The 10 Best Companies to Work for in Israel

The last 12 months have been difficult in the Israeli job market with high tech sector layoffs and the massive disruption that followed October 7th. The good news is that there are still plenty of exciting employment opportunities for Anglos in Israel. Top companies are actively recruiting and are offering challenging roles, as well as competitive salaries and attractive social benefits.

The wider goal for job seekers should be to find a company whose culture and ethos are a good match for their own outlook on life. If you’re serious about your career, you also need a solid framework for professional development and a working environment that will inspire you to excel.

We’ll take a look at ten companies in Israel that offer good financial remuneration, and see what they offer in terms of working conditions, as well as the opportunity to find a meaningful role and make a contribution to society.

The Evolving 2024 Workplace in Israel

Since the COVID-19 lockdowns and enforced work from home, we’ve seen something close to a workplace revolution. Employees realized that there was an alternative to long daily commutes, noisy and stressful open space offices, and the tedium and burnout that can develop in a traditional work environment.

Not everyone thrives while working from home. Some of us need daily social interaction with colleagues and feel isolated away from the office. Despite the amazing utility of technologies like Zoom and WhatsApp, they can be a poor substitute for face to face meetings. Home working also eliminates the spark and innovation that comes from “coffee machine conversations” and shared lunch breaks.

Since the lockdowns, employers are trying to create positive work environments that ensure employee satisfaction and retention, while improving productivity and engagement. The corporate ecosystem in Israel was severely impacted by the war in Gaza and the mass call up of reservists. Almost overnight, companies lost a tranche of their workforce to the IDF. Things are getting back to normal, but the situation is still unusual. Savvy job seekers are trying to figure out how to use the disruption to their advantage.

What Makes a Great Company?

Every role is different and every employee has their own definition of the dream workplace. Regardless of your personal preferences, there are a few key attributes that make great companies stand out from the mass of average and poor workplaces.

Competitive salaries and benefits
A positive working environment
Adequate budgets and tools
Professional development and mentorship
A sense of meaning and fulfillment

A Competitive Salary

The cost of living in Israel is high and every shekel counts. Even if Israel was a cheap country to live in, we all expect to be well compensated for hard work, innovation, and loyalty. All the companies that we’ve featured below do offer good salaries, as well as social benefits. Money isn’t everything when you plan a career path, but a low salary invariably leads to low morale. If you’re giving your best, you deserve the best in return.

A Positive Working Environment

If you’re not in a hybrid office, you can realistically expect to spend a minimum of 9 hours a day at work. It’s vital to be clear about the work environment and corporate culture. The most successful companies are realizing the value of a management culture that promotes approachability, engagement, and transparency. Companies that listen to employees, make the office a pleasant place to work in, and acknowledge and reward individual effort succeed in retaining staff.

Adequate Budgets and Tools

A surprising number of companies fail to provide their employees with the tools that they need to work efficiently. At a basic level, this could be something as simple as a quiet and private space to sit and focus on demanding tasks. It can also include access to the latest software, online subscriptions to important resources, and access to corporate data. Common frustrations include poorly designed IT systems and inadequate budgets for international travel for work, meetings, and conferences.

The Opportunity for Professional Development

The best companies view their own people as their most valuable asset and invest in employees’ long-term professional development. Our top 10 companies in Israel all understand (to varying degrees) the value of mentorship, career management within defined structures, employee education, and development. One of the hallmarks of a really good company is a willingness to allow employees to train for new roles while retaining seniority and salary.

A Sense of Meaning and Fulfillment

One thing that’s emerged from the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic is that employees are increasingly seeking a meaningful role and a sense of personal fulfillment from their jobs. In a typical corporate environment, this can come when a company focuses on sustainability or the development of products that benefit society. Community initiatives using company resources (with paid leave for volunteers) can generate considerable job satisfaction.

The 10 Best Companies to Work for In Israel

#1 Checkpoint

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. is one of Israel’s best-known companies and a world leader in the field of cyber security solutions. Check Point was an early IT security industry pioneer and has maintained its position as a software innovator. The company’s technologies encompass protection for business networks, cloud, mobile, and endpoint against all known and emerging cyber threats. Cybersecurity is a vital industry and a growth sector that is in a constant state of evolution. Check Point is at the helm and offers some strong opportunities.

If you’re located in the center of Israel, Check Point is a convenient place to work. The 12-story company office building is a short walk from Tel Aviv’s Hashalom Station (including buses and light rail). Check Point provides employees with access to its own gym and fitness classes, as well as gourmet lunches. These benefits can make a tangible difference when you’re putting in a long day and are a great way to connect with people outside your own team.

Check Point is a good choice for people who want to know that their role (whether it’s in software or not) makes the world a safer place. Cybersecurity contributes to global security and benefits us all. Check Point also offers travel opportunities and invests in employee professional development and personal empowerment. The company prefers to recruit creative people who can contribute ideas and innovation within their own field.

