UNITED STATES - It’s the highly anticipated time of year when retailers wait with bated breath to find out who has made it onto Fortune Magazine’s coveted list of Best Workplaces in Retail™. This year, Wegmans, Publix, Nugget Markets, and Target were among the grocery names to make the cut.
“The family feel across our company defines who we are at Wegmans, and continues to help us earn this special recognition,” said Colleen Wegman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Wegmans Food Markets. “We are extremely grateful to our people for all they do for each other and our customers. This award means the world to all of us.”
Wegmans earned the distinction of the #1 Best Workplace in Retail, making the top of the list for the 6th consecutive year, according to a press release.
To determine the list, Great Place to Work® analyzes confidential survey feedback representing 1.3 million employees working in the retail industry in the U.S. Employees responded to over 60 survey questions describing the extent to which their company creates a friendly environment, with 85 percent of the evaluation based on what employees say about their experiences of trust and reaching their full potential within their organization.
Following Wegmans on the list is Target in second place, Nugget Markets in third, and Publix coming in fifth place on the list of 15 total companies.
“Our company was founded over 90 years ago on philosophies and principles that still guide us today,” said Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous. “We care about the well-being of our associates by providing them with the tools they need to be successful and thrive, in their jobs and lives.”
Part of earning the distinction this year came from retailers’ efforts to overcome challenges caused by the pandemic while also supporting its associates through the difficult time. Publix did that by issuing Publix gift cards several times and accelerating its annual pay increases. The company also enhanced its benefits to meet its associates’ needs and hired thousands of new associates and provided a gift card incentive for employees to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
“The Best Workplaces in Retail have used the COVID-19 pandemic to inspire much-needed change in the industry. These companies pivoted to new ways of working while putting the health and safety of their employees and customers first,” explained Michael C. Bush, Chief Executive Officer of Great Place to Work.
To see the list of Best Workplaces in Retail in its entirety, click here.
With this coveted distinction added to these retailers’ belts, how will they further bolster the workplace to support their labor force? Stick with us to find out.
