[Digital Today reporter Jae-won Choi] China’s Xpeng was named among “employees’ most preferred employers in 2026” selected by Forbes China. Its corporate culture has drawn attention for using AI not as a simple substitute for labour but as a technology to improve employees’ work capabilities.

CleanTechnica reported on Oct. 26 that Xpeng was selected as an award winner in the employee preference category in the recently announced “2026 Forbes China Best Employers” assessment.

This year’s assessment placed greater importance on how AI is used. The employee survey consisted of six categories: employer image, organisational management, training and development, work environment, compensation and benefits, and AI value creation. AI value creation was newly added this year.

Forbes China analysed that even if companies raise productivity with AI, it does not necessarily improve employees’ job satisfaction. It said what matters is whether AI can reduce repetitive tasks while also fostering employees’ creativity and expertise.

Xpeng emphasises a technology-driven organisational culture. It was evaluated as sharing a goal across diverse departments, including finance, human resources, public relations and research and development, of solving customers’ problems through technology.

He Xiaopeng (허샤오펑), Xpeng’s founder and chief executive officer, said, “The company’s values affect employees’ work attitudes.” He added, “When employees believe in the company’s mission, they gain motivation to create greater value.” He also said more than 40 percent of employees hold a master’s or doctoral degree, underscoring an organisation structure centred on technical talent.

The Forbes China assessment reflected 40 percent from company surveys, 40 percent from employee surveys, and 20 percent from external public opinion and corporate qualification screening.

Xpeng’s specific scores and the extent of improvement in employee satisfaction were not disclosed. The award shows that competitiveness in AI technology is emerging as an important factor not only in product development but also in talent recruitment and organisational operations.