The latest international rankings of the best places to work has a strong North Carolina presence, even though Cary-based SAS did not top the list as it did last year.

SAS, the world’s largest privately held software firm and is based in Cary, ranks second this year behind Google.

Durham-based Quintiles, the largest life sciences services firm, came in 18th.

Both firms have made the list in each of its three years.

Several other  technology and life science firms with a major presence in North Carolina crack the top 25 in the annual World’s Best Multinational Workplaces ranking as determined by San Francisco-based Great Places to Work.

NetApp placed third and Cisco 10th, The companies maintain big campuses adjacent to each other in RTP.

Novartis, which operates a huge vaccine manufacturing plant in Holly Springs, placed 25th.

Google operates one of its large data centers in Lenoir, N.C. and a software development office in Chapel Hill.

Microsoft, which placed fourth, has a large organization in Charlotte.

Rankings are based on data gathered from companies that operate internationally. Companies must be part of five or more Great Place to Work lists that are now compiled in some 50 countries. 

“Being on this list validates the hard work and effort SAS employees put into their jobs every day,” said SAS Chief Executive Officer Jim Goodnight about the selection. “We have a work environment that allows people to do their best without unnecessary distractions so that they can be more creative and productive. It’s one way we ensure we are delivering innovative software solutions to our customers. SAS employees are inspired by the global impact of our products and the importance of their contributions, no matter what role they play or where they are located.”

SAS annually ranks as a top workplace on other lists as well. 

“We are honored to be among the top-25 multinational workplaces again this year,” said Quintiles Chief Administrative Officer Mike Mortimer. “As a service provider, the value we bring to our biopharma customers comes directly from our 27,000-plus employees around the world. Creating and maintaining a positive working environment which the best and brightest seek out is a key component of Quintiles’ success.”

More details about the workplace list is available online.