Google: BRG’s #1 Best Large Company to Work For

It is easy for an employee at a large company (one with 5,000 or more employees) to feel like just another cog in the machine. Among thousands of other employees it can be difficult to stand out and easy to feel lost in the crowd. This list is of some of the large employers that go the extra mile for their employees, to make sure they are appreciated and that they share in the success of the company, whether that be offering killer benefits, top of the line pay, or amazing perks, some companies make such things available even to entry level associates. This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Large Companies to Work For

This list highlights the companies that stand out at making their employees feel like something more than just another worker among thousands.

1. Google

Internet Search, Web Application Development, Mobile App and OS development

Employees love Google, this has been well known for a long time. Google has its pick of employees, the best of the best, but if you make it through the rigorous hiring requirements there is virtually no reason to turn down the job. The pay is outstanding, the company has continued to thrive in these uncertain economic times and the company makes sure to show employees much love. The facilities are state of the art, the free services provided to employees are top notch and you would be hard pressed to find a better benefits package.

2. Net App

Data Storage

NetApp shows its employees the love with huge bonuses based on performance up to 31% of their salary. The setting is a meritocracy which makes it the perfect place for competent, hard working people. There is an on-site fitness center and the average pay for the most commonly held hourly and salaried positions is high compared to other options.

3. Wegmans Food Markets

Grocery Chain

Wegmans is a family owned grocery chain that prides itself on taking care of its family. With strong employee health programs for things like smoking cessation and a 24 hour employee health hotline, Wegmans does what it can to take care of the family. The most common positions are much higher paying than many others in the industry as well and the commitment to health means subsidized memberships at local gyms.

4. Edward Jones

Investment Firm

This investment firm has made it through the recession thus far without laying off a single employee. When times get tough that kind of commitment to employees is almost impossible to find in financial industry. The benefits are competitive as well. All this isn’t to say that the job is easy, but that those with the skills and dedication to succeed will find themselves rewarded here.

5. PricewaterhouseCoopers

Consulting

On site fitness centers, subsidized gym memberships, and fully paid sabbaticals (though according to employees these are fundamentally necessary to survive the demanding hours) are just a few of the basic perks for employees of this consulting firm. The company has some quirks that set it apart as well, like the reverse-mentorship program where younger staff members help older employees understand millennials.

6. Marriott International

Hospitality and Hotels

On-site Childcare, On-site fitness centers and a commitment to the upward mobility of all staff make Marriot a good opportunity for many. More than 3,000 of the company’s managers started in hourly positions. The hospitality industry isn’t an easy one to work in, but Marriott provides its employees with incentive to do well by promoting from within often.

7. Nordstrom

Retail

A strong choice for those looking for entry level positions where high performance is rewarded. Benefits for hourly workers aren’t very strong but the average income of a sales person is $40,000 per year which is high for any retail position and only 9,000 less on average than the average of the most common salaried position.

8. Starbucks

Coffee Chain Stores

Full health insurance benefits for part time work are almost impossible to find, and Starbucks itself has one of the highest part-time work forces in the country. The work can be difficult and hospitality is a stressful work environment but this kind of treatment for part-time employees does show that Starbucks does care about their employees on some level. The wages may not be high on the surface, but full insurance coverage is very expensive.

9. Publix

Grocery Chain

This is the largest employee owned company in the nation and every year employees get stock infusions. It’s more satisfying working for a company where part of your benefits are directly tied to company performance, and that is recognized by the high level management at Publix. The grocery chain also offers the cheapest on-site childcare available, at $130 per month it is nearly ¼ the cost of any other company’s on-site childcare.

10. Recreational Equipment (REI)

Retail

Between fully paid sabbaticals (want to take Saturday off to go rock climbing? That reason alone is good enough, no need to fake sick), free equipment rentals, amazing employee discounts and a culture that loves the outdoors, this is one of the best retail companies out there especially if you love the outdoors. Did I mention benefits for part-time employees? Very strong company for those looking for entry level jobs. Managers make competitive salaries as well.

Nugget Markets: BRG’s #1 Best SMB to Work For 2012

One of the most attractive thing about working in a small to medium company (10-5000 employees) is a smaller, more close-knit family feel that can come along with the job. Many of these companies, though smaller, are able to match or exceed the competitive pay and benefits offered by larger corporations. These are ten of the best small companies with a family feel that appreciate their employees and show that appreciation through making sure to match and in many cases exceed pay and benefits offered by larger chains. This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

1. Nugget Markets

Regional Grocery Chain

Another company with a close knit feel, Nugget Markets is a family owned regional grocery chain. The employees love the family atmosphere and it’s easy to feel appreciated when even checkers make an average of over $40,000 per year. The store doesn’t offer as many of the perks that can be found at other companies, but it makes up for it with 100% health care coverage, which is one of the rarest, most valuable benefits to be found.

2. DPR

Construction

If one of the major attractions of small companies is feeling like you’re more than just a cog in the machine, then DPR Construction hits the nail right on the head. Employees are encouraged to attend quarterly meetings and give their input on various topics, the benefits are strong with fully paid sabbaticals, an on-site fitness center and subsidized gym memberships. The average pay for the most common salary and hourly positions is very competitive. DPR does it right.

