​The votes are in! For the coveted title of "Best HVAC Manufacturer to Work for in 2025".

We not only have a dead heat but also insights for HVAC companies looking to win the talent war.

Our latest survey data gives your HVAC company the clear roadmap needed to secure top talent in 2025 and beyond.

Special Mentions

Congratulations to Daikin UK and Mitsubishi Electric, who tied for the top spot.

Their success is a clear indicator of companies prioritising the factors that matter most to today's HVAC professionals.

1. The State of the HVAC Workforce: Survey Overview🪟

Our comprehensive industry survey, which sought to uncover which HVAC manufacturing companies are perceived as the best employers, gathered valuable data from our seasoned HVAC workforce.

• Survey Reach: We analysed our HVAC community, tapping into a pool of over 14,000 potential respondents.

• A Seasoned Industry: The majority of respondents fall into the 35–54 and 55–64 age brackets, signalling that the opinions gathered come from experienced, long-term industry veterans. Younger professionals (25–34) and those 65+ were also represented.

• Demographics: Consistent with the industry norm, the majority of responses came from male professionals, with a smaller but significant representation from women.

2. Top Companies: The Rankings🏆

While the top two were clear winners, the competition for a desirable employer brand is fierce.

Top 10 Best Companies to work for:

1. Daikin UK

2. Mitsubishi Electric

3. Airedale

4. Carrier

5. Envirovent

6. Group Atlantic (Commercial)

7. Hitachi

8. Systemair

9. Zehnder

10. Beijer Ref

3. What Employees Value Most: Key Factors💖

The most critical finding from the survey reveals a shifting priority among HVAC professionals: Culture and well-being have officially overtaken salary as the primary motivators.

• Positive culture and flexibility: 25%

• Good products, services, and support: 25%

• Feeling happy at work, low stress: 19%

• Innovation and product development: 11%

• Big name and brand reputation: 10%

• Good salary, bonus, and commission: 9%

• Trust and autonomy: 1%

Insights That Define the Modern HVAC Employer 🔍

• Culture is King (and Queen): A supportive, flexible work environment is the single biggest factor in attracting talent, tied with product quality.

• The power of product: Employees want to stand behind what they sell. Strong products, services, and support are equally important as workplace culture.

• Well-being over wads of cash: The desire for a low-stress environment and happiness at work (19%) significantly outranks a good salary/bonus package (9%).

• The innovation edge: Companies that are forward-thinking and committed to product development are seen as more desirable employers.

☎️Arrange a call with me to chat about what to offer your ideal candidates.

4. Deep Dive: Priorities by Age Group🧒🧓

How does an employer's appeal change across different career stages? The data reveals distinct priorities among age groups:

• 25-34: Good products/services and job satisfaction.

• 35-44: Stress-free and happy work environment.

• 45-54: Positive culture and workplace flexibility.

• 55-64: Positive culture and flexibility.

• 65+: A Well-known, reputable brand.

The Takeaway: While younger professionals prioritise being excited by the product, the core of the workforce (35-64) overwhelmingly prioritises culture, flexibility, and stress reduction.

5. Actionable Takeaways for HVAC Manufacturers💡

The data provides a clear roadmap for any HVAC company looking to win the talent war in 2025 and beyond:

1. Stop Leading with Salary: While important, money alone is not the primary motivator. Invest in flexible working models, employee well-being programmes, and cultural initiatives first.

2. Make Employees Product Evangelists: Ensure your employees genuinely believe in your products and services. Their pride in the product is a top retention factor.

3. Future-Proof Your Brand: Highlight your commitment to innovation and new product development—this attracts the most ambitious and forward-thinking talent.

4. Watch the Next Generation: Keep an eye on the up-and-coming players. Respondents named Clade Engineering and Qvantum as exciting 'Up-and-Coming Companies' that could challenge the established order in the future.

Conclusion - HVAC Recruitment Is About the "Whole" Employee

The battle for the best HVAC manufacturer to work for this year was a tight race, with Daikin UK and Mitsubishi Electric emerging as co-champions.

Their shared success underscores a fundamental truth in the modern industry:

• The best companies are those that prioritise the whole employee.

• Culture, flexibility, product quality, and well-being are the new currency of talent acquisition.

• Manufacturers who fail to embrace this shift will struggle to attract and retain the industry's most valuable asset: its experienced professionals.

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☎️Arrange a call with me to chat about what to offer your ideal candidates, and how we can do your recruitment for you, so you can continue to grow and innovate.

☎️If you are HVAC professional looking for a new job, arrange a call with me to talk about where the market is heading and how to stay ahead.

➡️Click here to look at some of the HVAC jobs we are working on, but be sure to call us and register, as we often fill HVAC jobs without advertising.