Millennials rank Ultimate top workplace

S. Fla. tech firm leads Forbes survey

Every workplace wants to attract millennials — and some South Florida employers have won national recognition while achieving the goal.

For its efforts, Ultimate Software emerged atop the 2017 list of 100 “Best Workplaces for Millennials” compiled by Great Places to Work and Fortune magazine.

This is the first time the Weston software developer has led the coveted list, although it ranked No. 5 in 2016 and No. 6 in 2015. More than 1,000 employees at Ultimate are considered millennials, those who were born between 1980 and 2000. In South Florida, 56 percent of Ultimate’s workforce are millennials, said spokeswoman Heather Geronemus.

Other South Floridabased employers that made the list are: JM Family Enterprises in Deerfield Beach, Bankers Healthcare Group in Davie, and Miami Children’s Health System.

Ultimate gets high marks from employees for investing in training and tools for workers. Ultimate has programs that prepare employees for leadership positions an offers network and social events that “promote acceptance, equality and support,” Geronemus said.

The company also stresses “whole health and well-being,” offering on-site massages, meditation, acupuncture and exercise classes, as well as perks such as on-site car washes, and a basketball court and game room.

One employee quoted by Fortune pointed to Ultimate giving stock to all its employees upon hiring and never “micromanaging” employees. “At Ultimate, the bottom line is about making sure the employees [and their families] are taken care of, which in turn gives us the confidence and freedom to take good care of our customers,” the employee said.

JM Family Enterprises,