3. Build a Bear Workshop

Novelty Toy Manufacturer and Retailer

Good health insurance and a 401k plan combined with a small, family atmosphere and the joy of making bears for children combine to make Build-A-Bear workshop a great place to be employed. The pay is very good and the employee satisfaction is high, which is demonstrated by a turnover that is roughly half the industry average.

4. Umpqua Bank

Bank

Umpqua Bank is odd for a bank. The family feel contributes to employee satisfaction and the amazing benefits are another factor in this. There is a tuition reimbursement program, a professional dress advance to help employees purchase appropriate attire, 100% health coverage, 401k, employee assistance program that aids employees dealing with various issues, special product pricing and ample opportunity to develop your professional skills and advance your career with the company.

5. Plante Moran

Auditing

This auditing firm makes sure to provide its employees with the chance to give back. Every office has volunteer teams that do everything from making care packages for troops stationed overseas to working with local shelters. On-site Childcare, fully paid sabbaticals and subsidized gym memberships are just some of the benefits of working for Plante Moran. All of this combined with very competitive pay at all levels of employment make this company great to work for all around.

6. Hasbro

Toy Manufacturer

Good benefits, good pay and a strong emphasis on family make Hasbro a great company to work for. This toy manufacturer regularly hosts events for employee families. The annual voluntary turnover is just 3% which is incredibly low for a primarily manufacturing company.

7. NuStar Energy

Energy

A family feel is not the first thing one expects when thinking about an energy company but NuStar pulls it off. The benefits are fantastic, the company pays 100% of employees health insurance premiums, will match 401k contributions up to 6% of the employee’s salary and the company does whatever it can to aid employees going through a crisis including a track record of lending the corporate jet to employees that need to make a fast trip due to death or other crises.

8. Perkins Coie

Law Firm

Another of the top mid-sized companies to work for, Perkins Coie tries to keep the atmosphere both productive and fun. This means the law firm even has happiness committees whose responsibility it is to gauge the overall happiness and satisfaction of the employees and if this is found to be lacking, throw a party or another event to raise company morale. Everybody, from legal secretaries to associates is very well paid and Perkins Coie is another example of a company devoted to caring for its employees, paying 100% of employee health insurance premiums.

9. TDIndustries

Construction

This construction company is employee owned and operated and the company holds regular meetings between employees and executives where the opinions of employees are considered and respected in the decision making process. The core of the company’s management philosophy revolves around the idea of servant leadership, meaning everybody works together and serves one another in order to keep company morale high. The benefits are pretty standard, but it is rare to find a company that values the input of employees to the extent that TDIndustries does.

10. FactSet Research Systems

Investment Firm

This investment firm offers employees loads of benefits, not the least of which is 100% health insurance premium coverage but there is a focus beyond this on the general morale of the employees. This company definitely understands at least one basic thing about people. This is that people love free food, and the company delivers. Free lunches, cheese trucks, pie trucks, barbecues and more are all part of the food loving culture at FactSet, don’t worry, they also have an on-site fitness center and subsidized gym memberships so everybody can work off the extra calories.

The Everett Clinic: BRG’s #1 Best Healthcare Company to Work For

This industry is famous for long hours and high pressure, difficult work that requires a lot of education. For those that are qualified, however, there is much opportunity in the field as healthcare is a fairly recession-proof industry. Many of the top healthcare providers offer top of the line pay and benefits to attract the highest caliber employees available. This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Healthcare Companies and Hospitals to Work For

1. The Everett Clinic

A small family atmosphere at this physician owned clinic with an emphasis on employee appreciation and 100% health care coverage, the Everett Clinic really knows how to make its employees feel like family. Employees that have done something to stand out may receive a herogram which may entitle them to a day off or even some cash.

2. Scripps Health

On-site child care and fitness center are a couple of perks Scripps offers in addition to relatively standard benefits packages. The thing that really sets them apart is that they pay out large bonuses to employees based on patient satisfaction.

3. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Company garden, subsidized tuition, and fully paid sabbaticals are nice perks of working here, but not the real reason anybody does. Employees derive a great sense of satisfaction out of working for this non-profit research hospital where families won’t pay a dime for the treatment their child needs.

4. Baptist Health South Florida

Offering an unbelievable array of benefits, BHSF has a track record of investing in its employees. Everything from the $26.5 million in matching contributions it put in to employee retirement funds in 2009, to the $176,000 it spent helping employees buy their first house. The loyalty this inspires is obvious in the 4% voluntary turnover which is incredibly low in this high turnover field.

5. Novo Nordisk

This company that specifically caters to the health concerns and treatment of diabetics is focused on changing lives. The benefits for employees are extensive with many optional programs of which to take advantage. These include adoption assistance, and every sort of insurance from health, travel and life insurance to pet insurance. A credit union and strong 401k plans are also part of the offerings.

6. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

Employees here are treated well and the upper management makes sure to show their appreciation for all of the work. Strong benefits, competitive pay and basic perks make this a great place for those that want to make a difference in the lives of children, a satisfying and fulfilling occupation in and of itself.

7. Atlantic Health

Atlantic Health recognizes that sometimes it’s the little things that help employees get through a stressful situation and thus commonly offers acupressure sessions for those going through a stressful time. They also offer fantastic benefits with a wide array of options for those in every stage of life and every sort of need.

8. Mayo Clinic

Incredibly low voluntary turnover and 25% of their staff has been there for over 15 years are both good indicators that employee satisfaction at the Mayo Clinic is high. A standard array of competitive benefits and employee appreciation initiatives no doubt contributes to the satisfaction of those working at this non-profit research institution.

9. Meridian Healthcare

Competitive pay and a strong benefits package contribute to employee satisfaction. The company is committed to competent management and employee satisfaction through striving for excellence in every aspect of their services and interactions with the patients and guests.

10. Ohio Health

Strong benefits packages and competitive pay aren’t enough when it comes to Ohio Health. They also find ways to surprise employees with gift cards and other small favors to brighten their day and thank them for the work they do.

Teach for America: BRG’s #1 Best Non-profit to Work For

Some people care less about how much money they make or what benefits are offered and care more about helping people and making a difference. The good news is that there are some non-profit organizations out there that recognize that sometimes it may not be feasible for somebody to take a significant cut in pay or benefits in order to do this. Many non-profits offer competitive pay and benefits to their employees to attract the best candidates possible and not require them to make major sacrifices in order to make a difference in the world. This list is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Non-profits to Work For

1. Teach for America

The top non-profit educational organization, Teach for America strives to change the current system under which poverty significantly impedes the education of children in impoverished circumstances. The pay and benefits are good and the scholarship opportunities for employees pursuing graduate degrees are many.

2. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

Employee satisfaction at this non-profit, donor funded, research hospital is high and why not? You spend your time making a difference in the lives of sick children. The pay and benefits are competitive with those of private medical institutions and employees enjoy the distinction of working in one of the premier research hospitals in the world.

3. The Mayo Clinic

This worldwide leader in medical care is devoted to bringing health services to those of all walks of life. The Mayo Clinic offers employees very good benefits and there is a family feel that is intentionally fostered within the organization where caring first for the needs of others means employees are cared for as well as patients.

4. Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project’s philosophy is “The greatest casualty is being forgotten.” The people working with this non-profit have devoted their lives for caring for wounded service members and making sure that doesn’t happen. The caring family atmosphere that is geared as much toward having fun with the warriors as it is serving them, can be an incredibly rewarding place to work.

5. Brighton Center

This non-profit located in northern Kentucky serves at risk families and children from the area. The pay isn’t as high as working with some non-profits, but the chance to help a family get back on their feet, or give hope to a child that has none is a fulfilling endeavour in and of itself for the right person. The caring, friendly atmosphere is something that also extends in employee relations and makes it a great place to work.

6. SightLife

Rated as one of the top non-profit companies to work for by the Non-Profit Times, jobs at SightLife are few and far between. Working to help restore people’s sight through the harvesting and banking of corneas is, according to employees, immensely rewarding. This small, tight knit family organization thrives on the family feel that it fosters among employees.

7. Alzheimer’s Association

In order to attract the highest caliber employees the Alzheimer’s Association offers pay and benefits competitive with the market value of the filled position. But what the institution is really about is helping individuals suffering from the disease, their family and friends cope with what they are going through, in addition to pioneering game changing research to hopefully diminish the impact of the disease and eventually cure it for good.

8. Grand Rapids Community Foundation

Community foundations are one of the fastest growing areas of philanthropy because they allow donors to target needs within specific communities with the goal of strengthening the community and building up a lasting legacy that will influence not just current generations, but future generations as well. GRCF does this very well and is considered one of the top 50 non-profit organizations to work for by the Non-Profit Times.

9. Natural Resources Defense Council

With offices around the world the NRDC strives to promote a healthy relationship between mankind and the environment. The offer competitive benefits and pay to for-profit organizations, but one of the best things about working here, is that you get to make a difference. Conserving the earth’s natural resources and cutting down on and eliminating pollution are necessary steps in making mankind’s existence on earth sustainable, and that’s what employees at the NRDC do every day.

10. Make-a-Wish Foundation of America

What better job could there possibly be than making dreams come true? How about making the dreams of terminally ill children that do not have much time left to live? Working for the Make-a-Wish foundation is described by many employees as one of the most fulfilling things they can think of doing. This non-profit organization truly is one of the best.

