The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
What makes Publix a pleasure?
Publix bills itself as the place “where shopping is a pleasure.” The grocery chain lives up to that promise with free carryout service, a select roster of free prescription medications and so much more.
The store is routinely at the top or near the top in a range of customer satisfaction surveys. What makes it so unique?
Publix is the world’s largest employee-owned company: Founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, Fla., Publix has grown to be the largest employee-owned company in the world. Today the company boasts more than 175,000 employees with more than 1,100 locations across six states. Employees receive stock regularly: Once you’ve been there for a year and you’ve worked 1,000 hours, you’re given company stock equal to roughly 8 percent to 12 percent of your annual compensation! You also have the option to buy additional shares via a payroll deduction.
The store arguably has some of the happiest employees in retail: Technically, there are no employees at Publix; there are only “associates.” That label coupled with co-ownership in the company goes a long way to making employees happy. Raises come early and often at Publix: If you work at Publix, there’s no shortage of feedback from your manager. New hires have 30-day, 60-day and 90-day check-ins to make sure everything is up to speed. And get this: Associates are eligible for their first raise after six months. Then from there, salary increases come every six months! The new CEO started out asa bagger: Todd Jones became CEO on May 1, replacing Ed Cr en shaw—a grandson of original Publix founder George Jenkins. Jones started with the company 36 years ago as a bagger. Clark Howard helps you save more, spend less, and avoid
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