It's not enough to be a great company-you have to be an equal opportunity employer too! While the gender gap in workplaces has been closing, there's still plenty of room for improvement. Of the many companies globally, some stand out as being particularly good to work at if you're a woman.

You've probably heard that women are increasingly becoming an important demographic in business. According to recent findings, companies with at least one woman on their board of directors performed better than those without by 26 percent. Furthermore, a Gallup report found that hiring women is good for business-it boosts employee morale and productivity, improves innovation, and reduces absenteeism. With these figures in mind, here are eight of our favorite companies working hard to be inclusive employers that foster creativity and growth.

Deciding on Your Next Company

If you are torn on where to apply and if you're fit for the company you'll choose, you can research a few companies you have your eyes on. Find out what company culture is like, and you can also take a pre-employment skills assessment test before applying. It can help narrow down your search into finding companies that are a good match for your personality type, background, and skill set. You can visit websites of potential employers or speak with former or current employees about their workplace experience. Ask questions that matter to you like what a typical day loos like or if your expertise or skill set matches what's needed. The most important question you can ask is if there is room for advancement.

With that in mind, here are the top companies to work for in 2022.

UKG Company

A global leading marketing research and analytics firm, UKG has been on Fortune's Top 500 list of America's largest corporations since 2010. With a strong emphasis on gender equality, it was named Best Places for Women to Work At by India. It also ranked #16 in the United States.

The company understands that its employees are central to everything it does and has worked hard to create an environment where women can thrive. The company offers female employees more than simply respect: they offer them career opportunities, full health care coverage, and an extensive maternity leave policy that guarantees at least 16 weeks off post-childbirth (though many women choose to take much longer leaves).

Sephora

Founded in France in 1970, Sephora has become one of Europe's leading cosmetics retailers with over 700 stores. The company has established a global presence by providing customers with innovative services, beautiful displays, and a unique range of products. Quality ingredients and classic colors characterize their product line. They also specialize in customized makeovers, skincare consultation, and personalized service. For many women, Sephora is their one-stop beauty destination, whether you want to buy something or have it done professionally.

HubSpot

Now a public company valued at over $1 billion, HubSpot helps businesses attract visitors, convert leads, and close sales. Founded by Dharmesh Shah (Dharmesh) and Brian Halligan (Brian), HubSpot is all about creating business solutions that work for everyone. Their social media initiatives have doubled their growth every year since 2008.

Palo Alto Networks

Founded by cyber security experts and veterans, Palo Alto Networks has been at the forefront of fighting back against rising attacks on businesses and their data. With a global workforce of over 5,000 people working out of over 25 locations worldwide, it's not surprising that they've had such a profound impact on how organizations protect themselves from cyber threats.

Lululemon Athletica

Lululemon has made its name as a company that promotes professional women by offering flexible hours, child care benefits, and a family-friendly atmosphere. Working at one of their 110 stores across North America or through their affiliate program offers competitive wages and opportunities for advancement. In addition, they offer maternity leave, paid holidays, and a 401(k) plan with matching contributions.

Google

Along with its market-leading search product, Google has a range of specialized offerings. These include Web applications like Gmail and Calendar, hardware products such as Chromecast and Chromebooks, cloud storage with Google Drive, and even home automation services through Nest. Google's R&D department is also responsible for Project Glass (Google Glass), self-driving cars, and other moonshot projects that aim big but deliver enormous impact if successful.

The Knot Worldwide

The Knot is a media company serving over 60 million engaged couples with content and services that are trusted and relevant. They offer websites, magazines, television series, and apps dedicated to meeting every couple's relationship needs, at every stage of their lives. Reach millions of brides with engaging and inspirational content, including editorial, videos, education, and planning tools for weddings; wedding magazines sold on newsstands or digitally through smart devices.

If you're a woman looking for a great place to work, any of these companies would be an excellent choice. Make sure that you thoroughly read through each of their websites and blogs before applying. Happy job hunting!