The University of Kansas: BRG’s #1 Best College or University to Work For

In the Academic field it is easy for professors to feel as if they are just one among thousands, a cog in the machine of the modern education system. It is difficult to feel valued in an intellectual field when your input isn’t taken under advisement. These universities do an excellent job of involving their faculty in decision making and curriculum design. These universities recognize that university faculty is at its best when there is room for innovation. Not only do they allow for this, but they actively seek out faculty members who want to be a part of an active intellectual community committed to developing strong education strategies and changing the face of modern higher education. This makes these universities some of the strongest choices for those seeking institutions where their voice is valued and they are an integral part of the decision making process.  This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Colleges and Universities to Work For

1. The University of Kansas

This university places a high value on the input of its faculty in the decision making process and internal communications. Ideas from faculty members are regularly bounced around, debated and tweaked before being implemented. This combined with an emphasis on work-life balance that allows faculty and staff to manage their day to day personal responsibilities in conjunction with their work responsibilities makes this one of the best universities in the country to work for.

2. Iowa State University

This school offers strong benefits including child care subsidies and a strong tuition reimbursement program, generous vacation and sick days accrual. The university also boasts strong relationships between administration and faculty in which strong, unique teaching methods are encouraged.

3. Brigham Young University

At Brigham Young University the employee comes first and there is a strong emphasis on  real work-life balance. The college focuses on developing mutual respect and trust between faculty, staff and students. BYU offers strong benefits, with an emphasis not just on the commonplace insurance coverage, but also offering a tuition benefit that allows eligible employees to take six credits per semester, a wellness program and cross-campus employee discounts. BYU places emphasis on being a fantastic place from which to launch a career.

4. Georgia Institute of Technology

There are many amenities involved with working at Georgia Tech including discounts on everything from recreation center memberships to the university vision center. The University offers flexible work arrangements a child care center, employee assistance program, employee banking, and discounts on athletic events. Employees also enjoy free access to the Georgia Tech transportation services and the stingerette escort service (which provides safe transport of students, faculty and staff after hours).

5. Brown University

Brown University sports a wide array of benefits including strong educational benefits including an employee education program and a tuition aid program. Child care and backup child care services are also very convenient offerings. All of this combined with an intellectually rigorous and stimulating environment make Brown a strong choice in the higher education field.

6. Michigan State

MSU was named one of the top family friendly colleges in the country and it is readily apparent why. The Family Resource Center is extensive and provides employees with nearly every imaginable service to make life more manageable. One of the focus areas of the Family Resource Center is in supporting families going through life even changes, whether it be the loss of a loved one or the addition of a new loved one to the family through birth or adoption, the Family Resource Center is readily available to help employees manage the transition.

7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

MIT was recently distinguished as one of the top 50 places to work in Massachusetts. MIT has a reputation for attracting some of the greatest minds in the world, and keeping them. This is done through a combination of great benefits, working conditions and an academic culture that lends itself to employee satisfaction.

8. Cornell University

Winner of the Alfred P. Sloan Award for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility, named on the top Adoption Friendly Workplaces list by the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, and considered one of the best employers for working mothers, the list of awards and recognitions of Cornell for being an amazing place to work is long. The college offers great benefits and a supportive, flexible workplace that inspires employee loyalty like few institutions can.

9. University of Pennsylvania

With awards ranging from a Healthy Workplace Award, to being considered one of the top universities for a working parent to work at, or one of the top IT employers in the country, UPenn’s devotion to excellence is clearly not limited to its academic standards. The institution is devoted to offering a quality, caring workplace with excellent benefits.

10. North Carolina State University

This large state university distinguishes itself amongst other large universities in that employee satisfaction and the benefits offered are above and beyond that of most large universities. They host special employee events such as the Employee Appreciation Tailgate for which employees sign up and tailgate for one of the university’s football games and also get tickets to said game.

Accenture: BRG’s #1 Best Company for Working Moms

Being a working parent, particularly a working mother, is a daunting task. Some companies go above and beyond for their working moms and are committed to making sure that they do not have to choose between family and work. Many of these companies offer strong work/life programs, allow telecommuting, offer benefits that include backup child care and offer strong maternity leave and adoption benefits to make sure the mothers, and their families, are well taken care of. This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Employers for Working Moms

1. Accenture

Accenture is a consulting company that preaches employee trust, freedom and flexibility to its clients, and it makes sure to live by those rules as well. The vast majority of employees take advantage of the company’s policies that allows them to work odd hours and telecommute when necessary. Mothers get two months of fully paid maternity leave and may also return to work at reduced hours as they adjust. The company subsidizes up to 40 hours of backup childcare per year for parents in a pinch.

2. Lego Systems

Lego loves women and it shows in its policies. Health insurance is provided for women that work just 20 hrs per week, including in vitro and other fertility treatments. Three full months of paid maternity leave is the average and new mothers can take one additional month to phase back into their schedule at reduced hours. Lego also reimburses 100% of tuition to all of its employees.

3. Johnson and Johnson

Do you want to work for a company that will help you eat better, work out, quit smoking and live a generally healthier lifestyle? Johnson and Johnson does all of this and more. They have on-site health coaches and workouts from Zumba to Yoga to boot camp style workouts and if those don’t fit your immediate needs, the health coaches will help you come up with a customized routine to help get you where you want to be.

