Bright Horizons Recognised as One of Europe’s Best Employers

It’s official! Bright Horizons has been named in the inaugural Europe’s Best Employers 2025 report by the Financial Times and Statista.

This recognition follows recognition earlier this year, when Bright Horizons UK was also named as one of the UK’s Best Employers 2025 in a separate Financial Times and Statista report.

The latest accolade follows a rigorous and independent evaluation process, during which Statista collected over 4 million company assessments. Inclusion in this prestigious list is a testament to the culture at Bright Horizons — one where every voice matters.

Philip Smith, UK Managing Director at Bright Horizons, shared his thoughts: “We are committed to ensuring equity of opportunity for all our colleagues, recognising and addressing individual needs and circumstances. We work to remove barriers to equal opportunity by ensuring that our recruitment, selection, training, promotion, and retention processes are based solely on the skills and qualifications required for effective performance, while supporting each person’s growth and development.

“We are proud to promote a culture of innovation that encourages free thinking and trust, combined with professional development opportunities. We celebrate collaboration, recognising that working with others leads to better business solutions and creates a sense of belonging—with higher engagement that drives better performance. These strategies harness the potential of our people, driving continuous improvement and delivering stronger outcomes.”

In the Netherlands, Kindergarden is part of the Bright Horizons family. Nicole Krabbenborg, Managing Director of Kindergarden Netherlands, says:

“At Kindergarden, we are more than just a childcare organisation — we are a place where development is central. That applies not only to the children we care for, but equally to our employees. Everyone has their own path, and our mission is to create a culture where people feel free and supported to follow that path in their own way. We believe true equality means giving every individual the freedom and opportunity to grow, regardless of their background or life stage. This recognition by the Financial Times confirms that our continued investment in people — their growth, their well-being, and their sense of belonging — makes a real impact.

Being named one of Europe’s Best Employers reinforces what we stand for: a positive, inclusive, and empowering workplace where everyone can thrive.”

Bright Horizons will celebrate all its colleagues from 9 to 13 June as part of Employee Appreciation Week. The week will feature activities such as HEART & SOUL celebration festivals and You’re the Difference Wellness Zones, held at individual centres to recognise, celebrate, and thank our incredible teams.

Inspired to make a difference? Begin a career that matters. Explore exciting opportunities at Bright Horizons on its careers website.