In an era where the average person dedicates 90,000 hours of their lifetime to work, the significance of choosing an employer with a robust and supportive work culture cannot be overstated. Three leading general contractors—McCarthy Building Companies, C.W. Driver Companies, and R.D. Olson Construction—have distinguished themselves in the construction industry by developing comprehensive workforce programs and initiatives that go beyond traditional employment models. These firms have recognized that investing in employee satisfaction, continuous professional development, and long-term career pathways not only benefits their workforce but also strengthens their competitive advantage. Through innovative training programs, meaningful recognition practices, and genuine commitment to community building, these companies are redefining what it means to be an employer of choice in the construction sector.
The average person spends 90,000 hours of their life at work, so choosing a place with a strong work culture matters. Leading general contractors McCarthy Building Companies (McCarthy), C.W. Driver Companies, and R.D. Olson Construction have developed workforce programs and initiatives that promote employee satisfaction, continuous growth, and long-term careers. These firms have implemented specialized growth opportunities for workers at all levels and designations.
R.D. Olson implemented the RDO University program that pairs junior and senior employees while they pursue over 68 courses across all domains of construction. C.W. Driver Cos. implements a similar teaching method but has designated programming per career level. For instance, its Drive Program is a 12-month leadership development course that is targeted towards mid-level employees who are about to enter upper management roles. The firm also has the Driver Launch program, which places recent graduates and junior hires in rotational assignments across the domains of estimating, field + site operations and project management.
McCarthy also implements workforce development programs for people of all skill levels, recruiting talent from diverse sources like high schools and unions. The company highlights how construction is a viable and rewarding career alternative to college. Once hired, craft workers receive training to help them advance to the Assistant Superintendent role. Since many of these workers are consistently out in the field, McCarthy provides courses on role-specific skills, union bridging activities and technology to support their transition into salaried positions.
According to a study from Gallup finds that employees are 45% less likely to leave over two years if they receive high quality recognition. For each company, recognition is shown in different ways, which is what makes them unique and prosperous.
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McCarthy celebrates an annual dedicated Craft Appreciation Week across the U.S. The company hosts large-scale events where they recognize their craft workers along with their families who support them. Additionally, McCarthy values each of its partners equally. Interns are treated like full-time employees as they contribute to teams and projects. In 2025, nationally, McCarthy has extended full-time offers to 91% of interns participating in their program. In the past two years, 100% of McCarthy interns in their Southern Pacific region who received full-time offers accepted. McCarthy also recruits new talent into the workforce with programming like their annual STEMStruction event - where career construction opportunities are introduced to high school students. The event is led in partnership with sponsoring university chapters and hosted by McCarthy's internal Partnership For Women resource group that spearheads female advancement in every role.
C.W. Driver Cos. is also renowned for its strong company culture like McCarthy and R.D. Olson Construction. They are consistently featured on Best Places to Work Lists in Southern California regional and trade publications due to inclusive hiring practices and engaging environment. What is notable about C.W. Driver Cos. is that the firm has a people-first culture that doesn't center around hierarchy. Its president, Karl Kreutziger, supports day-to-day project activities and the firm prioritizes benefits and employee + family wellbeing.
R.D. Olson, as a boutique builder treats its associates as members of their family. They offer ample work-life balance (which is frequently shared in jobsite reviews), offers tuition reimbursement, continuing education and more.
A significant driver of tenure at these companies is due to their commitment to building stronger communities. While the projects they build, from schools, medical buildings and more, are rooted in purpose, there are additional activities beyond the job that keep employees inspired by their firm's values.
C.W. Driver Cos.' REACH Program inspires employees to give back to their communities through their craft and paid volunteer days. To date, C.W. Driver Cos. has supported 53+ charities and donated $545,000. Notable charities C.W. Driver works with throughout Southern California include Habitat for Humanity, HomeAid, Jessie Rees Foundation, Hillsides, City of Hope and more.
As a community builder, McCarthy is involved in philanthropic activities across Southern California. They continuously participate in fundraising events, volunteer hours, and lend their talent and support to initiatives like the CHOC Walk (Children's Hospital of Orange County), Walk on Water, Make A Wish, and Ronald McDonald House to help children prosper.
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The success of McCarthy Building Companies, C.W. Driver Companies, and R.D. Olson Construction demonstrates that exceptional workplace culture is built on three fundamental pillars: comprehensive employee development, authentic recognition and appreciation, and meaningful community engagement. By implementing structured training programs that support workers at every career stage, celebrating achievements in ways that honor both employees and their families, and extending their mission beyond project completion through charitable initiatives, these firms have created environments where people don't just work—they thrive. Their impressive retention rates and consistent recognition as top employers prove that when companies genuinely invest in their people and communities, they build more than structures; they build lasting careers, stronger teams, and better futures for all stakeholders involved.
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