4. Booz Allen Hamilton

This technology and strategy consulting firm goes the extra mile in its offerings for working mothers. The company sets up a support system for families moving to new towns that helps build community for the family as well as helps them find the best place to live and the best schools. Eight weeks of fully paid maternity leave doesn’t hurt. The company also gives adoption leave of two weeks for newly adoptive parents and it runs seminars on international adoption for its staff.

5. American Express

This credit card company offers support to parents whether they are newly expecting or at a later stage of parenthood. The company puts an emphasis on healthy living and even provides employees with free generic drugs to help with some chronic illnesses as well as offering free access to a 24hr nursing hotline. The company has wellness centers at seven locations that mothers are free to access for advice and consultations from nurses, health coaches, dietitians and more. American Express also offers ten fully paid weeks of maternity leave which is among the highest available.

6. Yale University

If you want to foster dreams of greatness in your children, why not consider working at one of the world’s top universities? With access for employees and their children to all of the cultural happenings at Yale including but not limited to art exhibits and plays, children will be exposed to a rare and unique array of intellectual pursuits, and we can’t forget the libraries, which are some of the most extensive offered by any university. Mothers also may take advantage of the free babysitting service and 12 sick days per year that can be used to care for ailing family members.

7. Bank of America

Health insurance at 20hrs/week is a godsend in these times and that’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Bank of America’s offerings. Three full months of fully paid maternity leave, consulting for establishing strategies for financial stability and plans for the future, childcare subsidies,

8. Cornell University

Cornell has a “family helper” list made up of primarily students that are looking for paid opportunities to help with everything from house cleaning to child tutoring. Children get 50% off tuition and employees get free undergraduate and graduate degrees. Employee kids will also have 30% of their tuition covered should they elect to attend a different university.

9. Genentech

Ten weeks of paid maternity leave and 29 lactation rooms are both indications of how much Genentech loves women, particularly new moms. Opportunity is high for women at Genentech right now as the corporate leadership has just announced that they plan to increase the number of women in line for leadership positions by 50%, this means giving women better access to some of the best mentors in the biotech business.

10. SC Johnson

Company support groups for single moms, parents with teens, or special needs children, a subsidized concierge service to take time consuming tasks of the parents hands. Not only does SC Johnson have an on-site fitness center, they have an on-site medical clinic that does checkups and runs blood tests. After birth or adoption mothers can take up to six weeks partially paid and adoptive parents also receive a $5000 adoption credit.

Intel: BRG’s #1 Best Green Company to Work For

Over the course of the past thirty years the impact of human industry on the environment has been a growing concern. Many companies recycle and embrace green practices on some level, but some companies rise above the others, these are the companies that take extra steps to purchase green power. Power consumption is unavoidable for any company, large or small, and this makes companies that lead the way in the use of sustainable green power visionaries when it comes to reducing their impact on the environment on the fundamental level. This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Green Companies to Work For

If it is important to you to work for companies that are environmentally conscious, then this list is a great place to start.

1. Intel

Already one of the best companies to work for, Intel puts a special emphasis on using sustainable technology; not just in developing CPUs that are more energy efficient, but also in using green power. 88% of the power used by the company is sustainable green power. Intel does what it can to significantly reduce the environmental impact of it development and manufacturing.

2. Starbucks

52% of the power used by Starbucks is sustainable green energy. They also have started an initiative that is committed to each of their new locations being LEED certified, and have started the huge project of retrofitting older stores to make them more green friendly. They also offer a discount to customers that bring a reusable travel mug to cut down on disposable cup waste.

3. Johnson and Johnson

This healthcare company has been committed to developing environmentally friendly policies since the late 1980s and in 1999 established an initiative with the goal of reducing their overall carbon footprint by 7%. They embraced the practice of co-generation of energy using biomass boilers and solar and wind energy to offset their energy consumption. They are a large corporation with great benefits and coupled with their green initiatives they are a great place to work for the environmentally conscious employee.

4. Kohl’s Department Stores

Kohl’s is an environmentally conscious retail chain that uses renewable and sustainable energy for 100% of its energy consumption. The store strives to involve its employees in resource stewardship initiatives with the end goal of long term resource sustainability. Kohl’s offers great benefits including health insurance, 401k, and tuition reimbursement along with other niche offerings giving employees many options that fit their needs.

5. Whole Foods Markets

Whole Foods Markets, in addition to being one of the best companies overall to work for, also uses 106% green energy which means they actually put 6% of their energy consumption back into the grid, increasing the use of sustainable energy in the communities around them. This food chain, devoted to healthy organic alternatives attacks the environmental issues from every angle, right down to reusable bags.

6. Lockheed Martin

This defense contractor has many energy consumption reduction strategies including developing on-site renewable energy resources as well as instituting a green IT initiative to reduce to overall consumption of the company across the board. Offering great benefits and strong job opportunities for highly skilled employees, they are one of the best green companies to work for, as they are committed to finding long term energy solutions.

7. Carnegie Mellon University

One of the top universities in the country to work for, CMU uses 103% renewable energy resources meaning they actually feed green energy back into the grid. The university has twice won the Green Power Leadership Award (in 2001 and 2010) showing a historical consistency in their leadership of green initiatives.

