Market Harborough Building Society has been named one of the Sunday Times Best Places to Work for the second year running, reaffirming its position as one of the UK’s most respected employers.

The recognition, awarded on the basis of a nationwide employee survey, underscores the Leicestershire-based mutual’s focus on workplace culture, community commitment and values-led leadership. It comes at a time when many employers are grappling with changing expectations around the role of work in people’s lives.

“This recognition is a testament to the incredible people who make up our Society,” said Iain Kirkpatrick, chief executive of MHBS. “It reflects the values-led culture we’ve built together — one where colleagues feel heard, supported, and inspired to do their best work.”

The survey measures employee satisfaction across a range of criteria, including engagement, empowerment, wellbeing and sense of purpose. MHBS says the results reflect a deep-rooted culture that goes beyond internal policies.

Staff are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work, and that ethos is reflected in the Society’s approach to leadership, communication and community involvement.

The award caps a year of renewed investment in both people and place. Earlier in 2024, the mutual announced a £250,000 donation to its community fund, part of its long-term Thrive! Agenda to support local causes in Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The funding includes Thrive! Forward, a new initiative focused on helping young people with mental health, financial literacy and career skills.