Canadian Natural Resources ranks 676th globally on world's best employers list
The Calgary energy firm, led by billionaire Murray Edwards, climbed 53 places on Forbes and Statistica's 2026 survey of workplace satisfaction across 52 countries.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
Canadian Natural Resources, one of Canada's largest independent crude oil and natural gas producers, ranked 676th globally on the Forbes and Statistica world's best employers list for 2026, moving up 53 places from 729th in 2025.
Among Canadian companies, CNR placed 21st. The company also ranked 194th on Forbes' separate 2026 list of Canada's best employers.
The seventh annual world's best employers survey assessed more than 300,000 employees across more than 50 countries. The final list features 900 companies headquartered in 52 countries. Employees rated their employers on salary, career advancement, work-life balance and company reputation.
CNR operates in Western Canada, the United Kingdom's North Sea, and Africa. The company was founded in 1973 and is headed by executive chair Murray Edwards, who also owns the Calgary Flames and ranked 908th on Forbes' 2026 billionaires list.
Stantec, an Edmonton-based engineering firm, was the only other Alberta company to make the global list, ranking 699th overall and 23rd among Canadian firms. Microsoft, Delta Air Lines and Shopify topped the global rankings, while Desjardins ranked highest among Canadian companies at 48th globally.
What specific changes at Canadian Natural Resources prompted its 53-place jump from 2025 to 2026?
How do employee ratings of salary, advancement and work-life balance at CNR compare to other Alberta energy firms?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
The facts
How much did Canadian Natural Resources climb on the world's best employers list?
Canadian Natural Resources rose 53 places, moving from 729th in 2025 to 676th on the 2026 Forbes and Statistica world's best employers list.
Where did Canadian Natural Resources rank among Canadian companies?
Canadian Natural Resources placed 21st among Canadian companies on the 2026 world's best employers list.
How many companies made the world's best employers list?
The 2026 Forbes and Statistica world's best employers list features 900 companies headquartered in 52 countries.
What criteria did employees use to rate their employers?
Employees rated their employers on salary, career advancement, work-life balance, and company reputation.
