For many of Glassdoor’s 2018 Employees’ Choice Award for Best Places to Work winners, this year marks the first time their company has made our annual list. It’s real validation of these companies’ commitment to strong cultures and their people.
Says Brian Bjelde, Vice President of Human Resources at SpaceX (which was a first-time winner last year): “We’ve got many thousands of employees here in L.A. now, and you can’t go anywhere without seeing the SpaceX gear. Restaurants, bars, movie theaters… you name it. They’re just so proud. I think that having your third-party recognition added kindling to the fire.”
In honor of our first-time winners and their people-first workplaces, here’s a collection of the top 10 small-to-medium and top 10 large companies that are brand new to the Best Places to Work list and words of praise from the people who know them best: their employees.
Top 10 First-Time U.S. Large Companies
1. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (#9)
“The people here are fantastic and welcoming! It feels more like a family career than just a job. The researchers and facilities are top notch, and everything is collaborative. We have one common goal, a focused purpose left to us by Danny Thomas, and we will succeed!” - Associate Scientist
2. Ultimate Software (#10)
“The culture and the values are truly the foundation of this place. The culture of caring for People First comes from our CEO and it is felt and shared by almost everyone. Everyone is welcome, women are empowered, minorities are empowered. Hard work is recognized and pays off.” - Specialty Support Specialist
3. Academy Mortgage (#18)
“Academy's management truly cares about the customer, AND the employee. Where other companies talk about doing what is best for the customer, Academy actually lives up to that promise.” - Vendor Manager
4. AvalonBay Communities (#26)
“Spirit of Caring is real. Partners with American Red Cross to hold on site blood drives and offers a company match during times of disaster. Pays associates their full salary to volunteer at company-sponsored events (Habitat for Humanity builds, ForKids builds, regattas, food packing, etc.).” - Middle Management
5. Blizzard Entertainment (#28)
“The work can be challenging no doubt, but that's part of the attraction to me - building things that we can't build on our own, and being a part of something that entertains and enriches so many. The culture is organic and evolves, and the pride of craftsmanship is evident everywhere on campus. Great perks, fantastic benefits, and they work hard to keep their talent!” - Business Operations
6. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital (#32)
“You'll never find benefits this good at another job. People are cool to work with. Overall more laid back culture than you'd find at a profit hungry company. Also a gigantic hospital with endless opportunities.” - Staff Accountant
7. VMware (#33)
“The culture is amazing, work life balance is great, technology and products are great. We have extremely talented folks who are ready to go the extra mile for the customer. The compensation & benefits are one of the best in Bay Area.” - Customer Success Manager
8. Boston Scientific (#35)
“Great systems, processes in place that'll give you wonderful experience. Great company culture, employee first attitude, flex hours & benefits. Make you feel part of the company.” - Senior Quality Engineer
9. Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants (#37)
“If you are looking for an organization who has your back, supports you, develops you and trusts your entrepreneurial spirit then this is where you want to be. Many companies value average results and average experiences. At Kimpton I am part of a culture that challenges me to be my best self, challenges me to be a leader in the industry and also surrounds my team and I with some of the best leaders in the industry.” - Director of Food and Beverage
10. Ellie Mae (#40)
“Teams are very collaborative and everybody's input is valued. 'You build it, you own it' philosophy ensures that every team feels a strong sense of ownership towards everything they build.” - Software Engineer
Top 10 First-Time U.S. SMB Companies
1. Silverline (#1)
“You CAN have a job that you love, at a company you admire, with phenomenal coworkers (both in terms of personality and productivity) - Silverline's got it all.” - Executive Assistant
2. New Home Star (#2)
“If you're looking for a company that values a strong work ethic, hard work, commitment, and loyalty, this is the place for you. Whether it's management, support, or sales teammates, the culture is aimed at setting everyone up for success and making everyone feel valued.” - Community Sales Manager
3. Next Century (#3)
“Great culture with top-tier talent. Work-life balance is not just a buzz-phrase - it's enforced.” - Software Engineer
4. Acceleration Partners (#4)
“AP is a very unique company that is so introspective and conscientious. Every employee contributes to the success of the company. We often have group-share times when the whole company will help strategize with an individual on a challenge or opportunity.” - Account Manager
5. Zoom Video Communications (#5)
“From the top down this place is all about delivering happiness. That is the slogan for the company btw. It is about delivering happiness to customers and to each other (employees).” - Data Scientist
6. OppLoans (#6)
“OppLoans is truly a family orientated environment. Never a dull moment here, from the game nights, company outings and the food they always feed us is great. This is a place where your voice matters.” - Loan Processor
7. Glint (#7)
“We are lucky enough to work for a company whose mission is to make people happier and more successful at work!!! How awesome is that? Not to mention our technology is the best in the industry.” - Enterprise Account Executive
8. LifeChurch (#8)
“Vision oriented, mission focused, life-giving workplace that constantly challenges and pushes you to grow. Working at Life.Church means contributing to an organization that is a making a drastic difference in people's lives around the globe.” - LifeKids Pastor
9. CB Insights (#9)
“The company leadership is really well respected and very transparent with employees. I would so highly recommend this team for anyone interested in data-driven journalism and in knowing everything there is to know about the tech world.” - Analyst
10. CarShield (#10)
“Friendly coworkers and management, great scheduling. Benefits, overtime, and a great bonus structure. Plus the satisfaction of helping people in need.” - Renewal Screener
Want to get your company on the list in 2019?
Discover what your company can do in 2018 to make the 2019 list in our Official Best Places to Work Guide. For a behind-the-scenes look into what sets winning cultures apart, download our eBook, Culture Codes of Best Places to Work.
