World’s Happiest Workplaces List
The World’s Happiest Workplaces List is a live ranking with insights into how happy employees are where they work.
- Rankings are based on the data collected through our free Happy At Work Test.
- Add and apply filters to find the happiest workplaces for you.
- Take our Happy At Work Test to enter your workplace into the World’s Happiest Workplaces Awards.
- Find out more about our awards, sponsors and partners here.
2025’s Best Construction and Building Materials Organisations to Work For in the UK
| Rank | Organisation | Happiness Score | Country |
| 1 | U70 | 92% | United Kingdom |
| 2 | Jones Hargreaves UK | 91% | United Kingdom |
| 3 | Nico Manufacturing | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 4 | Alderburgh Group | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 5 | ALM Construction | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 6 | FM Conway | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 7 | Ibstock Brick | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 8 | Kori Construction | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 9 | TaperedPlus | 90% | United Kingdom |
| 10 | Brickability Merchants | 89% | United Kingdom |
Notable Construction and Building Materials organisations featured
Other notable UK Construction and Building Materials organisations featuring on the World’s Happiest Workplaces List include:
- Sir Robert McAlpine – With a Happiness Score of 82%
- Turner & Townsend – With a Happiness Score of 88%
- Galliford Try – With a Happiness Score of 83%
Why is workplace happiness so important in Construction and Building Materials?
Workplace happiness is a key driver of organisational success across all sectors, but its importance is particularly pronounced in the Construction and Building Materials industry. This sector, known for its challenging environments, high-stakes projects, and physically demanding work, benefits immensely from a happy, engaged workforce.
Enhanced Productivity and Quality
A happy employee is typically a more productive employee. In construction, this translates directly to efficiency on site. When workers feel valued and content, they are more motivated to complete tasks promptly and to a higher standard. This mindset helps to reduce costly re-work, ensuring that buildings and materials meet rigorous quality specifications. Content teams are also better at anticipating and solving problems, which is critical in dynamic construction settings.
Improved Safety Record
Safety is paramount in construction. Statistics show a strong correlation between worker morale and safety incidents. Unhappy or stressed employees are more likely to be distracted or complacent, leading to dangerous errors. Conversely, a positive workplace culture fosters vigilance, encourages workers to adhere strictly to safety protocols, and promotes a willingness to speak up about potential hazards, significantly lowering the risk of accidents and injuries.
Talent Retention and Recruitment
The construction industry often faces skill shortages. High rates of employee turnover are costly, not only in recruitment expenses but also in lost knowledge and project delays. An organisation that prioritises workplace happiness develops a reputation as a great place to work, aiding in talent retention. Happy employees are less likely to leave, and they become powerful advocates for the company, attracting top talent in specialised fields like engineering, project management, and skilled trades.
Stronger Team Collaboration
Construction projects are inherently collaborative, requiring seamless communication between site managers, engineers, contractors, and material suppliers. Happiness and high morale build trust and rapport among team members. This positive inter-personal dynamic leads to better communication, reduced conflict, and a more fluid exchange of information and expertise, which are essential for timely project delivery.
In essence, investing in the wellbeing and happiness of construction personnel is not merely a soft benefit; it is a strategic business imperative. It lays the foundation for a more productive, safe, and resilient organisation capable of meeting the rigorous demands of modern building.
Explore a vast array of helpful content on navigating a career in Construction and Building Materials on our Resource Centre!
Career paths in the Construction and Building Materials industry
The Construction and Building Materials sector is diverse, offering a broad spectrum of career paths that cater to technical, creative, and management skills. These roles generally fall into three main categories: Onsite Trades and Operations, Professional and Technical Services, and Supply Chain and Manufacturing.
1. Onsite Trades and Operations
These are the hands-on roles focused on the physical construction process, often starting via apprenticeships or vocational training and offering clear progression routes from operative to management.
- Skilled Tradespeople:
- Roles: Plumber, Electrician, Bricklayer, Carpenter/Joiner, Plasterer, Roofer, Glazier, Groundworker.
- Progression: Operative > Team Leader/Ganger > Specialist Subcontractor/Own Business.
- Site Management:
- Roles: Site Supervisor, Assistant Site Manager, Site Manager, Contracts Manager, Construction Director.
- Progression: Often starts from an operative/trade background or a graduate scheme, leading to full responsibility for project delivery, safety, and personnel on site.
- Plant and Machinery:
- Roles: Plant Operator (e.g., Excavator, Crane), Banksman, Scaffolder, Rigger.
- Progression: Gaining further licences and specialist expertise (e.g., Tower Crane Operator) and moving into Supervisory roles.
2. Professional and Technical Services
These roles involve the planning, design, and financial control of projects, typically requiring a university degree or an equivalent professional qualification.
- Design and Planning:
- Roles: Architect, Architectural Technician, Building Services Engineer (M&E), Structural Engineer, Civil Engineer, Geotechnical Engineer.
- Progression: Graduate/Trainee > Engineer/Architect > Senior > Principal/Chartered Professional.
- Surveying and Commercial:
- Roles: Quantity Surveyor (manages project costs and contracts), Building Surveyor (assesses property condition and value), Land Surveyor, Estimator.
- Progression: Graduate > Assistant > Chartered Surveyor > Commercial Manager/Director.
- Compliance and Specialism:
- Roles: Health and Safety Manager, Environmental/Sustainability Consultant, Building Control Officer (ensuring regulatory compliance).
- Progression: Specialist training/certification leads to Senior Consultant or Head of Department roles.
3. Supply Chain and Manufacturing
This area supports the construction process by creating, supplying, and managing the materials used on site.
- Materials Manufacturing:
- Roles: Production Manager, Quality Control Inspector, Maintenance Engineer, Materials Scientist (for R&D), Health and Safety Engineer.
- Progression: Operative > Team Leader > Production Manager > Plant/Factory Manager.
- Distribution and Sales (Builders’ Merchants):
- Roles: Branch Manager, Sales Representative (External/Internal), Transport/Logistics Manager, Warehouse and Stock Manager, Procurement Specialist.
- Progression: Entry-level > Sales/Procurement Specialist > Management roles (Branch/Regional).
The key to progression in the sector often involves combining practical experience with formal qualifications, such as achieving Chartered status in engineering or surveying, or taking on advanced vocational training (e.g., NVQs) for site management.
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