For the eleventh consecutive year globally and the twelfth consecutive year in South Africa, Saint-Gobain has been awarded the Top Employer Global certification, recognizing the excellence of its human resources policies and practices across 40 countries*.
Saint-Gobain, the worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, is part of a very select group of just 17 companies globally to receive this certification.
Claire Pedini, Senior Vice-President, Human Resources and Corporate Social Responsibility at Saint-Gobain Group, welcomed the recognition:
“This certification highlights the consistency and depth of our social commitments across the world. It reflects our ambition to be an employer of reference, offering a working environment built on ethics, trust, skills development and equal opportunities. We continue to support our employees in their professional development, strengthen our culture of continuous learning and reaffirm our purpose: MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME. These fundamentals enable us to attract, develop and retain talent, while contributing positively to society and to the sustainable transition.”
The assessment carried out by the Top Employers Institute highlights several areas of excellence that underpin the Group’s HR strategy:
- Ethics and Integrity: 100% of criteria met, fully aligned with the Group’s Principles of Conduct and Action, formalised in a reference document and shared by all employees;
- Purpose and Values: 99.85% of criteria met, driven by Saint-Gobain’s purpose, MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME;
- Learning: 97.32% of criteria met, illustrating the importance placed on skills development and employability throughout employees’ careers (+4.07% vs last year);
- Sustainability: 91.97% of criteria met, reflecting the growing integration of environmental and social challenges into HR and management practices (+1.51%);
- Employer Branding: 91.9% of criteria met, reflecting the Group’s attractiveness and the recognition of its commitments by both internal and external talent (+1.44%).
Through these results, Saint-Gobain confirms its ability to combine economic performance, social responsibility and long-term positive impact, by offering its employees a stimulating, inclusive and meaningful working environment.
In Africa, Saint-Gobain’s employer approach is shaped by its regional commitment, Make it in Africa to Build Africa (MABA).
This initiative is an extension of the Group’s global purpose and highlights Saint-Gobain Africa’s dedication to empowering the continent by prioritizing local production, nurturing local talent and supporting sustainable economic growth within the construction & manufacturing industry.
“Made in Africa to Build Africa is the lens through which we view everything we do,” says Aymeric d’Ydewalle, CEO of Saint-Gobain Africa. “It is about working alongside construction market stakeholders to build a sustainable Africa from within, where local solutions meet local needs.”
Saint-Gobain Africa places a strong emphasis on attracting and developing talent across a broad range of professions, including engineering, technical, operational, commercial, sustainability and corporate roles.
The Group offers employees structured development pathways, access to continuous learning, and opportunities for long-term career growth within a global organization that operates locally across African markets.
As a Top Employer, Saint-Gobain Africa provides a professional environment that values skills development, internal mobility and leadership growth, enabling employees to build meaningful careers while contributing to projects that support sustainable construction and development across the continent.
By aligning its people strategy with its purpose and regional commitments, Saint-Gobain continues to position itself as an employer of choice in Africa, offering careers that are not only professionally rewarding but also contribute to building a more sustainable future.
*Countries certified “Top Employer” 2026: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam.
About Saint-Gobain
Worldwide leader in light and sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain designs, manufactures and distributes materials and services adapted to the residential, non-residential and infrastructure markets.
Its integrated and innovative solutions provide sustainability and performance for its customers.
The Group is guided by its purpose, MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME.
- €46.6 billion in sales in 2024
- 161,000 employees, locations in 80 countries
- Committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050
Contributed by Kelly Burke
Account Director
Flux Communications
