Grainger is an industrial-supply distribution company, focused on safety, security, and storage equipment, along with cleaning, metalworking, and hand tools. As of 2025, it offers over 30 million products to some 4.5 million customers worldwide, but its services are primarily in North America, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The company was founded in 1927.
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15 Best Large Workplaces in Chicago 2025
Employees say:
"For me Grainger is an amazing place to work. I can honestly say that both my team and manager care about me, they want to see me succeed at work and my personal life. My team is like an extension of my family. There are so many opportunities for employees here at Grainger—you can move up, move over, or move around to find that position that works best for you. My job/career means a lot to me, and this is where I plan to work until I retire. I tell my friends and family how great it is here and if they are ever looking for a new career/job to come work here because they will also love it as much as I do."
"Our culture is one that is very special and not like other places I've worked. From our opportunities for advancement, a culture of recognition, individual team cultures, the collaborative nature, the focus on DEI, BRG involvement, and volunteer opportunities, it's my home."
"Everyone here makes you feel like you are family - This is something the other companies "try" to achieve but Grainger makes it happen from the get-go. I am VERY proud and blessed to be working with my Grainger Family."
Grainger is the country’s leading distributor of maintenance, repair, and supplies for industries like hardware, lighting, and plumbing. Established in 1927, the company now operates the 11th largest online e-commerce site by revenue.
Grainger is building two new distribution centers in the U.S., and is adding 3.5 million square feet to its supply chain network for a more than 35% increase in overall warehouse space.
In 2022, the company trained all of its team members in a DEI learning course, focusing on unconscious bias and how it emerges in day-to-day work. It aims to have half of its senior leadership roles filled by women by 2030. Currently, its CEO’s leadership team is 43% women while 29% is racially diverse.
Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For 2023 This long-standing industrial supply company is adapting to the changing times with an emphasis on diversity.
In the last year, Grainger implemented a technology tool to remove noninclusive language from over 400 job postings; after the revisions went live, the pool of female applicants increased by 15%.
A mandatory e-learning course for leaders tackles unconscious bias, including how it may emerge in day-to-day work and behaviors for managing it.
Senior leadership values transparency, holding monthly calls with all employees to address questions ranging from business operations questions to U.S. Supreme Court decisions to employee compensation.
“Every team member I have encountered during my time at Grainger so far is caring and willing to help each individual succeed,” said one worker. “You are welcomed with open arms, work together as one team, and [colleagues are] willing to help you develop professionally and personally.”
15 Best Large Workplaces in Chicago 2023 Employees say:
"Grainger does a fantastic job of making sure everybody is able to show up as their true selves. There are multiple BRGs that people can join to feel more connected and informed. Grainger also does a really awesome job of supporting individuals' desires to grow professionally, and offers numerous courses that you can take to grow in your skillset while gaining new knowledge."
100 Best Large Workplaces for Women 2023 Employees say:
"Grainger is the best company I've ever worked for. They go above and beyond to be inclusive to all of our team members. They genuinely seek out feedback from their team members and actually take action on that feedback whenever possible. We're provided more benefits than most other companies and are also paid fairly for the work we do."
100 Best Large Workplaces for Millennials 2023 Employees say:
"Senior leadership invests a lot of time in being transparent about the company’s direction. They strive to foster an inclusive environment, and they genuinely care about the employees. This culture has led to a stronger frontline leadership team. That makes all the difference in wanting to remain with Grainger and knowing it is a great place to work!"
