Publix Super Markets

Employees say:

"People care about you here. I’ve never had a job where management cared about their employees as people. They provide mentorship, and want you to succeed and move up in the company. They are also always willing to work with you if you need time off. Employees are also friendly and take value in their work."

Employees say:

"People care about you here. I’ve never had a job where management cared about their employees as people. They provide mentorship, and want you to succeed and move up in the company. They are also always willing to work with you if you need time off. Employees are also friendly and take value in their work."

It’s year 27 on the list for this grocery retailer, which operates in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia—and this year opened operations in Kentucky. The company is over 90 years old and currently operates more than 1,365 grocery stores, 370 liquor stores, and 14 stand-alone pharmacies. Its success seems to start in the company culture—new hires are oriented by Publix cultural ambassadors, who range from age 19 to 72, on their first day. It also helps associates volunteer at state parks through their two annual environmental weeks. Last spring, over 6,200 employees volunteered at hundreds of state parks, gardens, and zoos to clean up waterways, remove invasive plants, and complete repairs. In September, just under 6,300 associates volunteered to help people facing food insecurity. The company also expanded its paid parental leave policy to allow anyone who has welcomed a new child in their lives an option for paid time off during the first year following birth or adoption. 

• Association Appreciate Visits give store associates the chance to directly meet, engage with, and ask questions of senior management.


• Eligible employees can become company owners in one of three ways: through 401(k) contributions, purchasing stock, and the employee stock ownership plan.


• Full- and part-time associates working an average of 10 hours per week can access some tuition reimbursement in approved fields and for associate degrees or GEDs.


• Publix partners with Urban League affiliates to provide career development courses for associates.


• No Publix has ever conducted a layoff.