What It Really Means to Be One of North Carolina’s Best Places to Work in 2026
North Carolina’s workplace culture is evolving and this year’s list 2026 Great Employers to Work for in North Carolina, selected by Best Companies Group, highlights organizations that are leading that change.
Recognizing companies that prioritize employee wellbeing, professional growth and strong leadership, the program offers a snapshot of what it means to build a great workplace across the state today. The companies honored this year span healthcare, professional services, technology, engineering, law and community development, but they share a common commitment to people-first cultures.
Small Employer Category (15–49 employees)
Topping the small employer category is Alera Health, a healthcare organization focused on building integrated systems of care that promote collaboration across providers and services. Staff appreciate the organization’s mission-driven work and the sense of purpose that comes from improving health outcomes while being part of a close-knit team committed to shared goals.
Blackman & Sloop Advisors, Inc.
In second place, Blackman & Sloop Advisors combines financial advisory expertise with a workplace culture built on teamwork and mentorship. Employees cite a supportive environment where leaders are invested in professional development and open communication within the team.
Ranked third, Essentia Inc integrates IT services with a culture that values innovation and collaboration. Staff point to clear communication channels and flexibility as cultural strengths, helping the company stay agile and responsive to both client and employee needs.
William T. Brooks and Associates, Inc. (The Brooks Group)
Rounding out the small employer category, The Brooks Group is known for blending strategic consulting with an engaging workplace culture. According to past recognition, the company fosters team collaboration and professional development through regular communication and collective problem-solving.
Medium Employer Category (50–249 employees)
Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A.
At the top of the medium employer category is Martin Starnes & Associates, a well-established CPA and business advisory firm with offices across western North Carolina. Staff members cite a challenging yet balanced work environment where professional growth is encouraged and work-life balance is supported through meaningful team engagement and opportunities for continuous learning.
Large Employer Category (250 or more employees)
Directional Services, Inc dba Cinterra
Leading the large employer category is Directional Services (Cinterra), which pairs operational excellence with a focus on individual and team development. Employees highlight opportunities to grow within a structured yet dynamic workplace where leadership encourages innovation and collaboration.
HomeTrust Bank earns recognition for fostering a supportive environment in the financial services industry. Employees point to clear career paths, strong leadership engagement and an emphasis on community connection as hallmarks of the organization’s culture.
IEM International, a leader in emergency management and critical infrastructure services, continues to build on a mission-driven workplace culture that values employee well-being, teamwork and meaningful contributions to complex projects.
Langan Engineering and Environmental Services, LLC
Langan Engineering blends technical expertise with a culture that supports collaborative problem-solving and professional development, helping team members thrive while working on impactful engineering and environmental projects.
MGC Law is recognized for creating an environment where mentorship and professional growth are encouraged. Employees appreciate the firm’s focus on career support and client service standards.
Novozymes North America Inc. DBA Novonesis
Novonesis brings scientific innovation to life while offering a workplace where employees can engage in mission-driven work with opportunities for continued learning and cross-functional collaboration.
OneDigital’s culture emphasizes employee development and leadership support, creating a workplace where individuals can grow professionally while contributing to broader organizational goals.
Sharp Business Systems is recognized for cultivating a positive work environment where teamwork and technical excellence are prioritized, and employees are encouraged to take initiative.
Terminix Service stands out for its commitment to employee training and supportive leadership, contributing to a culture of ongoing development and operational consistency.
Thomas and Hutton fosters a team-oriented environment where employees engage in meaningful engineering work and have opportunities for professional growth across projects.
TowneBank is known for embedding community values into its corporate culture, emphasizing integrity, engagement and long-term development for employees.
W.M. Jordan Company rounds out the large employer category with a reputation for teamwork, safety and investment in employee learning across its construction and infrastructure work.
Lessons for North Carolina Workplaces
Across this year’s winners, a few themes stand out. Strong leadership that listens and invests in professional growth is a consistent priority. Employees value environments that support work-life balance, foster collaboration and encourage continuous learning. As North Carolina continues to attract top talent, these organizations highlight what it takes to build workplaces where people feel supported, challenged and proud of the work they do.
This story was originally published February 23, 2026 at 6:00 AM.