8. Cisco Systems

Another one of the top overall companies to work for, the benefits offered by this tech giant are very strong as is their commitment to the environment. The are absolute believers in the idea that the growth of the company and protection of the environment can and should be mutually beneficial. At 27% green power consumption currently, the company has also been working on reducing their overall emissions by 25%.

9. University of Pennsylvania

This University, located in the heart of Philadelphia, uses solar and wind energy for 48% of its energy consumption, no small task when located in a large city where space is at a premium and green options are less accessible. They have financed the initiative to use this more expensive energy by pursuing an aggressive energy usage reduction initiative that has reduced their overall consumption by 18% in just a few years.

10. TD Bank N.A.

Located up and down the east coast TD Bank is one of the largest banks in the nation but that hasn’t stopped them from pursuing the usage of renewable energy. At 106% their usage is one of the highest to be seen putting that extra 6% back in the grid. The bank isn’t stopping there though, they are also doing major retrofittings of their stores to further cut down on their consumption.

Facebook: BRG’s #1 Best Technology Company to Work For

Tech companies have become known for offering not only high pay and benefits for skilled positions, but amazing perks as well. Many of these companies are in a tough place right now in terms of finding skilled individuals qualified for their openings. Many have thousands or hundreds of thousands of applicants and still find themselves importing employees due to a lack of skilled tech professionals in the market. This means that there is a premium for highly skilled employees based out of the United States. This article is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Tech Companies to Work For

1. Facebook

Social Networking and Media

In just eight years facebook has gone from being an upstart social networking website to receiving one of the highest IPO valuations in history. Many of its original employees and even employees starting as recently as 2007 stand to become multi-millionaires. The company offers competitive salary and top notch perks including free meals and fully stocked pantries on campus, subsidized public transportation and free company provided transportation to headquarters. New family enjoy benefits such as 4 months paid leave for new parents, $4,000 dollars in “baby cash” for new parents and new adoptive parents and reimbursement for daycare. Facebook offers 21 days of paid vacation, 11 company recognized holidays, and sickdays for when you need them. If all that wasn’t enough, the company also pays 100% of health insurance premiums and boasts state of the art fitness facilities at HQ and subsidized gym memberships for employees working elsewhere. Facebook is by far one of the top companies in the world to work for, offering perks and benefits that go far above and beyond those offered by most companies and rivaling the legendary offerings from companies like Google.

2. Microsoft

Software and Computer/Mobile Operating System Development

Microsoft takes care of its employees. Fully paid sabbaticals, incredible benefits (including 100% health coverage) subsidized gym memberships to make up for the lack of an on site fitness center, and similar perks to those of other major tech firms. All of this and the pay is still a good deal higher than average.

3. SAS Institute

Software Development

The commitment of SAS to its employees is unparallelled. They subsidize montessori child care, they have free health services, unlimited sick time, subsidized gym memberships. This is definitely a company that recognizes the value of their employees and isn’t afraid to let it show. With only 118 openings and over 60,000 applicants, they can have their pick of the cream but once the job is secured, employees receive the royal treatment.

4. Intuit

Software Development

The makers of the Turbo Tax software take steps to involve their employees in every aspect of the business. There is a formal rotation program and there are regular brainstorming sessions involving employees of all levels. There is four hours of unstructured time per week for employees to use to work on pet projects. Strong benefits and a good applicant-opening ratio makes this company a strong choice for those looking for a career in the tech world.

5. Adobe

Software Development

Adobe has great benefits and strong pay even for a tech firm. The most common non-salaried position is Executive Assistant 5 and that job clocks in at 92,000/year while the average pay of Computer Scientist 3, Software development, the most common salaried employee is a little over 10,000/year above that. Fully paid sabbaticals help employees maintain balance in a fast paced, results oriented field.

6. Intel

Hardware Development and Manufacturing

New employees at Intel are told “welcome to your next five jobs”. Employees move positions every 18-24 months, learning a variety of aspects of the trade. Fully paid sabbaticals, on site fitness center and many other perks and benefits make Intel a great place to be employed.

7. World Wide Technology

IT Services and Equipment Provider

This successful IT firm maintains that all of its success is due to its employees. The company offers competitive pay and very good benefits. The real hallmark though is the profit sharing program. The company will up its profit sharing rewards based on the company’s performance. For instance, in 2010, profit sharing rewards were doubled.

8. Qualcomm

Mobile Telecommunications Technology Development

A campus loaded with amazing perks and elaborate recreational facilities combines with a benefits package that includes 100% health insurance premium payment. Strong Tuition Reimbursement plans, 401k, adoption assistance, generous vacation accrual and an employee stock purchase plan.

8. Autodesk

Computer Aided Design Software Development

Fully paid sabbaticals mean every four years you can take a six week long fully paid leave. The other benefits are strong and average pay for a software engineer is well above the industry average at $150,000/year. The on-site fitness center and other perks such as a relaxed environment in which employees can bring their dogs to work make this company a great place to be employed.

