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This year, surprisingly, Google’s two year reign at the top of the list was ended as it slipped to number four. Taking its place is NetApp’s at number one; followed by Edward Jones and Boston Consulting.
According to the magazine, NetApp achieved the number one spot due to its “down-to-earth management ethos” and a series of top perks including five paid days for volunteer work, $11,390 adoption aid, and autism coverage. The company is also one of the few to have actually gained market shares during the recession and has not had to lay off employs. The company jumped 13 spots since last year to achieve the coveted top position.
The rankings are determined through an extensive surveying process. According to Reuters, Fortune polled more than 81,000 randomly selected employees at 353 companies, using a 57-question survey. Two-thirds of a company's score was based on survey results and the balance was based on studies about demographics, pay, benefits, communication and other factors. To be eligible, companies must have more than 1,000 U.S. employees and be at least 7 years old.
The list then further classified the companies based on characteristics such as the highest pay rate and the companies with the best perks. These perks included health care, child care, telecommuting and sabbaticals. The list also presents perks that are a bit further off the beaten track such as Wegman’s Food Markets discount on groceries, Vanderbilt University’s scholarship for kids and Baptist Health South Florida’s help buying a home.
Of course the list is subject to contradictions. Comments on the Fortune website include:
You need to seriously re-evaluate your criteria. It’s obvious Edward Jones is buying their way onto this list. And fluffing the figures they provide you as well. Posted By disgrunteled at EdJ, St Louis.
Please check your facts! Kimley-Horn and Associates do not really belong here in my opinion. My old office on the west coast had a 50-60% layoff just before the yearly bonuses were paid off. Posted By HealthNut, Chicago IL
Despite these reservations, considering the economic recession and the global banking crisis, perhaps taking a few minutes to review the list may be appropriate. According to Fortune; of the 100 companies, 73 are hiring, and the open positions are identified alongside the list on the magazines website.
By: Alberto Ramos Cordero
Posted January 22nd, 2009 by Alberto
