Wegmans, Publix, Nugget Score in Top Employers Ranking

Retailers recognized for culture, work-life balanceBy WGB Staff on Feb. 15, 2018Fulfilling their longstanding reputation as elite employers of choice, Wegmans Food Markets, Publix Super Markets and Nugget Market have again earned a spot on Fortune Magazine’s list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2018.

The list is determined by anonymous Trust Index Survey responses from more than 310,000 employees rating their workplace culture on over 50 elements of the workplace, including trust in managers, compensation, fairness, camaraderie and workplace traits linked to innovation.

Wegmans has made the list in all 21 years of its running, and this year it ranks as No. 2, with employees highlighting its good working environment as well as honest and ethical business practices.

“When we see our company near the top of this list we feel pride, but also tremendous gratitude for our people who make Wegmans a special place to work and shop for all,” Colleen Wegman, president and CEO at the Rochester, N.Y.-based company, said in a statement. “Customers often say how much they appreciate our employees for making Wegmans such a happy place. We thank each of our employees for this honor and celebrate with them and our customers.”

Lakeland, Fla.-based Publix this year ranked as No. 47, marking its ninth year in a row on the list, with employees noting their ability to take time off when necessary and feeling proud about the ways the company contributes to the community.

Nugget Markets has claimed a spot for the 13th year in a row, this year ranking as No. 70. In recognition for its dynamic culture and work-life balance, the local, family-owned company also recently ranked as a top workplace for women, alongside Publix and Wegmans.

“The dynamic personalities and talents of our associates and leadership create our spirited culture of family and fun, and by extension, provide our guests an extraordinary grocery experience,” Eric Stille, president, CEO of Woodland, Calif.-based Nugget Markets, said in a statement. “We’re proud of our unique and diverse culture, and [we’re] honored to be ranked among the best in the country.”

The retailer offers a variety of professional development opportunities to help its team members reach their goals and grow in their careers, along with celebrations and events such as a companywide whitewater rafting trip. Employee benefits include a 401(k) with company match, flexible work schedule and zero healthcare premiums for full- and part-time associates.

According to Great Place to Work, the 2018 winners continue to show that a high-trust culture for all fuels better business results. The company’s research reveals that “list winners keep outperforming the stock market, beating industry rivals when it comes to talent retention and demonstrating higher levels of productivity than peers.”

“The 2018 100 Best are true leaders,” Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work, said in a statement. “In the face of competition, change and financial constraints, they consistently prioritize building the trust, pride and camaraderie that fuels business performance. And they’re doing it at scale for everyone, regardless of who they are or what they do for the organization.”

The ranking of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list accounted for the experiences of all employees across all demographics, according to a company statement. In addition, Great Place to Work scored a Culture Audit management questionnaire from each company, which reports details such as compensation and benefits, hiring practices, recognition, training and diversity programs.

To be considered, companies are required to have at least 1,000 employees and receive enough survey responses to achieve a 95% confidence level with no more than a 5% margin of error.