9. Godaddy.com

Domain Name Hosting and Services

This domain name hosting and solutions company offers employees strong benefits and competitive pay as well as a positive, enthusiastic atmosphere. Insurance benefits are extensive and generous plans covering medical, dental, vision, life, and short or long term disability. The have expense saving programs that include transportation management, professional development and tuition reimbursement, subsidized lunches, beverage services, flex spending accounts for health care, dependent care flex spending accounts and adoption assistance. Godaddy.com also offers strong policies of personal time off, vacation days, holidays, sick time and parental leave. There is a great care at the company for the health of their employees and thus they have extensive employee health initiatives. Godaddy.com is a company that likes to celebrate success and does so in a few different ways; from their Go Daddy Cares community service initiatives, company parties, picnics and team build, to formal recognition events that single out exceptional employees, this company works hard and plays hard and most of all, it values its employees.

10. Hitachi Data Systems

Data Storage

Very competitive pay and strong benefits set HDS apart from many other companies, with some of the highest paid average salaried and non-salaried positions in the in the industry. The voluntary turnover is lower than the industry average and like many technology companies, it continues to grow despite the recession.

Deloitte: BRG’s #1 Best Company for Working from Home/Remote Employees

With the cost of commuting at an all time high telecommuting and telework have become a very attractive option, especially for the new generation of workers entering the workforce. Some companies offer attractive opportunities where much of the work can be done from a distance. Companies are learning to trust their employees and that people are often more efficient working from home than in the office and cutting down on the time and cost of commuting makes things run more smoothly and efficiently overall. This list is part of our feature on The Top 100 Best Companies to Work For in the U.S.

Ranking the Best Companies for Working from Home and Remote Employees

1. Deloitte

This auditing, tax and financial advisory firm allows the majority of their employees to telecommute a majority of the time. Some employees telecommute close to 100% of the time. At Deloitte 86% of employees are regular telecommuters which means they telecommute more than they physically commute.

2. Cisco

This IT technology giant has developed many of the systems that make telecommuting possible and they are strong believers in the technology. 85% of employees are regular telecommuters and there are certain jobs that are nearly 100% telecommuting. The benefits are fantastic and the company subsidizes the internet and phone bills of regular telecommuters.

3. Intel

Intel doesn’t offer any jobs that are 100% telecommuting, but the company is committed to offering the telecommuting option to employees that wish to take advantage of it to make their schedules as flexible as possible. 82% of employees do this, it gives working parents a great option if child care falls through. The benefits Intel offers are strong and the environment is one in which it is expected that everybody is interested in learning everybody else’s job and so every 18-24 months you can expect to be learning a new aspect of the process.

4. Accenture

Accenture has many employees that are 100% telecommuters. This corporate consultancy firm has a track record of advising clients to trust employees with flex schedules and telecommuting options and it models this in its own structure and methods. Accenture offers great benefits, especially for working mothers and the telecommuting option just makes this an even more attractive option.

5. Teach For America

Obviously teaching typically happens in person, but at Teach for America, the non-teaching positions by an large offer a telecommute option. For instance, director of digital marketing. The benefits are good, you help improve the education of Children and bring them hope, and you can do so from the comfort of your house. Granted, the teachers are the stars of Teach for America, but if that’s not your cup of tea, there are still many ways you can be involved, and many of those ways involve telecommuting.

6. Pricewaterhouse Coopers

This global consulting firm would be remiss if it didn’t offer telecommuting and indeed PWC offers some strong options. However it should be noted that because they are a global consulting firm, almost none of their positions are all telecommuting as, many of their positions require extensive travel.

7. Brocade Communications Systems

This networking technology firm is develops networking infrastructure solutions. One of the solutions is how to effectively telecommute and at least 50% of their employees telecommute more than 20% of the time and there are many positions that are majority telecommuting positions.

8. S.C. Johnson & Son

Most of the telecommuting options at S.C. Johnson & Son are in the marketing and accounting departments. They don’t release specific details about their telework options because they consider it a part of their competitive advantage but a strong 40% of their employees telecommute over 20% of the time and it is implied that there are some positions where the majority of work is via telecommunication.

9. Stryker

This medical device developer and manufacturer is one of the top companies in the country to work for in addition to offering telework options when possible. Some positions allow for more telework than others but at least 38% of employees are able to telecommute 20% of the time, some positions allow for more, some less, but the benefits and pay are competitive across the board.

10. American Fidelity Assurance

This insurance provider has a track record of employee fidelity that few companies can boast. 18% of employees have been with the company for more than 20 years. Salary and benefits are competitive and the company is working on offering extensive telework options to attract a new generation of employees.

1. Dreamworks Animation

Employees cite a family feel as one of the best aspects of working for Dreamworks Animation. It is often the sentiment that the CEO strives to find ways to make it feel as if there are only 200 employees instead of 2,000. Dreamworks Animation is one of the top studios in the business and employs the best of the best and can only do so by offering amazing benefits, perks and above average salary.

