
EUROAPTIEKA FARMĀCIJA SIA (EUROAPTIEKA SIA) Medikamentu tirdzniecība, aptiekas J
40.
Luminor Bank AS Latvijas filiāle Banking A
41.
Latvijas valsts meži AS Forestry -24
42.-43.
Olainfarm AS Medikamentu ražošana A
42.-43.
Circle K Latvia SIA Retail sale of fuel -27
44.
BALTA Apdrošināšanas AS Insurance +2
45.-56.
Inchcape Motors Latvia SIA Auto tirdzniecība -5
45.-56.
SENTOR FARM APTIEKAS AS (Mēness aptieka) Drug sales, pharmacies J
47.
AE Partner SIA Production of electrical distribution and control equipment -5
48.-49.
Cēsu alus AS Beer production -11
48.-49.
Orkla Latvija SIA Food production -7
50.
LPP Latvia ltd SIA (RESERVED, SINSAY, MOHITO, CROPP, HOUSE) Apģērbu mazumtirdzniecība J

TOP employer - Public sector

This time the title TOP employer – Public sector goes to the medical institution VSIA “Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca” that received the highest rating in the top 50 of the best employers among public sector organizations by ranking on the 21st position.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Bērnu klīniskā universitātes slimnīca VSIA Operation of hospitals J

TOP employer - Growth of the Year

More than half of the top 50 best employers have managed to improve their positions last year, but the fastest growth in the top, by 37 places, this time is for the newcomer to the top – IT company SIA “TestDevLab”, which gets the title TOP Employer – Growth of the Year.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1
TestDevLab SIA Informāciju tehnoloģijas +37

TOP employer - Trade

More than 7 400 people or 61% of all survey respondents participated in the voting of employers in the trade sector. In total, respondents voted for more than 220 companies, which highlights the highest competition among employers in all business sector categories. As a result of high competition, the 5th place was shared by two companies, so this year there are top 6 best employers.

In 2021, the newcomer to the top, the food retail company SIA “Lidl Latvia” has been recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the trade sector by gathering 10.5% of the votes of survey participants of this category. The second place was won by the previous leader of the top – the fuel retail company SIA “Circle K Latvia”, which got 8.4% of the votes of the respondents. The third place went to the food retail company SIA “Rimi Latvia”, which got 7% of the votes of the respondents of this category.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Lidl Latvija SIA Retail sale of food and other goods J
2.
Circle K Latvia SIA Retail sale of fuel -1
3.
RIMI Latvia SIA Retail sale of food and other goods -1
4.
MAXIMA Latvija SIA Retail sale of food and other goods -1
5.-6.
LMT Retail & Logistics SIA Retail sale of telecommunications equipment -1
5.-6.
MADARA Cosmetics AS Production and sale of cosmetics J

TOP employer - IT and Telecommunications

Approximately 7 800 people or 64% of all respondents took part in the voting for employers in the IT and telecommunications sector, ranking this category as the most popular business sector for the first time. Respondents voted for more than 70 companies in this business sector. The top five employers in the sector have entered the top, receiving a total of 60% of the votes in their category. Two employers have maintained their positions in the top.

In 2021, the telecommunications company SIA “Latvijas Mobilais Telefons” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the IT and telecommunications sector for the tenth year in a row, receiving 20.5% of the votes of the survey participants in this sector. The second place was won for the first time by the telecommunications company SIA “Bite Latvija”, which got 10.8% of the votes of the survey participants. The third place went to the IT company “Accenture Latvijas filiāle”, which has entered the top three for the fifth year in a row in an equal fight with the 4th place winner, receiving 10.1% of the votes.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Latvijas Mobilais Telefons SIA Telecommunications N
2.
Bite Latvija SIA Telecommunications +2
3.
Accenture Latvijas filiāle Information technology, global business services -1
4.
Tele2 SIA Telecommunications -1
5.
Tet SIA Telecommunications N

TOP employer - Finance

Almost 7 400 people or 60% of all respondents took part in the voting for employers in the financial sector, ranking this category as the third most popular among business sectors. Respondents voted for more than 65 companies in the financial sector. It should be noted that 73% of the respondents in this category voted for the top five companies, which is the second highest indicator among business sectors. The two best employers in the financial sector have maintained their positions in the top.

