LP Building Solutions, best known for engineered wood and siding products, is now being recognized for something less tangible but arguably more valuable: workplace culture. Newsweek has named the Nashville-based manufacturer one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026, putting it in the national spotlight not for what it builds, but for how it treats its people.
“Recognition on Newsweek’s list is especially meaningful because it reflects the voices of American workers,” said Brad Southern, LP’s Chair and CEO. “At LP, our goal is to create an environment where team members can thrive, feel valued and see a future for themselves.”
How Newsweek Decides Who Makes the Cut
Now in its second year, Newsweek’s ranking is no vanity award—it’s based on surveys of more than 400,000 U.S. workers and 4.9 million company reviews. Companies are scored across ten categories, from corporate culture and career development to work-life balance and inclusivity.
As Newsweek Editor-in-Chief Jennifer H. Cunningham explained, “A great workplace is one that strives to make all its employees feel respected and appreciated. But ensuring that employees are comfortable and valued is something only some companies excel at.”
That distinction now includes LP.
Building What Matters: LP’s Culture Blueprint
LP credits its recognition to its Building What Matters™ philosophy, a framework that guides how it shapes the employee experience. The approach covers four pillars:
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Building careers: through training and development opportunities.
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Building connections: by promoting inclusion and respect across its teams.
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Building well-being: with an emphasis on health, safety, and work-life balance.
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Building purpose: by giving back to the communities where it operates.
This isn’t lip service. With over 20 manufacturing facilities across North and South America, LP’s ability to attract and retain skilled talent in a traditionally tough labor market gives it a competitive edge. Manufacturing, historically plagued by turnover and safety concerns, is seeing a slow but notable shift toward people-first strategies. LP’s inclusion in this ranking underscores how industrial employers are catching up with tech and professional services when it comes to culture innovation.
Why This Matters in HR Tech
While LP is not a software giant, its recognition speaks volumes about evolving HR trends. More employers are being judged not just by pay and perks but by authenticity, inclusion, and growth opportunities. In an era where digital platforms like Glassdoor and Indeed can make or break reputations, employee sentiment is currency.
By earning national recognition, LP is not only strengthening its employer brand—it’s setting an example for other manufacturers navigating workforce challenges. For HR leaders, this highlights a broader trend: workers are demanding companies invest in culture as much as in product.
The full list of America’s Most Admired Workplaces 2026 is available on Newsweek.com.
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