Archive · 9 Oct 2026
HCLTech Ranks 40th in Forbes’ Top Companies for Women
Forbes made a list of companies that women say are good places to work.
HCLTech, an Indian technology company, ranked 40th and was the only Indian company in the top 50.
Microsoft came first, followed by Apple and Manulife.
Forbes and Statista asked about 7,500 women in 15 countries about their workplaces.
Women considered things such as fair pay, safety, career growth, flexibility, and support at work.
About 43% said limited chances to advance can make women leave a job.
Another 42% said they might leave to earn more for the same work elsewhere.
Companies also had to meet rules about their international presence and the gender gap in countries where they operate.
HCLTech ranked 40th and was the only Indian company in Forbes’ global top 50 for women.
Microsoft topped the 2026 ranking, followed by Apple, Manulife, L’Oréal and MAIF.
Forbes and Statista surveyed around 7,500 women across workplaces in 15 countries.
About 43% of respondents cited limited career advancement as a reason women leave jobs; 42% cited better pay elsewhere.
Companies needed significant international operations and a headquarters or major operations in a country where at least 70% of the gender gap had been closed.
- Who
- HCLTech and other companies included in Forbes’ World’s Top Companies for Women 2026 ranking.
- What
- HCLTech ranked 40th and was the only Indian company in the top 50; Microsoft ranked first.
- When
- The ranking is for 2026.
- Where
- The survey covered workplaces in 15 countries; HCLTech is headquartered in Noida, India, and operates in nearly 60 countries.
- Why
- The ranking assesses workplace experiences for women, including pay, working conditions, gender equity and career opportunities.
Workplace factors that support retention
Reported reasons women leave jobs
Career growth
Workplace factors that support retention
The ranking considers gender-related issues including whether women and men have equal career advancement opportunities.
Reported reasons women leave jobs
About 43% of surveyed women cited a lack of career advancement opportunities as a reason women leave jobs.
Pay and working conditions
Workplace factors that support retention
Respondents rated employers on salary and working conditions, and the report highlights competitive compensation as a workplace factor.
Reported reasons women leave jobs
42% said the prospect of earning more for the same job at another company was a reason to leave.
Flexibility and work-life balance
Workplace factors that support retention
Flexible arrangements, supportive workplaces and work-life balance were identified as factors women value in an employer.
Reported reasons women leave jobs
33% cited inflexible working hours, and another 33% cited difficulty balancing work and home life.
- HCLTech rank
- 40th; the only Indian company in the global top 50
- Top-ranked companies
- Microsoft, Apple, Manulife, L’Oréal and MAIF
- Survey
- Around 7,500 women across workplaces in 15 countries; conducted by Forbes with Statista
- Career advancement
- About 43% of respondents cited limited advancement opportunities as a reason women leave jobs
- Pay
- 42% cited the possibility of earning more for the same work at another company
- Flexibility and balance
- 33% each cited inflexible working hours and difficulty balancing work and home life
- Eligibility criteria
- Companies needed significant international presence and a headquarters or major operations in a country where at least 70% of the gender gap had been closed
