Forbes, Inc. Say 3 NC Life Science Workplaces Among 2018 ‘Best’

Three North Carolina life science companies and four universities were recently recognized for creating employee-friendly workplaces.

This month, Inc. magazine released its Best Workplaces list for 2018, while Forbes magazine announced its America’s Best Employers list. Both lists included companies from across the state.

AgBiome in Durham was one of 11 North Carolina companies named to Inc.’s third annual list. The magazine measured thousands of companies with a focus on culture, employee engagement and benefits. From this, 300 companies were named to the unranked list.

“We are delighted to receive this acknowledgement because we work hard to foster our company culture and make AgBiome a great place to work,” said Elizabeth Claypoole, chief people officer at AgBiome. “We're excited to share what we're doing because we strongly believe others could benefit, both individually and organizationally, by adopting some of the same elements.”

Raleigh-based PRA Health Sciences was named number 264 of the 500 on Forbes’ “America’s Best Large Employers” list. PPD, based in Wilmington, came in at number 354. 

Forbes also ranked the top 250 midsize organizations employing 1,000 to 5,000 people, and Duke University took 18th place. Also on the list are UNC Charlotte, ranked 106th; the University of North Carolina Greensboro at 114; and Appalachian State University, at 180.

“Our company’s vibrant culture reflects the personal commitment of our employees to unite as One PPD around our mission of helping customers deliver life-changing therapies to improve health for patients around the globe,” said David Simmons, PPD’s chairman and chief executive officer, in a statement. “Our focus on employee development, professional growth and giving back to local communities helps make PPD an attractive destination for talented professionals who want to make a difference.”

Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to identify the companies liked best by employees. To determine the list, Statista surveyed 30,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 1,000 employees.