#2 ICL Group

ICL Group is a leading global specialty minerals company and one of the largest fertilizer manufacturers in the world. ICL is also one of Israel’s largest companies and is a major employer in the South of Israel, particularly in Sdom’s Dead Sea Works. The majority of the company’s operations are organized into four divisions: Industrial Products, Potash, Phosphate Solutions, and Growing Solutions. Each division focuses on leveraging technological and industrial expertise to lead in their respective markets. The company’s broad scope includes everything from the production of Bromine-based products and specialty fertilizers to advanced crop nutrition solutions.

In the 2023 BDI ranking for the 100 Best Companies to Work for in Israel, ICL Group was ranked 14th among hundreds of companies and in the basic materials sector, it was rated as the single best company to work for in Israel.

ICL is also recognized for its commitment to diversity and equality, being the first fertilizer company (and the first Israeli company) to be included in the prestigious Bloomberg Gender Equality Index. Additionally, its strong ESG practices have earned it a place in the FTSE4Good Index, and a gold medal with EcoVadis as well as top ranking in the ‘Maala’ the leading Israeli ESG ranking. The company fosters a supportive workplace with structured mentorship programs and community volunteer initiatives, offering diverse career opportunities and professional development. Overall, ICL offers a wide range of roles and allows employees to develop professionally and attempt new career paths within the company.

#3 Wix

Wix is a website building platform that claims more than 150 million users in more than 190 countries worldwide. Wix is based in Namal Tel Aviv (the old port in the north of the city) and has 2,500 employees in its global offices. Wix technologies are designed to allow users to create visually attractive and highly functional websites with innovative code powered features. Wix recruits techies, as well as online marketers, support and admin staff, and a host of other roles.

The Wix Tel Aviv office has a reputation as a fun and unconventional workplace that appeals to creative people and original thinkers. The atmosphere isn’t for everyone, but if you do like it, you’ll probably love it. In addition to creativity, Wix values teamwork and likes to hire the kind of people who thrive on collective brainstorming sessions. Despite the laid back look, the atmosphere in Wix is fast paced and dynamic. It’s a company for people who want to get things done.

There’s no doubt that Wix is a leader in its own field and it’s a great company to have on your CV. If you’re looking for wider job satisfaction and a sense of purpose, Wix is creating products that enable e-commerce and helping people around the world to reach out and connect online and achieve their dreams. Wix is also a good company for professional development and allows its employees more freedom to grow than the average corporation.

#4 SAP

SAP is a German multinational software company with a major lab in Ra’anana. SAP focuses on enterprise software, as well as cloud-engineered systems and a wide variety of other specialist software. Although it’s headquartered in Germany, SAP has regional offices in 180 countries and more than 100,000 employees worldwide. SAP’s Israeli lab is one of its most important innovation centers and attracts some of the country’s most ambitious developers and other tech talent. There are also other good opportunities in a range of fields.

SAP’s purpose built headquarters in Ra’anana is right next to Highway 4 and is also conveniently situated on coastal roads. It’s a (reasonably) easy commute from most locations in Gush Dan and further north. One minor disadvantage is that the office is in the northern industrial park and requires a shuttle service from Ra’anna railway station. The office itself has some great social amenities and facilities for the 800 Israeli employees including a gym, cafeterias, and a patio. The main focus of the Ra’anana lab’s work is on cloud technologies, computer vision, and IOT (Internet of Things).

SAP is a global company – a true multinational – and offers some real opportunities for engineers and other workers to build successful careers and work on cutting edge projects with some of the world’s best resources and technologies. If you’re looking for a high tech job, or want to work for a high tech company with a more European outlook, SAP is worth a detailed look.

#5 SimilarWeb

SimilarWeb is a leading provider of market intelligence and insights for clients who need to understand and grow their digital market share. The company has been in business for 15 years and now employs over 350 people in 7 offices worldwide. SimilarWeb leveraged its understanding of digital analytics to build a business that acts as an intelligence provider to massive global brands like Google, L’Oreal, AirBnb, and eBay. The company is continuing to grow and claims to be setting the international benchmark for market intelligence and digital analytics.

SimilarWeb is located on Menachem Begin in Tel Aviv and is a short walk from Carlebach light rail station and major bus routes. The company recruits across the spectrum of digital analysts, marketers, sales and customer success, as well as admin and support roles. The SimilarWeb office offers flexible working conditions and a friendly and sociable vibe, but there’s no doubt that the company expects the pursuit of excellence.

If you’re looking for a meaningful role, SimilarWeb can at least offer the satisfaction of contributing to the future of market intelligence. The company has some great concepts and is (pretty much) unrivaled in its use of technology to transform digital marketing. If you’re looking for a chance to make the world a better place or to have a positive impact through company community programs, SimilarWeb currently offers fewer opportunities.

