SAS's widespread reputation as a great place to work has jumped a notch -- it's been rated the No. 1 workplace in the world by the Great Place to Work Institute.
Last year, which was the first year for the worldwide list, the Cary-based business software company rated second behind Microsoft.
"This recognition underscores our efforts to encourage creativity and innovation around the world, no matter where we are located," SAS co-founder and CEO Jim Goodnight said in a statement. "Employee feedback is critical to achieving first place on this list. It means a great deal that SAS employees value the company as much as we value them. It also mirrors how we value our customers."
Durham-based Quintiles, the world's largest pharmaceuticals company, ranked No. 23 on this year's list. Last year it came in No. 25.
To be considered for the list, companies must make at least five national great-place-to-work lists, have at least 5,000 employees and have a major contingent of workers outside their home country.
SAS ranked No. 3 in this year's Fortune magazine ranking of the best places to work, the ninth time it has ranked in the top 10.
David Ranii has been a business reporter at The News & Observer since 1993. Over the years he has covered information technology, banking, insurance, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, media businesses and real estate. Contact him at 919-829-4877 or