11. Gathering Data: Fortune Magazines 100 Best Companies to Work For(L.O. 3, 4)

Some companies spend lavishly on unusual employee perks such as massages, in-house chefs, and sauna visits and offer generous compensation and benefits in the hope of attracting superior talent. At the same time, they remain profitable. Chances are that you havent heard of at least two among the top five of Fortunes 100 Best Companies to Work ForACUITY Insurance headquartered in Wisconsin (No. 2) and New York-based Wegmans Food Market (No. 4). The perennial favorite, Google, now a subsidiary of holding company Alphabet, has again clinched the top spot. The Boston Consulting Group ranks third, and Quicken Loans is in fifth place. Formerly ranked among the top ten, outdoor powerhouse REI has slipped to No. 26. However, it still attracts active types who may bring their dogs to work, go on a midday bike ride, and test the products they sell. Sound nice? Just as companies have their distinctive corporate cultures, they also differ in why they are perceived as ideal employers.

YOUR TASK Visit the Fortune magazine website for the most current 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Examine the information about the top 20 or 25 highest-ranked companies. Watch the short video clips profiling each business. After studying the information, identify factors that attract and please workers. Take note of features shared across the board, but dont overlook quirky, unusual benefits. Summarize these trends in an informational e-mail or memo report. Alternatively, prepare an analytical report investigating employee satisfaction gleaned from the secondary data obtained on the Fortune site.