2. Valve

This small video game development company has made many waves in the industry over the past 15 years. They are well known for making some of the best video games in the history of the industry, and equally well known for operating on what is commonly referred to as “Valve Time”. They have a habit of releasing games much later than their customers would like. This is partly due to the unique culture at the studio, where employees can work on whatever they wish. Employees work in “cabals”, every desk is mobile and there are ample empty conference rooms, anybody with an idea can move their desk to a new room and others that show interest are free to join them in brainstorming the new idea. This has resulted in some of the most innovative, high quality games the industry has seen in the last ten years.

3. Rackspace Hosting

Nothing motivates employees like being awarded stock and a share of the company’s profits and that’s just what Rackspace Hosting does for its “rackers”. The company offers top of the line benefits and pay. A couple of employees took issue with its #74 position on the Fortune list saying they believed it should be ranked closer to the #1 spot.

4. Ultimate Software

100% health insurance coverage is just one of the reasons employees love Ultimate Software. This developer of HR software treats its employees like family and it shows in the company’s 4% voluntary turnover, one of the lowest in the entire software industry. Employees cite the devotion of the CEO Scott Scherr and his wife Vivian to their “ultimate people” as one of the main reasons they would never consider working anywhere else.

5. Baker Donelson

Employees often can’t believe the caring, family atmosphere present in this southern law firm. The sacrificial mentality plays a big part in that. Top level employees and partners care for and help out lower level employees going through hard times. It’s the kind of atmosphere that’s so rare, especially at successful law firms, that many employees struggle to even explain it in terms others can understand fully.

6. Bright Horizons

It stands to reason that a company that specializes in providing work-life solutions for employees of major corporations around the world would also be a strong choice of workplace and Bright Horizons is just that. This company offers strong work-life benefits including paid sicktime, holiday and vacation time. They also offer a child care discount and a program that allows employees to pay their child care tuition on a pre-tax basis. The company supports the continuing education of their employees with a generous tuition reimbursement program and is a member of WageWorks which is a program that allows employees in major United States cities to save up to 40% on the ever increasing cost of commuting. All of this plus the satisfaction of offering quality work-life solutions to employees around the country makes Bright Horizons a great company with which to build a career.

7. Zappos.com

Employees at Zappos derive great satisfaction from working in a culture where individuality and personality are not only tolerated, but encouraged. The pay and benefits are top notch as well but those even seem to be a secondary concern to employees as they state that the real attraction is the friends and family feel the company fosters.

8. Navy Federal Credit Union

This Credit Union serves the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Department of Defense, and their families; offering top notch banking services and benefits to their customers. They also offer very strong benefits to their employees. They offer strong paid vacation time, holidays, sick leave, paid leave programs for jury duty and military duty and the employee leave donation program which allows employees to donate their leave to another employee facing serious crises in their life. The health plans, and work-life services are also very strong especially for this level of employment. It’s clear that the Navy Federal Credit Union cares as much for its employees as it does for its clients.

9. Costco

This wholesale retail club treats its employees like gold. Basic entry level jobs such as checking the cards as people come in the door start at $19+ per hour. The benefits package is incredibly strong and the company puts an emphasis on employee wellness and subsidizes memberships at local gyms. There is also an employee counseling service for those going through difficult times, and a great smoking cessation program with 24/7 support.

10. Salesforce.com

This company is devoted to charitable causes. They gave away 3 million dollars last year and employees get trained in community service as well as their areas of work. Each employee gets six days off every year to work for charitable causes. This kind of caring about those outside the company means that the same compassion and ideals are embraced within company culture and that makes them somewhere most people would love working.

11. Autodesk – Computer Aided Design Software Development

Fully paid sabbaticals mean every four years you can take a six week long fully paid leave. The other benefits are strong and average pay for a software engineer is well above the industry average at $150,000/year. The on-site fitness center and other perks such as a relaxed environment in which employees can bring their dogs to work make this company a great place to be employed.

12. General Mills

This company is devoted to its employees. The large majority of management in the company is promoted from within, many work their way up from entry level positions. This kind of commitment to employee growth is rare and it makes even low rung, entry level employees feel appreciated and that they have a real future at the company. The voluntary turnover is miniscule at 3% reflecting that employees understand they are appreciated and have a future with the company.

13. Mercedes-Benz USA

Competitive pay, strong medical, dental and vision plans and a competitive 401k matching program are some of the highlights of the benefits provided for Mercedes-Benz USA employees. Other great benefits are automatic days off for weddings, moving, and birth or adoption. Flex spending accounts and Accidental Death and Disability insurance. Mercedes-Benz USA employees also enjoy 15 holiday and floater days as well. The company is committed to excellence in automotive manufacturing and treats its employees as they are, the best in the field.

14. Darden Restaurants

Darden stands out in the foodservice industry as one of the best major companies to work for. The pay is competitive with other chains, and the emphasis on diversity and equality as well as providing a safe, non-hostile work environment put it a step above many others. It may not seem glamorous or ideal in comparison to many other companies on this list, but good jobs in foodservice are hard to find, and Darden has a remarkably low voluntary turnover rate in comparison to other options.