In 2021, the largest bank in Latvia AS “Swedbank” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in the financial sector in Latvia, gaining 34.6% of the votes. The second place, with a similar share of respondents as in the top of the previous year, was retained by AS “SEB banka”, which was voted by 15.8% of the survey participants. Third place went to insurance company AAS “Balta” for the first time by returning to the top five after a two-year break with 9.6% of the votes.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Swedbank AS Banking N
2.
SEB banka AS Banking N
3.
BALTA Apdrošināšanas AS Insurance J
4.
Citadele banka AS Banking -1
5.
Luminor Bank AS Latvijas filiāle Banking -1

TOP employer - Production

Almost 7 000 people or 57% of all survey respondents took part in the voting for the best employers in the manufacturing sector. Respondents voted for more than 210 manufacturing companies, marking the second most highest competition between business sectors. The top five employers in the manufacturing sector have entered the top, receiving almost 40% of the votes in their category. Only one company has kept its position in the top.

In 2021, the cosmetics company AS “Madara Cosmetics” was recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the manufacturing sector, receiving 12% of the votes of the survey participants. The second place, in an equal fight with the 3rd place winner, was retained by the pharmaceutical company AS “Grindeks”, which got 7.5% of the votes of the survey participants. The previous top leader, the electricity generation company AS “Latvenergo”, is in third place, gaining 7.2% of the votes.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
MADARA Cosmetics AS Production and sale of cosmetics J
2.
Grindeks AS Production of medicines N
3.
Latvenergo AS Electricity production -2
4.
Mikrotīkls SIA Production of communication and computer equipment -1
5.
Aldaris AS Beer production -1

TOP employer - Transport and Logistics

More than 6 900 people or more than half of all survey respondents took part in the voting for employers in the transport and logistics sector this year. Almost 120 companies in this business sector were voted for. The top five employers have entered the top, receiving more than 50% of the votes in their category. Two companies have maintained their positions in the top.

The Latvian national airline AS “Air Baltic Corporation” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the transport and logistics sector in 2021 for the tenth year in a row, receiving 23.1% of the votes of the survey participants. The second place was retained by the parcel delivery company SIA “DPD Latvija”, which was voted for by 8.6% of the survey participants. For the first time, the parcel delivery company SIA “Omniva” took the third place in an equal fight with the second place winner, receiving 8% of the votes this year.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Air Baltic Corporation AS Passenger air transportation N
2.
DPD Latvija SIA Postal and courier services N
3.
Omniva SIA Postal and courier services J
4.
Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija VAS Car technical inspection and registration +1
5.
AMSERV MOTORS SIA Car sale J

TOP employer - Global Business Services

The category of global business services (GBS) is for the second year and this year even more respondents participated in the voting for employers in this sector than last year – more than 6900 people or 56% of all survey respondents. More than 70 companies in this sector were mentioned, most of which were selected according to ABSL Latvia (Business Services Industry Association) data. Almost 60% of the respondents in this category have voted for the Top5 employers. The top five employers are the same as in the previous top, and three of them have retained their positions.

In 2021, SIA “Circle K Business Center” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the global business services sector, receiving 20.4% of the votes of the survey participants. The second place went to “Swedbank AB (publ) Latvijas filiāle”, which was voted for by 13.3% of the survey participants. The third place went to “Accenture Latvijas filiāle”, receiving 11.1% of the votes.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Circle K Business Centre SIA Global business services N
2.
Swedbank AB (publ) Latvijas filiāle Global business services +1
3.
Accenture Latvijas filiāle Information technology, global business services -1
4.
SEB Global Services centre Global business services N
5.
Evolution Latvia SIA Information technology, global business services N

TOP employer - Catering

More than 6 500 people or 53% of all respondents took part in the voting for the best employers in the catering sector. In this category, respondents voted for 135 companies. More than 80% of the respondents in this category have voted for the top five employers, which is the largest share among all business sectors. Two employers have maintained their positions in the top.

For the sixth year in a row, AS “LIDO” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in the catering sector in Latvia in 2021, ensuring strong No. 1 position and receiving 36.7% of the respondents’ votes, which is the largest share of respondents in the first place among all business sectors. SIA “Lage Group” managed to enter the second place and the top five for the first time, which was voted for by 14.4% of respondents. The third place went to SIA “Vēl vairāk saules”, receiving 12.5% ​​of respondents’ votes.

