Ridge has been named in Building Magazine’s Good Employer Guide 2026 - a prestigious recognition that reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive.

A people-first approach 

At Ridge, we believe that investing in our people is inseparable from delivering excellent outcomes for our clients. Our wellbeing strategy spans mental, physical, financial and social health – with initiatives ranging from mental health support through our Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders, to neuro-inclusive workspaces designed around the principles of ‘Design in Mind’. 

We have also made significant strides in menopause support, with trained Menopause Champions, access to BUPA Menopause nurses, and our Pause and Connect employee group. Our partnership with the National Centre for Integrative Medicine through the Thrive 55 project demonstrates our commitment to celebrating and supporting midlife employees in particular. 

Developing the next generation 

Our investment in future talent is one of the areas we’re most proud of. We currently have 125 apprentices at Ridge – a 178% increase in apprentice starts over the last two years – alongside 81 graduates. And in 2024 alone, we delivered over 28,000 hours of training. 

Our commitment to widening access extends beyond our own walls. Through work-shadowing, community engagement and the Ridge Next Chapters programme for people returning to work, we’re helping to shape a more inclusive industry. We’re also proud to be a Gold Member of The 5% Club, with over 5% of our workforce on ‘Earn & Learn’ schemes. 

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion 

Across our last two-year intake, 33% of our apprentices and graduates are women – a figure we are working hard to build on. We run dedicated coaching programmes for women in leadership, maintain active Impact Groups with senior sponsors, and are working towards the Henpicked Menopause Friendly accreditation. 

Our social value commitments reached £39.2 million in 2024, with a particular focus on disadvantaged and under-represented groups. We are proud partners of organisations including Business in the Community, Women in Construction (Gold Member) and Black Professionals in Construction. 

What this recognition means 

This recognition joins a growing list of accolades that reflect our approach, including being named ‘Good Employer of the Year’ at the 2024 Building Awards, achieving Great Place to Work certification, and being listed as a Best Workplace for Wellbeing. 

We are grateful to our people – whose voices, ideas and energy make Ridge the employer it is -and to Building Magazine for this recognition. We remain committed to raising the bar, and to being a place where everyone can do their best work.