Lululemon was the highest-ranked retailer in Glassdoor’s “2018 Best Places to Work” survey for U.S. companies. Lululemon was ranked 6. Other companies in the active space making the top-100 list included Nike, ranked 53; REI, 61; and Adidas, 93.

The scores are based on the input of employees who voluntarily provide anonymous feedback on jobs marketplace and reviews site’s website, by completing a company review about their job, work environment and employer over the past year. The top-100 U.S. list honored employers with 1,000 or more employees.

Winners are ranked based on their overall rating achieved during the past year. Ratings based on a 5-point scale: 1.0=very dissatisfied, 3.0=OK, 5.0=very satisfied. Actual calculations extend beyond the thousandth decimal place.

Lululemon scored a rating of 4.6. Among its reviews, the yoga-themed chain gets commended for their focus on helping employees with personal and career goals, including offering paid time-off to attend development and leadership classes. Other pros of working at Lululemon is work/life balance, each store’s community focus and two free workouts a week at nearby yoga and fitness studios.

Lululemon ranked 38 in Glassdoor’s 2017 survey.

Among the comments from reviewers:

  • “The company truly cares about employees and professional development. There is significant opportunity for advancement. Work/life balance and health are top priorities for the company. Leadership events, paid time off, reimbursement for community exercise classes, and just an overall fun place to work. Also, team commission creates a more positive team environment than individual commission sales.”
  • “One of the best jobs I’ve ever had – learned so much about how to be a leader and treat other people.”

Nike scored at 4.3 in the 2018 survey and it’s continually ranked as a top employer over the survey’s 10 years. Best Places to Work in past years include: 2016 (#47), 2015 (#25), 2014 (#29), 2012 (#35), 2011 (#47), and 2009 (#22).

According to reviews, Nike likewise gets called out for work/life balance and community focus. The Nike culture, led by managers, and the ability to advance was also mentioned. Many of the reviews are from store employees and most called out Nike’s generous discount as well as the ability to wear Nike’s clothes on the selling floor.

Among the reviews:

  • “Brilliant brand, products and technology with amazing people and overall strong teamwork. In the right group, you can thrive.”
  • “Tons of pros! Pay was a bit higher than minimum wage, huge employee back room, lots of treats for Christmas and fun dynamics like sock day, hat day, ugly sweater day, etc. The employee discount was the best part!”

REI also scored a 4.3. Its ranking in past years include 2016 (#45), 2013 (#21), 2012 (#8), 2011 (#40). REI was credited for its friendly and passionate co-workers, competitive pay, health insurance, pro-deals and generous discount.

Among the comments:

  • “Great work/life balance, employee focused company, great discounts on gear, overall positive culture.”
  • “REI is a company that is very concerned with the well-being of its employees. From yearly gifts, PTO, and retirement investments, REI shows its commitment to fostering a great employee workplace.”

Adidas also scored a 4.3 and appears to have landed on the top-100 list for the first time in the ten-year survey. Like Nike, many of the reviews came from retail associates and the employee discount (30 percent in-store and 50 percent online) was called out as a huge plus by many. Other pros for working at Adidas included the product, culture, teamwork attitude and benefits.

Among the comments:

  • “Great energy and good vibes within the work environment. adidas puts much effort into looking after their employees.”
  • “Fun and exciting company to work for, with lots of great employee deals on products.”

The winners were ranked based on their overall rating achieved during the past year. The site also includes ratings for many other major firms in the active lifestyle sector although they’re based on scores from all reviews on Glassdoor’s site.

According to all reviews on the site, Under Armour scored an average rating of 3.7; Columbia Sportswear, 3.4; The North Face, 3.6; Wolverine Worldwide, 3.1;  Vans, 3.8; Brooks Running, 2.7; Skechers U.S.A., 3.2; Fitbit, 3.2; Patagonia, 4.1; New Balance, 3.6; Deckers Brands, 3.6; and Garmin, 3.8.

Among retailers, Dick’s Sporting Goods earned an average review rating of 3.4 based on all its reviews on the site, Academy Sports + Outdoors was at 3.3; Hibbett Sports, 3.4; Finish Line, 3.4; L.L. Bean, 3.7; Bass Pro, 3.1; Big 5 Sporting Goods, 3.2; Modell’s Sporting Goods, 3.2; Dunham’s Sports, 2.7; and Olympia Sports, 2.6.

Photo courtesy Lululemon