World’s Happiest Workplaces: Global and Japan Winners

The respected employee experience platform WorkL today published its highly anticipated World’s Happiest Workplaces 2026. This prestigious ranking, derived from the anonymous Happy at Work Test taken by more than one million employees across 120,000 organizations, shines a light on companies excelling in key areas such as wellbeing, job satisfaction and empowerment. However, for those residing in Japan, the question remains: how does this global perspective align with the situation on the ground here? We break down the international winners and check in on the domestic champions of employee satisfaction in Japan.

Global Standard for Workplace Happiness

To make the cut for the happiest workplaces in 2026, organizations needed to score 70 or above on WorkL’s rigorous assessment. The winners for 2026 span a diverse range of industries, proving that happiness isn’t exclusive to any one sector.

In the realm of Business & Management, Accenture is a standout, securing awards across three major regions including the UK, India and Australia, while Amazon and LinkedIn also earned top spots in the UK. The technology sector continues to drive employee satisfaction, particularly in the UK, where Service Now, Auth0 and Atlassian were all recognized for their environments.

Beyond tech and business, Disney continues to bring magic to its employees in the US, ranking as a top workplace in Entertainment and Media. In Hospitality & Retail, the Philippines’ beloved Jollibee and the iconic French fashion house Dior were celebrated for delivering a superior employee experience. As Lord Mark Price, Founder of WorkL, noted, their mission is vital given that nearly 50% of people report feeling unhappy or anxious at work. Lord Price is a prominent British businessman, author and former Minister for Trade, known for his leadership roles at Waitrose and the John Lewis Partnership, and his work as a life peer in the House of Lords, advocating for engaged workforces.

Leaders in Employee Satisfaction in Japan

While WorkL provides a global snapshot, the go-to benchmark for employee satisfaction in Japan remains OpenWork. Their Best Companies to Work For awards are widely considered the most authentic gauge of local sentiment, relying on deep data from employee reviews rather than corporate submissions. According to the most recent rankings from 2025, the domestic landscape is shifting towards companies that offer autonomy and open cultures.

Dentsu took the top spot for its massive efforts to reform its working environment and support employee challenges. Close behind is Salesforce Japan, taking second for its inclusive Ohana culture. The top-ranking sogo shosha (Japanese wholesale companies), Mitsui & Co. (Mitsui Bussan), secured the third position, celebrated for its global scale and investment in talent development.

Rounding out the top tier, Dentsu Soken ranked fourth, underscoring the strong performance of the wider Dentsu group, while semiconductor distributor Macnica took fifth with high marks for employee engagement. Other consistent powerhouses include Recruit and Keyence, known for high compensation and growth, as well as foreign multinationals such as Google Japan and P&G Japan.

Aligning Global and Local Standards

Whether you are eyeing a role at a global tech giant such as Service Now or a domestic leader such as Dentsu, the best workplaces are those that listen. There is a distinct nuance in what drives rankings in different regions. WorkL’s global winners excelled primarily in “Information Sharing” and “Empowerment,” whereas OpenWork’s top firms in Japan scored highest in “Morale” and “Openness.”

FAQ

Which companies are considered the happiest workplaces in Japan?

According to local benchmark OpenWork, Dentsu is currently ranked first, followed by Salesforce Japan and Mitsui & Co. These companies are recognized for high employee satisfaction in Japan due to their focus on working environment reforms and inclusive cultures.

How are the global happiest workplaces selected?

The global list by WorkL is derived from an anonymous Happy at Work Test taken by more than a million employees. Organizations must score 70 or above on this assessment, which evaluates wellbeing, job satisfaction, reward and empowerment.

What is the difference between the global and Japanese workplace criteria?

While both prioritize employee happiness, the data suggests a slight difference in focus. Global winners often excel in “Information Sharing” and “Empowerment,” while top Japanese companies are most highly rated for “Morale” and “Openness.”

Want to keep your finger on the pulse of Japan’s business and lifestyle trends? Subscribe to the GoConnect newsletter today for the latest insights, events, and community news delivered straight to your inbox.

If you enjoyed this article, please let us know and share your thoughts at hello@goconnect.jp.