Decoding the Top 50 Companies Young People Want to Join in 2026
WorkVenture has once again released its annual survey of the 50 companies that young professionals most want to work for. The survey was conducted online among more than 12,167 respondents, including final-year students, fresh graduates, and experienced professionals aged 22–35.
The survey used open-ended questions, asking “Which company would you most like to work for?” and “Why did you choose that company?” No company names were provided as prompts, allowing respondents complete freedom in their answers. Let’s explore how job selection trends among young professionals have evolved this year—and which organizations have captured their hearts in 2026.
🥇 Rank 1: SCG : SCG returns to the top position for the first time in several years, driven by its strong image as a stable, innovation-driven organization. The company is widely recognized for its modern, family-oriented employee care and its serious commitment to ESG and sustainability.
🥈 Rank 2: PTT : PTT maintains a strong second-place position, fueled by its business transformation toward future energy and electric vehicles (EVs). This has attracted top talent in technology and engineering who want to contribute to long-term national sustainability.
🥉 Rank 3: Google : Google remains the ultimate “dream workplace.” Although it has slipped slightly in ranking, it continues to be the gold standard for organizational culture, offering freedom, world-class benefits, and opportunities to work with cutting-edge AI technologies.
Rank 4: LINE : LINE moves into the Top 5 thanks to its “Fun, Fast, and Flexible” work culture, which aligns perfectly with the work-life integration lifestyle valued by today’s Thai workforce.
Rank 5: Agoda : Agoda rises prominently into the Top 5 as a global tech company offering a truly international working environment—making young professionals feel as though they are working in Silicon Valley while based in Thailand.
And ranks 6-10 : 6. SCBX , 7. BJC Big C , 8. Bangchak , 9. ThaiBev and 10. Toyota
Overall, the rankings reflect strong confidence in large Thai organizations that are rapidly transforming through technology, alongside global tech companies that continue to uphold flexible, modern workplace cultures.
Source: WorkVenture
1. The Return of Thai Corporate Giants and New Challengers (New Entries 2026)
1. The Return of Thai Corporate Giants and New Challengers (New Entries 2026)
One of the biggest surprises this year is the comeback of large Thai corporations at the top of the ranking. SCG reclaimed the No.1 position, surpassing former champion Google, which moved to No.3
PTT secured No.2, reinforcing confidence in Thai organizations with strong stability and clear digital transformation strategies.This shift suggests that young professionals are once again valuing organizational stability combined with full-scale digital transformation, rather than choosing tech companies alone. Over the past five years, Thailand’s labor market has transformed rapidly—not only due to technology or global economic changes, but also because of a fundamental shift in how younger generations define “good work.”
Companies that consistently remain in the ranking—such as Google, PTT, SCG, LINE, Agoda, and ThaiBev—share one critical characteristic.They may not all be tech companies, but they all have clear, structured systems of work. Key factors behind their long-term appeal include:
📍Consistent and credible Employer Branding
📍Clear communication of organizational culture
📍Structured people development systems (training, job rotation, mentorship)
📍Real career growth in skills, not just job titles
This reflects a crucial insight: 👉 Young professionals no longer ask only “How much will I earn?” but “Who will I become after working here for 3–5 years?”
2. New Faces in the Ranking: The Rise of First-Time Entrants
In 2026, as many as seven companies entered the ranking for the first time, including: Uniqlo, Ajinomoto, L’Oréal, La Glace, Tesla, BTS Group, Thai Oil, EGAT, and Honda
Notable highlights:
La Glace (Rank 46): A Thai cosmetics brand that demonstrates the power of SMEs and micro-influencer branding, proving that local brands can compete with global corporations in attracting young talent
BTS Group (Rank 48): Signals a renewed, more modern image of infrastructure-related businesses
Uniqlo Thailand (Rank 50): Shows how strong emotional attachment as a consumer can translate into employer attractiveness
3. Industry Trends to Watch: Tech, Media, and Beauty
Tech Is Still King : Although Google dropped to No.3, tech-related companies still dominate the Top 10, including LINE, Agoda, and SCBX. This confirms that AI, data, and digital skills remain highly attractive learning opportunities for young professionals.
The Power of Content & Media : Companies like Khotkool (Rank 19) and The Standard (Rank 35) continue to appeal to Gen Z, highlighting the enduring value of creative freedom and expressive work environments.
Beauty & Lifestyle Businesses : The presence of brands like La Glace and L’Oréal reflects growing interest in businesses that connect with personal lifestyle, identity, and self-confidence.
4. The “Japanese Comeback”: Why Japanese Companies Are Trending Again
One of the most notable phenomena in 2026 is the renewed popularity of Japanese companies in Thailand, including: Toyota (10), Suntory (31), Ajinomoto (40), Unicharm (43), Honda (47), and Uniqlo (50)
Key reasons behind this comeback include:
1. Global Workplace with Japanese Values. A shift from rigid, seniority-based systems toward long-term career development and employee well-being
2. Well-being Philosophy. Combining openness, diversity, and Japanese-style employee care—offering “Asian stability with global benefits”
3.Adoption of Hybrid Work Models. More flexibility, less focus on rigid attendance, and greater trust—key decision factors for young professionals
5 Key Lessons for Organizations in 2026
The ranking highlights important lessons for employers aiming to attract and retain young talent:
1. CEO as a Storyteller. Leaders must have a visible personal brand and a clear, believable vision
2. Flexibility & Holistic Well-being. Beyond remote work—employees want flexibility in managing their lives
3. Meaningful Work. Work must create social impact (ESG) and enable continuous skill development
4. AI-Driven Recruitment. 60–70% of Gen Z use AI to research companies and jobs—AI-enabled recruitment increases reach and relevance
5. KOE (Key Opinion Employees). Employees themselves are powerful brand advocates, shaping employer perception through real stories
The Top 50 Companies Young Professionals Want to Work for in 2026 clearly reflects the evolving expectations of today’s workforce—from meaningful careers and lifestyle alignment to long-term growth and purpose-driven work. More importantly, it sends a strong signal to organizations that traditional recruitment and retention strategies are no longer sufficient. Adaptability, authenticity, and people-centered systems are no longer optional – they are fundamental to sustainable business success.
Source: WorkVenture , Brandage , Bangkokbiznews
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