Key takeaways
- Pearson has been named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for the second consecutive year, recognizing its people-first culture and commitment to employee growth.
- Employees at Pearson are helping tackle major challenges in learning, skills, and AI while building careers that make a real impact on learners around the world.
- Pearson continues to invest in leadership, innovation, and career development to create a workplace where people can do their best work.
Ali Bebo, Chief Human Resources Officer, Pearson
Pearson has been named a 2026 Gallup Exceptional Workplace Award winner for the second consecutive year.
For me, this recognition shows that when people are connected to a meaningful purpose, supported to grow, and trusted to bring new ideas forward, great things happen.
At Pearson, our employees are helping solve some of the biggest challenges in education and the workforce. They're helping learners build and verify in-demand skills, strengthen AI capabilities, and create new pathways between education and employment. Their work helps millions of people prepare for what's next.
That's what makes this recognition so special. It's not just about workplace culture. It's about the talented people who make Pearson what it is.
Recently, members of our HR team and one of Pearson's outstanding people leaders, Brigid McDonnell, picked up the award at an event in Washington, D.C. It was a chance to celebrate the people and teams behind this achievement.
Pearson's Brigid McDonnell, Esin Cooper, and Olivia Jarvis receive the award from the Gallup team in Washington, D.C.
Why do people choose to work at Pearson?
People want to do work that matters.
At Pearson, our people have the chance to shape the future of learning at a time of major change. Artificial intelligence is transforming how people learn and work. Employers are looking for new ways to identify skills and talent. Learners are seeking more flexible routes to education and careers.
Our teams work at the center of these changes. They bring together expertise in learning, technology, assessment, workforce skills, and AI to help people build the skills they need to thrive now and in the future.
Just as importantly, they do it alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.
How does Pearson help employees grow and innovate?
As a learning company, we believe continuous learning is vital to success.
We help our employees to build new skills, explore new opportunities, and develop rewarding careers. We also help them feel confident trying new ideas and challenging old ways of doing things.
Innovation thrives when people feel supported, trusted, and connected to a shared goal. That's why we continue to invest in leadership, development, and tools that help people learn and grow. And it's a two-way street: every piece of feedback from our colleagues helps us better understand what's working, where we can improve, and how we can continue building the conditions for success together.
That's why creating an exceptional workplace is not a two-time achievement. It's an ongoing commitment to listening to our people, building capable leaders, supporting growth and development, and creating an environment where everyone can thrive.
Why do great managers matter?
The best workplaces are built by great people leaders.
Managers help people navigate change, develop new skills, and achieve their potential. They create the conditions where teams can collaborate, innovate, and succeed.
That's why it was especially meaningful to celebrate this award alongside Brigid McDonnell, who has consistently delivered outstanding engagement results.
"I strive to build a culture where curiosity is encouraged and continuous learning is part of our work," explained Brigid. "My team's expertise, relentless pursuit of more efficient ways of working, and knowledge sharing drives their innovation. All done with our students, families, and schools in mind. I am grateful and honored to learn from my team every day."
Brigid's leadership reflects something we see across Pearson every day: when people feel supported and inspired, they do their best work.
Pearson named U.S. News Best Company to Work For
The Gallup award is one of several recent recognitions of Pearson's culture. U.S. News has named Pearson a 2026-2027 Best Company to Work For, recognizing the company overall, as well as in Education and Public Services and for Supporting Family Caregiving.
We're proud of those achievements, but we're even more excited about what's ahead.
The future of learning is being shaped right now. Pearson has an important role to play, and that starts with our people.
When people understand why their work matters, feel they belong, and have room to grow and learn new skills, they can make their greatest impact.
That's the workplace we're proud to build at Pearson.
Interested in a career at Pearson?
Explore opportunities to join our team and learn more about life at Pearson on our Careers site.