In the nationwide tally, west coast biotechnology giant Genentech bumped Wegman's Food Markets (last year's winner) down to second place. One startling statistic -- 95% of Genentech's 8,000 plus employees own company stock. This certainly contributes to employee satisfaction. The stock (with the appropriate ticker DNA) almost doubled in value last year!
However, if joining the biotechnology revolution in California isn't in your future, there are two South Florida-based companies on the list, too. They are:
JM Family Enterprises: Ranked 40, based in Deerfield Beach. This Toyota dealership has six dealerships between Miami and Homestead, including Potamkin Toyota and Kendall Toyota. Employees’ favorite perk? Employees are flown to the Bahamas for cruises on the private company yacht. Does this count as vacation time? They added 333 new jobs last year, so get your applications in now!
Baptist Health Systems: Ranked 59, based in Coral Gables. With the acquisition of Doctor’s Hospital, new off-site treatment centers and a number of new urgent care centers, there is tremendous growth for Baptist. With this growth will come more jobs -- in fact, they opened 245 new positions in 2005. Employees cited among their favorite perks the extensive wellness plan which includes a free fitness center and health screenings. The voluntary turnover rate is 7%, which is evidence of the high employee satisfaction.
There are plenty of other places on the list with locations in and around Miami, such as the Container Store (#6), Edward Jones Investments (#16), Starbucks (#29), American Express (#37), Publix (#56), Sherwin Williams (#61), FedEx (#64), Washington Mutual (#87), Men's Wearhouse (#92), CarMax (#93) and Marriott International (#99). Ratings are calculated largely based on employee evaluations and comments, as well as company policies and principles. If your company is not on the list this year, you can always e-mail the magazine for consideration next year. Or, you may want to consider sending your employees on a cruise to the Bahamas!
