More than 2,300 companies were nominated or asked to participate in the 2018 Top Workplaces contest by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and its partner, Energage (formerly Workplace Dynamics). Employees across the metro area responded to print and online solicitations that began appearing in September. Using survey results, a list of 150 workplaces was compiled, consisting of 25 large companies (listed below; 500 or more employees), 50 midsize companies (150-499 employees) and 75 small companies (149 or fewer employees).
2. Woodward Academy
Woodward Academy, Atlanta’s oldest private school, is in the top five for the eighth consecutive year. It was the top-ranked company in 2017, 2012 and 2011. The school, founded in 1900, has 2,700 students and 746 employees at its College Park and Johns Creek campuses. Employees praise the transparency at Woodward, led by Stuart Gulley, winner of the 2018 Top Workplaces Leadership in a large business special award. Benefits include low-deductible medical plans with no coinsurance and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts for childcare and medical expenses. Employees participate in free workout classes and, for their financial health, Woodward offers SunTrust’s Momentum onUp program. Retirement plans include a 403(b) plan that matches 100 percent of employee contributions, up to 6 percent of their annual earnings. Additional benefits include life insurance (200 percent of an employee’s annual earnings).
»RELATED: Here are all the winners from AJC's 2018 Top Workplaces awards
3. Salesforce
Salesforce was the 2016 top-ranked large company and has been consistently in the top five. The public computer software firm, founded in 1999 and based in San Francisco, has 541 employees in Atlanta. Its time off and leave policy includes 26 weeks of maternity and paternity leave. Employees can take 56 hours off to volunteer, assisting organizations such as PAWS Atlanta and Atlanta Community Food Bank. Other ways to pay it forward include the annual Anti-Hunger Games food drive. Employees and families gather for annual picnic and field day, bowling nights, marching in the Atlanta Pride Parade and other events. The office provides snacks and meditation rooms; other perks include $100 a month for wellness, from gym memberships to massages. Salesforce, a leader in customer relationship management, has 30,000 global employees and $8.4 billion in 2017 revenue.
4. Arrow Exterminators
In its first year on the list, Atlanta-based Arrow Exterminators landed a spot in the top five. The private pest and termite control company was founded in 1964. The family-owned and operated company has 2,000 U.S. employees, including 756 workers in its 35 Atlanta locations, and revenue of $186 million. Arrow supports organizations such as Emory University Winship Cancer Institute and Special Olympics Georgia. A company fundraiser for the March of Dimes raised more than $44,000 in 2017. Hard-working employees are rewarded with Caribbean vacations. Benefits include the use of company vehicles, professional development training, a 401(k) with a company match and medical/dental/vision plans.
5. Ultimate Software
Ultimate Software, founded in 1990, is in the top five for its first year on the list and winner of the 2018 Top Workplaces Ethics special award. The provider of cloud-based human capital management solutions has 809 employees in Atlanta and Alpharetta. New hires begin with an expense-paid “Ultimization” orientation at its Weston, Fla., headquarters and receive restricted stock units. Employees and families receive 100 percent-paid medical benefits. Flexible hours, telecommuting, unlimited paid time off, and maternity, paternity and adoption leave also show its “People First” principle. Employee 401(k) contributions are matched at 40 percent. Perks include on-site massages, yoga, salsa and fitness classes, bowling contests and an ice cream truck. Employees receive two paid days to volunteer. The public company with more than 4,100 global employees had $781.3 million in 2016 revenue.
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