Methodology 2026.1

TexHire Workplace Certification

Up to three stars, audited annually, and awarded to a specific legal entity and workplace scope. No worker evidence means no stars.

Highest distinction: three stars

Company size, hiring volume, market value, and unaudited online reviews cannot create a certification.

Five scored pillars

25%

Worker voice

25%

Health and safety

20%

Pay fairness

15%

Growth and stability

15%

Inclusion and respect

Star thresholds

1-star certification

A credible, independently audited workplace foundation.

70+

Total score

55+

Pillar floor

2-star certification

Strong performance across every pillar, with verified operational outcomes.

82+

Total score

70+

Pillar floor

3-star certification

Exceptional and consistently evidenced workplace practice.

92+

Total score

85+

Pillar floor

Regardless of score, concealed serious safety incidents, forced labor, wage theft, retaliation, or a failed audit blocks certification and can revoke an existing award.

Assessment process

Worker sample

For 1–49 workers: at least 15 responses and 60% coverage. For 50–399: at least 30 and 25%. For 400+: at least 100, targeting 10% and capped at 400 scored responses. Samples are stratified by shift, site, and employment type.

Independent verification

Auditors review anonymous worker surveys, wage and hour records, safety incidents, grievance mechanisms, and remediation evidence. Companies cannot cherry-pick only favorable sites.

Scope-specific award

Certification binds to a legal entity and an explicit workplace scope. Parents, subsidiaries, brands, facilities, and suppliers do not inherit stars.

Valid for twelve months

Certification lasts at most 12 months. Material events trigger interim review; expired evidence, scope changes, or audit non-cooperation pauses or revokes the award.

How certification relates to 2026 rankings

Workplace stars are an independent, evidence-driven certification—not a proxy for company size, hiring activity, or global corporate rank. Ranking pages may use certification as a filter, but missing stars are never treated as a negative score and external reviews cannot be converted into stars.

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