Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) announced that it ranked number 12 on FORTUNE magazine’s 2009 list of “100 Best Companies to Work For.” REI is one of five organizations to be recognized on the list each year since the rankings were introduced in 1984.


 “REI prides itself on attracting talented and passionate employees, and it is through their dedication that we earned this recognition,” said Sally Jewell, REI president and CEO. “In these uncertain times, our employees’ commitment to helping our members and customers deepen their connection to nature and the outdoors, while supporting communities across the country with volunteerism and environmental stewardship, continues to make REI an inspiring place to work and shop.”

According to REI, the retailer offers a unique benefits program to its employees, such as healthcare options for full- and part-time employees, employee gear grants, gear and apparel discounts, free equipment rentals, public transit subsidy, adoption assistance and paid sabbaticals after 15 years of service.


To determine the list of “100 Best Companies to Work For,” FORTUNE works with the Great Place to Work Institute, a global research and consulting firm, to survey 400 randomly selected employees of each organization. Two-thirds of the ranking is based on these employee surveys with the remainder dependent on the company’s response to questions regarding demographics, pay and benefits, philosophy, communication and more.