In late March of this year, LinkedIn published its Top Companies of 2018. This is the third year the social site has ranked companies where professionals most want to work across the country, based on the billions of actions taken by LinkedIn’s members. Forming the Top Companies list involved looking at four main pillars of these actions: interest in the company, engagement with the company’s employees, job demand, and employee retention.

As you could probably predict, some of the Top Companies to make the list include Amazon, Facebook, Alphabet (Google’s parent company), Apple, and Netflix. I don’t know about you, but when I think of the company culture surrounding each of these organizations, I think, “Oh they have flexible hours, huge campuses with gyms and free food, and fun office spaces. Of course, they would top the list.”

It’s almost too predictable. But also on the list, we see companies like Airbnb, Time Warner, and JPMorgan Chase & Co. What do these organizations, with maybe not-so-recognizable company cultures, have in common with the others to make them all Top Companies this year? What’s the common thread?

LinkedIn posted another article back in March that outlines exactly what makes these companies the most sought after by job-seekers in United States. They are “those that have figured out how to attract top talent and then keep them.”

So, what are the common characteristics? They may not be shocking, but they definitely display a shift in the right direction:

• Going beyond the perks. Finally, the days of desired foosball tables and free food are fading. Job-seekers are looking for a company where they can excel and grow, regardless of their generation or office decor.
• Commitment to Purpose. In addition to professional growth, people want to feel their employer is committed to providing them with work that is meaningful. Giving employees purpose and the clear sense that they are contributing directly to the company’s success attracts top talent.
• A Company’s Reputation. Working for a well-respected brand in their market is attractive to job-seekers. Prospective employees want to work for a company that people are familiar with, and that is known to be a good corporate citizen. People are willing to do work for a company with a culture they can be proud to be a part of.
• Engagement. It’s no secret, employees want to work for companies and employer brands that resonate with them emotionally and inspire them. Candidates are looking for a company who cares about their well-being and success

Organizations that genuinely want to engage or attract employees, inspire great work, and create a culture of innovation don’t actually need “perks.” They need core values and a properly implemented engagement and recognition plan to follow the success of the Top Companies 2018. We wrote an article back in June 2017 that said just that: “when your people know that you care and that you have their best interests in mind, they are willing to follow guidelines and live your values through every aspect of the job.”