TVA, Unum, Mohawk on Forbes list of best employers

Over the past three years, the Tennessee Valley Authority has cut nearly 2,000 jobs and trimmed $800 million in annual operating expenses while shutting down aging coal plants in three states.

But even with a leaner staff and budget, America’s biggest government utility still earned a spot among the 500 best places to work in America in the annual list prepared by Forbes magazine.

“I know this has been hard and we’ve had to make tough choices to serve the people of the Valley, but I am quite pleased with what you’ve accomplished — you have made TVA one of America’s best,” TVA CEO Bill Johnson told workers during a board meeting this week in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

TVA is one of three major area employers Forbes identified on its annual list of the best places to work. The magazine ranking is based upon online surveys of more

than 30,000 employees and an analysis by digital data collection partner Statista.

The highest ranked locally based employer on Forbes list for 2017 is Mohawk Industries, the world’s biggest floorcovering company with more than 34,000 employees. Mohawk, which also was on the Forbes list of best employers a year ago, moved up 82 spots in the latest ranking.

“We’re proud to be included on Forbes’ list of America’s best large employers, particularly because the rankings are based on employee satisfaction,” said Phil Brown, Mohawk’s senior vice president of human resources.

Lennie Nicholson, a Dalton, Ga.-based claims analyst who has devoted more than 50 years to Mohawk, credited the company’s culture as a primary reasons why people enjoy working at Mohawk.

“I never had a reason to leave,” Nicholson said. “The culture of our business and the support I’ve always had here makes Mohawk feel like family.”

Mohawk, which is based in Calhoun, Ga., is one of 17 companies on the Forbes list of best employers in Georgia. Tennessee has seven employers on the list, including the Chattanooga-based Unum Group.

Unum has been on the Forbes list of best employers for three years.

“This recognition is most meaningful because it comes as a result of feedback from employees,” Unum CEO Rick McKenney said Friday. “We’re dedicated to building a dynamic and welcoming workplace that encourages collaboration and values every voice.”

Contact Dave Flessner at dflessner@timesfreepress.com or at 423-757-6340.