How well do Starbucks, Amazon and Tesla treat employees? AI ranks best and worst companies

Is there no such thing as bad press? Companies like Amazon, Apple and Tesla are often in the line of fire over negative headlines and increased public scrutiny around how they treat their workers and the environment.

To find out just how big of an impact this has on public perception of notable corporations, software company Permutable AI scanned keywords related to environmental, social, and corporate governance standards, as well as the UN's official Sustainable Development Goals, to see which companies were discussed in a positive, neutral or negative light. After scanning 50,000 companies, the results are in: Microsoft scored at the top for positive mentions, while Starbucks is at the bottom. 

"While the top performers prioritize good labor standards, offering competitive wages, benefits, and a positive work environment, others face criticism for inadequate practices," says Wilson Chan, CEO of Permutable AI. "The lowest rankings suggest an imbalance where staff complaints outweigh company initiatives."

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Chan notes that some industries have it a bit easier than others. Software companies, for example, will likely maintain better working conditions than manufacturing or retail. But the industry doesn't necessarily decide where a company ranks. Mercado Libre, which scored in the top five for positive mentions, operates online marketplaces dedicated to e-commerce; meanwhile, Amazon, which falls under the same industry, was the second worst company on this list. Given the persistent issues the company has faced around unsafe working conditions, lack of breaks, and union busting, the company has seen its fair share of negativity online.  

Here are the 10 best and worst companies when it comes to perceived labor standards, according to Permutable AI.