The Sporting Goods industry was once again shown to be a good place to work as Fortune Magazine released its list of the “100 Best Companies to Work for in America” with four sporting goods manufacturers in the Top 100 and two in the Top 10. W.L. Gore & Associates was tops on the Sporting Goods end of things at number five overall and second among mid-sized companies.
Recreational Equipment, Inc. found itself in the Top 10 for the first time at ninth overall and fifth among midsized companies. “Achieving recognition as one of the '100 Best' is a huge honor, and a tribute to our employees for making REI a great place to work year after year,” said REI President and CEO Sally Jewell.
REI is one of two outdoor specialty retailers to be included on the list, and one of only seven companies to have been included on each of the magazine lists and two book versions.
This month REI, long recognized for having one of the most progressive employee benefit programs in the retail industry, began offering healthcare and dental plans as well as company-paid life insurance benefits to part-time team members and seasonal staff who work less than the 20-hour per week threshold required previously.
Textile manufacturer, Milliken & Co. found themselves at 38 on the list, followed by Timberland at 41. Fortune cited programs giving employees a $3,000 credit for buying a hybrid vehicle and up to 40 hours pay for volunteer work as reasons for Timberlands ranking.
Rounding out the Top 100 was Nike Inc. at number 100. The sporting goods giant found its work in preventing sweatshop labor and its employee-friendly campus, along with its diverse workforce as factors behind their inclusion on the list.