#6 Payoneer

Payoneer is another Israeli high tech success story. The high tech financial services company grew rapidly over the last two decades to become one of the largest online money transfer platforms on the planet. Companies like Amazon, Fiverr, and Airbnb all depend on Payoneer services. One of the reasons for Payoneer’s exponential growth (it’s valued at over $400 million) is its ability to apply the latest technologies to the world of finance and e-commerce.

Payoneer is conveniently located for anybody in Gush Dan with offices in Petah Tikvah and Tel Aviv. The company promises an “employee-centric environment” with a range of perks, corporate social events and parties, and additional benefits. Don’t worry if you don’t have a background in high tech or finance, Payoneer’s Israeli offices recruit staff for Customer Care, Sales, Marketing teams, R&D, Compliance, and several other support and admin positions.

Payoneer is a global leader in the field of online money transfer. Employees will have the satisfaction of knowing that they are contributing to the development of the wider online economy and systems that protect both consumers and businesses. Payoneer is also committed to the professional development of its staff and values creativity and out of the box thinking.

#7 Riskified

Riskified is a highly successful Israeli SaaS (software as a service) company that uses the latest technologies to detect and prevent fraud and chargeback in e-commerce. The company was founded just over a decade ago and employs more than 750 people in Israel and around the world. Riskified works with some of the world’s largest e-commerce brands, including Wayfair, Peloton, and Gucci, to help them build trusted relationships with consumers and reach their full potential as retailers and merchants.

Riskified’s Tel Aviv headquarters is located on Shaul Ha Melekh, within easy reach of Hashalom Station and the light rail. The company is a great choice for anybody who is fascinated by technology and data, and it also recruits across the usual corporate spectrum of Sales, Account Management, Marketing, Operations, and Business Analysis.

Riskified is a fast-paced work environment that is ideal for ambitious and creative people who enjoy problem solving and working with systems. The company culture seems to be flexible enough to allow employees to grow and make a mark, and the company does invest in the professional development of its staff.

#8 Monday .com

The chances are that you already used Monday.com at work, or are at least familiar with the cloud based project management and team collaboration platform. There are over 120,000 companies currently using Monday.com to manage their day to day operations and improve teamwork across the board. Monday.com has almost 2,000 employees around the world and is focused on further growth. The company is investing heavily in harnessing emerging technologies to keep its platform ahead of the competition.

Monday.com’s Tel Aviv offices are based on Menachem Begin and are a short walk from major transport networks. The company offers a modern and dynamic work environment with an emphasis on technical innovation. Monday.com also recruits Anglos to fulfill a variety of English speaking roles in its wider teams and departments. The Monday.com workplace has a friendly and supportive atmosphere and offers competitive salaries and a good range of benefits.

If you’re looking for a tech based career, or want to contribute to the development of a top notch product in a marketing or support role, Monday.com is a great company to work for. The company isn’t massive (in terms of employee numbers) and doesn’t offer a great deal in terms of volunteering or community activities, but does provide a framework for career development.

#9 Salesforce

Salesforce is an American company that provides cloud based CRM (customer relationship management) software to clients around the world. The multi-billion dollar company was quick to see Israel’s performance as part of the global high tech industry and established units in Tel Aviv and Nazareth. Salesforce is a recommended choice for anybody who is interested in cloud computing or enterprise software. The company is a leader and innovator in both fields.

Unlike most major high tech companies that are clustered around a few key locations in Israel, Salesforce has a presence in the North (its Nazareth office). The company could be an excellent option for people who want to work in high tech but can’t commute to the Center. Salesforce is a big company with considerable resources and it invests in creating a rewarding work environment that allows for genuine professional development.

Salesforce is also an international company with offices in several countries. There may be travel opportunities for employees with relevant skills. Salesforce is one of Fortune’s top 100 companies to work for and offers a variety of tech, marketing, and support positions in its Tel Aviv and Nazareth offices.

#10 Microsoft Israel

Microsoft isn’t a company that needs a great deal of introduction, but quite a few Anglos are still surprised to learn that the world’s biggest software company has offices in Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Nazareth. Microsoft Israel is focused on both software and hardware development across a spectrum of domains. There are good opportunities for anybody who is interested in cybersecurity, AI and business intelligence, and analytics. In addition to tech roles, Microsoft Israel recruits marketers, sales staff, and all the other positions that are required for a company to function.

Microsoft offers its employees flexible working conditions and some of its teams have the option of working in a hybrid office. The company has huge resources at its disposal and is able to provide attractive benefits and perks for staff.

Microsoft is a massive organization that operates around the world and is an undisputed tech leader – and can provide some exciting career opportunities in all fields. One of the main advantages for Anglos in Israel is that there is a large catchment area for recruitment. People living in the North can check out new opportunities in the Haifa and Nazareth offices.

In Conclusion

If you’re looking for a new job in a top company, the market is improving and companies are hiring. We featured 10 of the best companies to work for in Israel, but there are hundreds more less well-known companies that also offer interesting opportunities. They can be a useful stepping stone to a position as an industry leader. In the current job market, it pays to be flexible and think outside the box.