Which OEMs and contractors are among the world’s ‘best’ employers?

The table, which features 850 companies from 48 different countries overall, was built alongside information cultivated by German-based data specialist firm Statista.

In determining the list, Forbes and Statista “surveyed more than 300,000 employees in over 50 countries”. The criteria called for analysis of multinational corporate groups that employ more than 1,000 workers and operate in at least two of six continents (Antarctica was not included).

“Respondents were asked whether they would recommend their company to family or friends, and to rate it based on such criteria as salary, talent development and remote work options,” explained Forbes. “Participants could also rate companies they knew through their own industry knowledge and through friends and family who worked there.”

Sales for world’s largest construction contractors revealed Total 2023 sales figure for the world’s top 200 contractors has been revealed in latest ICON 200 

For some firms, the placements were cause for celebration and served as confirmation of internal work culture cultivation.

“It reflects the work we have been doing to attract and retain the best people and teams in the industry,” said Anders Danielsson, CEO of Sweden-based contractor Skanska, which placed 315th on the list.

“From talking with colleagues around the Skanska world, I have seen that what we do has a direct impact on the well-being of our teammates and on our business performance.”

Japanese companies excel among contractors on Forbes’ list

The new Kawasaki Heavy Industries Nishi-Kobe Works Administration and Engineering Office building in Japan, which was design-built by Kajima. Both Kajima and Kawasaki Heavy Industries were named to Forbes’ best employers list. (Image: Kajima)

Japan ended up with the most construction or contracting firms on the list according to Construction Briefing’s count of the winners.

In all, Japanese companies took five of the 22 positions given out to contractors. The country also lays claim to the two highest-ranked construction firms: Kajima (163) and Takenaka (167).

Kajima is one of Japan’s oldest and largest construction firms; founded in 1840, it employs around 19,000 people and specialises in building construction and civil engineering of high-rises, dams, bridges, power plants and railways.

Takenaka is more than 200 years older than Kajima; founded in 1609, it also employs around 19,000 people and specialises in AEC contracts, civil engineering and infrastructure construction.

Other construction firms from Japan gracing Forbes’ list include Taisei (434), Sekisui House (751) and Shimizu (811).

Three countries tied with two firms on the list of 22: China, France, Spain and the US.

In all, 14 different countries received a placement among the 22 builders and contractors.

Among builders and contractors, Forbes’ list showed no preference for size

A user works on Autodesk’s AutoCAD 2025. (Image: Autodesk)

It would be reasonable to suggest that the size of the listed companies might have an effect on the rankings, but looking at Forbes’ list of the world’s best multinational employers instead shows small, medium and large corporations are equally capable of creating a desired work environment.

The average number of employees among the 22 global contractors and builders came to 36,000. However, one firm recognised was listed with a roster of 3,000 employees (US-based Gilbane at rank 514). Just larger than Gilbane on the list is Malaysia-based Gamuda Berhad (543) with 4,000 employees.

The largest among the 22 was 606-ranked China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) with 136,000 employees. Just behind CCCC is Spain-based ACS Group (479) with 135,000 employees.

One construction-based design/tech firm makes Forbes’ ranking

In addition to the 22 contractors and builders, one notable tech and design company, which principally serves the AEC industries, was recognised.

Autodesk – a US-based software company – is ranked 132.

Major OEMs well represented in list

Some familiar names from KHL Group’s annual Yellow Table, which tracks the largest construction equipment manufacturers in the world, also found their way into Forbes’ list of the world’s best employers.

In fact, the three largest OEMs as listed on the Yellow Table - Caterpillar, Komatsu, and John Deere - all made the cut as some of the world’s best employers. 

The OEM to take the highest spot on the Forbes list, however, was Volvo Group at 33rd overall. 

Sweden, where Volvo is based, was the country that accounted for the largest number of OEMs in the list, with a total of three. South Korea, Switzerland, Japan and the US had two each in the standings.

Construction material and service suppliers among Forbes’ ‘Best Employers’

A foundry worker pours molten metal into a mould. (Image: Adobe Stock)

In addition to contractors, builders, and OEMs, the Forbes/Statista list also featured material, product and service suppliers for the AEC industries.

Among them include specialist manufacturers for both niche and broad applications (from energy to wind turbine manufacturing to cement and aggregate production). The list also included tool and component makers as well as formwork manufacturers.

Steel companies were featured the most regularly, with US-based Reliance Steel taking the top spot (136) among the 28 suppliers Construction Briefing counted from Forbes’ list. Other steel producers listed were India-based Jindall Steel & Power (listed twice at 200 and 592) and JSW Steel (321). Japan firms Kobe Steel (538) and Nippon Steel (574) also made the cut.

Japan, again, had the most companies on Construction Briefing’s shortlist with three but shared the top spot with the US. Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, and India all logged two firms.