Why Has Spotify Been Named a Platinum Employer?

Spotify has been named ‘Where You Work Matters’ platinum employer for its commitment to building stable, long-term careers – a recognition CHRO Anna Lundström described on LinkedIn as “The highest honour.” 

Tracking 1,750 US employers and 12 million employees over a five-year period, the " Where You Work Matters" list – developed by the American Opportunity Index – provides an objective way for companies to mark how well they perform across job roles and the impact of pay, mobility and talent retention strategies. 

Only the top 20% of employers receive platinum recognition. 

Anna says: “This is a true testament to the culture we’re building together. We’ve built a culture of trust and flexibility where people feel empowered to be creative and have the ability to drive impact. 

“It’s something I’m so proud of and it is heavily influenced by our Swedish roots.”

Building career stability

According to the American Opportunity Index, employees at companies that receive a platinum badge are 26% more likely to stay at their company for more than three years and 68% more likely to be promoted internally within five years. 

Anna says: “This honour belongs to our incredible bandmates who bring these values to life every single day. It’s your passion and commitment that make Spotify a place where people can join, stay, and do their best work.”

With its platinum recognition, Spotify has been recognised specifically for its long-term career stability – and it’s easy to see why.

The company has developed what it describes as an “array of development opportunities for all talent” – including the Spotify Programme, designed to better facilitate internal mobility, and an ‘always on’ approach to encourage continuous learning for all employees. 

As it creates new development opportunities for its workforce, the company has maintained a four-star Glassdoor rating and a 48-month average tenure – which goes up to 77 months for senior leaders. 

Anna says: “We pride ourselves on having some of the most creative minds in the business, and my top priority is to continue nurturing this. 

“We have to keep evolving the band experience, reflecting not only where we are as a company but where we aspire to go. 

“This means setting bandmates up for success by opening new doors to explore creativity and deliver tangible impact, whatever your role.”

Spotify’s ‘Bandmates’ 

Spotify’s approach to its company culture largely hinges on its ‘bandmate’ ethos.

The company has said in its cultural manifesto it sees its wider team as bandmates – meaning that employees need to be in sync to deliver high quality work. 

On a business level, this means ensuring staff prioritise collaboration and autonomy over bureaucracy to encourage employees to innovate and think in new ways. 

As a part of this approach, the company has developed five key values – innovation, sincerity, passion, collaboration and playfulness – which were decided on by employees, and have helped the company ensure that employees are aligned on Spotify’s wider company mission. 

Anna says: “Our culture is built on giving our bandmates runway to exercise good judgment and move fast wherever they sit, whatever their title. 

“We have a fun – and dare I say unique – creative environment where we empower and inspire people to do the best work of their careers.”