Leading future of work: Great Workplaces for Young Talent 2026

As young talent continues to shape the future of work, Great Place To Work is proud to unveil the award winners for the 20 Great Workplaces for Young Talent in Sri Lanka for the year 2026. 

Recognising the growing influence and importance of this demographic within today’s workforce, Great Place To Work Sri Lanka has enhanced and localised its assessment methodology to identify and celebrate organisations that  empower, engage, and develop the next generation of leaders. Reflecting this renewed focus, the recognition has been rebranded as Great Workplaces for Young Talent 2026, spotlighting workplaces that create exceptional experiences and opportunities for young professionals to thrive.

The recognition is based on assessments which surveyed nearly 80,000 Sri Lankan employees (including over 48,000 young talent under 35 years of age) across more than 150 organisations, achieving an average response rate of 88%. 

To qualify, organisations are required to be registered in Sri Lanka, employ more than 20 employees under the age of 35 years that represents minimum 10% of overall workforce, submit their people practices through the Culture Audit and hold a valid Great Place To Work Certification with a minimum 70% positive Trust Index score at the time of selection. 

Organisations are assessed based on several criteria to determine their appeal to young talent. A minimum of 70% positive perception among employees under 35 years of age is required, with this score exceeding the study average for the same demographic. Great Place To Work® research also identifies key workplace areas that strongly resonate with young talent, and organisations are additionally evaluated through Trust Index employee survey results to measure performance in these areas. In addition, the Culture Audit is reviewed to identify workplace practices and benefits that create a Great Place to Work For All. All age groups within the workforce are considered, and organisations are shortlisted when their young talent demonstrates positive perception that is higher or on par with that of both the study average for employees under 35 and other age groups within the organisation.

 The 20 award winners are selected based on merit order and listed in alphanumerical order.

Active Asia Ltd., Agro Ventures Plantations Ltd., AIA Insurance Lanka Ltd., Altrium Ltd., Amsafe Bridport Ltd., Diamond Cutters Ltd., Dijital Team, Douglas & Sons Ltd., First Capital Holidays, PLC, Gapstars Ltd., Ideal Motors Ltd., Janashakthi Insurance PLC, Mahindra Ideal Finance Ltd., Nawaloka Medicare Ltd., Toppan Forms (Colombo) Ltd., Unidil Packaging Ltd., United Tobacco Processing Ltd., Winners Global Investments Ltd., and Wurth Lanka Private Ltd. 

The insights from the study on Employee Experience by Different Age Groups highlight that employees aged 25 and below generally report relatively positive early-career experience. They are relatively strong on workplace pride in corporate image, team accomplishment and contribution to society, welcome, physical safety, and non-discrimination due to race. Sentiment then declines among employees aged 26 to 34 before recovering among employees aged 35 to 44 and strengthening further among those aged 45 to 54 and 55 and above. 

These organisations will be recognised at the CXO Forum on 10 September under the theme “Vision to Value.” The forum will spotlight future-ready leadership and celebrate organisations committed to nurturing the next generation of talent. Attendees will also gain exclusive insights from the Great Workplaces for Young Talent 2026 study. Adding further value to the event, award-winning keynote speaker Deborah Hanley, a leadership consultant and coach, will deliver an engaging and empowering session. Through a blend of emotional intelligence, compelling storytelling, and practical leadership strategies, Hanley will provide actionable insights to inspire and equip today’s leaders.

Organisations interested in the next recognition cycle must register by February 2027. For details, email - [email protected].