VermontBiz and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce announced the 65 companies on the Best Place to Work 2026 awards list at a ceremony held in South Burlington on April 2nd. The annual program recognizes Vermont companies that have cultivated outstanding workplace environments, with insurance provider Union Mutual earning the distinction for its 13th consecutive year.

Katie Kittell, publisher of VermontBiz, stated the 'Best Places to Work in Vermont' designation gives recognized companies a tangible advantage, helping them 'say to perspective employees that their company has been chosen as a best place to work in Vermont.' This 'leg up on recruitment' is critical in the state's competitive labor market, where businesses face persistent staffing challenges, making the award a strategic tool for talent acquisition and retention.

What We Know So Far

  • A total of 65 Vermont-based companies were named to the 2026 Best Places to Work list.
  • The final rankings were revealed at an awards ceremony on April 2nd, attended by over 400 people at the Doubletree Hotel.
  • Union Mutual was recognized for the 13th consecutive year, highlighting its long-term commitment to workplace culture.
  • The award's evaluation process is heavily weighted toward employee feedback, with anonymous surveys accounting for 80% of a company's score.
  • Top honors were given in three categories based on company size: Small, Medium, and Large.

Top Companies for Workplace Culture 2026

The 2026 awards recognized top companies in three categories: McSoley McCoy & Co. ranked first in Small Business (15-99 employees), DEW Construction led the Medium Business category (100-249 employees), and Stantec Consulting Services earned the top honor for Large Businesses (250 or more employees).

Among the recognized companies, Union Mutual’s achievement of making the list for the 13th straight year stands out as a testament to sustained excellence. The company’s leadership views the award as a direct reflection of its workforce. “Our continued recognition over the past 13 years underscores the commitment, passion, and excellence of our entire team,” said Union Mutual President & CEO Lisa Keysar in a statement published by vermontbiz.com. Keysar emphasized the company's focus on its employees as the core of its success. “We are deeply honored to receive this award once again. Our employees are the heart of Union Mutual, and we remain dedicated to fostering an engaging, supportive, and inclusive workplace where every employee can thrive.”