If you're looking for a great place to work, your search might end right here in metro Atlanta – home to three of four Georgia businesses that made FORTUNE magazine's annual list of "100 Best Companies to Work For."
Legal giant Alston & Bird ranked highest for Georgia businesses, remaining at no. 41 on the list. As in prior years, Alston & Bird was one of only a handful of law firms recognized in the survey. 2016 marks the 17th consecutive year the firm has been part of FORTUNE's top 100.
Almost 700 Alston & Bird employees were surveyed, with 93 percent saying the firm is a great place to work.
"Creating a winning culture that energizes all attorneys and staff with a passion for service and teamwork creates tremendous advantage for our clients," said Cathy Benton, chief human resources officer for the firm. "I'm incredibly proud of all our people and their dedication to making Alston & Bird an employer of choice."
Coming in second for Georgia businesses was Columbus-based Aflac Insurance. The company dropped one spot from the 2015 report to no. 50, but has still been in the top 100 for 18 consecutive years.
» Georgia business joins 'Top 100 Companies' list for record 18th year «
"It's an incredible honor," said Aflac chairman and CEO Dan Amos. "It's only fitting that our employees have the opportunity to work in an environment of integrity, respect, ethics, enjoyment and amity."
The Career Success Center, a full-time office created in 2014 to help employees guide their career paths, is a hallmark among Aflac employees. They can learn about opportunities for potential advancement, get help with their resumes and practice interview skills. More than 1,300 employees have used the services of the Career Success Center, with 34 percent using what they learn to earn promotions or positions that are more suitable for career enhancement.
Children's Healthcare of Atlanta is Georgia's largest healthcare provider for children and one of the largest pediatric clinical care providers in the country. It's also one of the nation's top companies to work for, joining FORTUNE's list for the 11th consecutive year (no. 78 for 2016).
The hospital system offers many unique programs for employees, including Strong4Life wellness programs, onsite massage, concierge services, infertility and adoption assistance plans and more.
"Children's supports me as a working mother by offering me the time to do my job and to volunteer at my son's school," said Annie Mullins, manager of physician education and medical libraries. "Additionally, they provide great services like Back-Up Care, which I use during days when my children don't have school but I need to be onsite for work. I appreciate the flexibility my director gives me to be both a great mom and an effective leader."
Another healthcare provider, WellStar, made FORTUNE's top 100 list for the third consecutive year, coming in at no. 93.
"This award is a reflection of WellStar's commitment to taking care of its team members, who are dedicated to taking care of others," said David Anderson, executive vice president of human resources, organizational learning and chief compliance officer.
"Our culture is built upon a foundation of transparency, integrity and confidence among our team members," Anderson continued. "It not only ensures we can recruit and retain top talent, but also is a critical component of achieving our vision to deliver world-class healthcare."
Hundreds of companies vie for a place on FORTUNE's list each year. Applicant companies opt to participate in the selection process, which includes an employee survey and an in-depth questionnaire about their programs and company practices. Great Place to Work® then evaluates each application using its unique methodology based on five dimensions: credibility, respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.
Click here to see the complete 2016 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list.
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