TOP employer - Kurzeme region

More than 6 700 people or 55% of all survey respondents participated in the voting for employers in Kurzeme region, which is the second largest result among the regions. The respondents voted for almost 100 companies in Kurzeme. Only one company has managed to maintain its position in the top five.

In 2021, the textile production company LSEZ “LAUMA FABRICS” was recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the Kurzeme region for the first time. The second place went to the previous top leader – the oil and oil products transshipment company SIA “Ventspils nafta termināls”, which was voted for by 8.2% of Kurzeme category respondents. The third place was repeatedly won by the architecture and design company AS “UPB”, with 6.5% of respondents voting for this employer.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
LAUMA FABRICS, Liepājas speciālās ekonomiskās zonas SIA Textile production +1
2.
Ventspils nafta termināls SIA Storage and transportation of fuel, oil products -1
3.
UPB AS Construction, architecture, design, production, energy, digital solutions N
4.
Tukuma Piens AS Milk processing and cheese production J
5.
DIĀNA AS (Citro, Mājai un dārzam) Retail sale of food and other goods A

TOP employer - Zemgale region

More than 6 600 people or 54% of all survey participants took part in the voting for employers in Zemgale region. Respondents voted for almost 120 companies in Zemgale. The competition for the leading position was the most intense of all the categories, as only a few votes decided the final result and determined the first place winner.

The food production company AS “Dobeles dzirnavnieks” was recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in 2021 after a two-year break in Zemgale region, for which 15.3% of respondents voted. The previous top leader, domestic fuel retail company AS “Virši-A” took the second place, with 15% of the votes of respondents of Zemgale category. The third place was won for the first time by the beer producer SIA “Bauskas alus”, which was voted for by 8.5% of respondents.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Dobeles dzirnavnieks AS Production of grain milling products +1
2.
VIRŠI-A AS Retail sale of fuel -1
3.
BAUSKAS ALUS SIA Beer production J
4.
Balticovo AS Production of eggs and egg products, poultry farming -1
5.
AGROFIRMA TĒRVETE AS Agriculture J

TOP employer - Vidzeme region

Almost 7 000 people or 57% of the survey respondents took part in the voting for employers in Vidzeme region, thus ranking this category among the most popular regional categories, similarly to other years. Respondents voted for 135 companies in Vidzeme, which is the largest number of nominated employers in the regions. The TOP 5 of the best employers has undergone a change, keeping only the top leader unchanged.

In 2021, the beer production company AS “Cēsu alus” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in Vidzeme region, for which 14.3% of the respondents in this category voted. For the first time, the bread production company SIA “Fazer Latvija” took the second place and the top five, with 12.8% of the votes of respondents. The production company AS “Valmieras stikla šķiedra” took the third place which was voted for by 6.9% of respondents.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Cēsu alus AS Beer production N
2.
Fazer Latvija SIA Production of bread and flour products J
3.
Valmieras stikla šķiedra AS Glass fiber production -1
4.
Valmieras piens AS Milk processing and cheese production -2
5.
Cesvaines Piens AS Milk processing and cheese production J

TOP employer - Latgale region

More than 6 600 people or 54% of all survey participants took part in voting for employers in Latgale region. Respondents voted for about 80 companies in Latgale, which marks the least competition between regions. The share of votes in the top five companies makes up more than 58% of all participants in the Latgale category, which is the highest indicator among all regions.

The bakery company AS “Latvijas maiznieks” was repeatedly recognized as the best workplace in Latvia in the Latgale region in 2021 for the eighth year in a row, which received a strong rating as in the previous years – almost a third or 30.2% of the votes in this category of respondents. The milk processing production company AS “Preiļu siers” took the second place, with 8.7% of respondents voting for it. The third place was won by the meat processing company SIA “Rēzeknes gaļas kombināts”, which was voted by 7.3% of respondents.

Place Name Industry Changes from the previous top
1.
Latvijas maiznieks AS Production of bread and other products N
2.
Preiļu siers AS Milk processing and cheese production +1
3.
Rēzeknes gaļas kombināts SIA Meat processing and preservation +1
4.
ACBR SIA Construction of roads and highways -2
5.
DEVONA SIA Retail sale of alcoholic and other beverages J

Explanatory texts of the table: N - constant position, J - new in the top, A - return to the top

Survey data

Survey Date: 18.01.2022 - 28.02.2022
Number of Respondents: 12 274
Mentioned companies 2 219

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