- 3,023 workers polled on the most coveted employers, based on perks & benefits.
- King Arthur Baking Company + Burton Snowboards named in 2nd and 3rd positions.
Vermont Business Magazine Ben & Jerry’s Homemade Inc, King Arthur Baking Company and Burton Snowboards are the three "Most Coveted Employers" in Vermont, with Ben & Jerry's ranking third nationally, behind only Google and Coca-Cola.
When it comes to why people jump ship to a new job, a fatter paycheck often steals the spotlight. It’s the obvious draw - who doesn’t want more money? But dig a little deeper, and it’s clear that salary isn’t the whole story. Benefits like stellar health insurance, paid time off, or even quirky extras like free snacks can tip the scales just as much. In a world where top-tier positions with sky-high wages aren’t always up for grabs, employers are left wondering: What else can convince workers to stick around? What makes a job feel less like a grind and more like a place worth staying for?
Careerminds, a global outplacement and career development firm, set out to pinpoint the perks that truly matter, polling 3,023 workers to reveal the top companies nailing employee retention - and why.
Nationally, the top 5 companies to work for (based on perks & benefits) are:
#1 Google - California
Google’s reputation for over-the-top employee perks is practically legendary, especially in Silicon Valley, where it’s set the gold standard for years. Perks include free gourmet meals and endless snacks to keep you fueled, plus nap pods, on-site gyms, and even laundry services (depending on the office). Beyond the fun stuff, Google doubles down with serious family support - such as extended paid parental leave, fertility assistance, and top-notch health benefits. Some of the flashier perks have been dialed back lately, but the company still leans hard into a culture of workplace luxury. They’re betting on a simple idea: happy, well-fed, and stress-free employees get more done. With offices that feel more like vibrant “adult playgrounds” than cubicle farms, Google remains a dream gig for many, offering an experience few can rival.
#2 The Coca-Cola Company - Georgia
Down in Atlanta, The Coca-Cola Company - arguably the city’s most famous name - serves up a “Total Rewards” package that’s tough to beat. We’re talking a rare old-school pension plan paired with a 401(k) match, plus solid health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and adoption support. From financial security to these playful extras, Coca-Cola’s well-rounded benefits make it one of Georgia’s standout employers.
#3 Ben & Jerry’s - Vermont
Up in South Burlington, Ben & Jerry’s keeps things sweet - literally - with three free pints of ice cream a day for every employee. But it’s not just about the dessert. They offer six months of paid parental leave, livable wages, and plenty of PTO, all wrapped in Vermont’s laid-back, quirky vibe. Casual dress? Check. Creative freedom? You bet. The ice cream keeps spirits high, while the hefty benefits show a company that genuinely cares. It’s a winning combo that’s earned Ben & Jerry’s a rep as a workplace that’s as enjoyable as it is supportive.
#4 Hawaiian Airlines - Hawaii
Hawaiian Airlines brings the aloha spirit straight to its workforce. Employees, their spouses, kids, and even parents get unlimited free standby travel on any flight. Plus, there are 20 guest passes a year and hefty profit-sharing bonuses when the company does well. As Hawaii’s biggest airline, they’ve built a culture of hospitality that extends to their staff, blending world-class travel perks with real financial rewards.
#5 Nike - Oregon
Nike’s all about balance - work hard, rest well. Employees get generous paid time off, extra holidays, sabbaticals for long-timers, flexible schedules, and “recovery days” to recharge. Career growth is big here too, with tuition reimbursement, mentorship, and plenty of chances to climb the ladder. On the money side, there’s competitive pay, bonuses (5–30% of salary), a 401(k) match, and a 15% stock discount. Wellness is everywhere - think full health coverage, mental health resources, and on-site gyms or climbing walls. Then there’s the fun stuff: discounts on Nike and Converse gear, early product drops, parental leave, and even daycare at some spots.
Vermonters' 2 other most coveted employers are:
#1 King Arthur Baking Company
King Arthur Baking in Norwich, a 100% ESOP, grants stock after one year, shares annual profits, offers 40 paid volunteer hours, and provides free baking supplies. Its B-Corp status stands out in Vermont, fostering ownership and community pride. Employees relish contributing to a successful, collaborative company, earning it “best workplace” honors. This recipe of shared success and service creates a tight-knit, rewarded team, distinguishing King Arthur in the state’s food sector.
#2 Burton Snowboards
Burton Snowboards in Burlington offers free season ski passes, free lessons, a “snow day policy” to ride on powder days, and summer half-day Fridays. For riders, Burton stands out in Vermont by merging passion with work-employees test gear and enjoy company ski days. This lifestyle focus fuels enthusiasm, attracting a workforce that lives the brand. Burton’s perks blend fun with purpose, making it a dream employer for Vermonters who crave an active, rewarding career.
Infographic Showing Top Companies by State for Perks and Benefits
Retention Revolution
| Business | State |
|---|---|
| Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (HMMA) | Alabama |
| Southcentral Foundation | Alaska |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | Arizona |
| Walmart | Arkansas |
| California | |
| Vail Resorts | Colorado |
| Aetna (CVS Health) | Connecticut |
| W.L. Gore & Associates | Delaware |
| Publix Super Markets | Florida |
| The Coca-Cola Company | Georgia |
| Hawaiian Airlines | Hawaii |
| Micron Technology | Idaho |
| ALDI (U.S.) | Illinois |
| Eli Lilly and Company | Indiana |
| Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield | Iowa |
| Koch Industries | Kansas |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky | Kentucky |
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana | Louisiana |
| L.L.Bean, Inc. | Maine |
| Marriott International | Maryland |
| MassMutual | Massachusetts |
| Ford Motor Company | Michigan |
| Mayo Clinic | Minnesota |
| NASA (John C. Stennis Space Center) | Mississippi |
| Anheuser-Busch InBev (A-B) | Missouri |
| Zoot Enterprises | Montana |
| Union Pacific Railroad | Nebraska |
| Wynn Resorts | Nevada |
| Timberland | New Hampshire |
| Johnson & Johnson | New Jersey |
| Intel Corporation | New Mexico |
| American Express | New York |
| Bank of America | North Carolina |
| Bobcat Company | North Dakota |
| The J.M. Smucker Co. | Ohio |
| Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation (OMRF) | Oklahoma |
| Nike | Oregon |
| University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| Hasbro | Rhode Island |
| Michelin North America | South Carolina |
| Black Hills Corporation (Black Hills Energy) | South Dakota |
| FedEx Express | Tennessee |
| Southwest Airlines | Texas |
| Adobe | Utah |
| Ben & Jerry’s | Vermont |
| Hilton | Virginia |
| Costco Wholesale | Washington |
| Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia | West Virginia |
| Kwik Trip, Inc. | Wisconsin |
| Jackson Hole Mountain Resort | Wyoming |
“As this study highlights, workplace perks and benefits—from comprehensive healthcare to flexible work arrangements - play a crucial role in employee retention. Companies that prioritize well-being, career growth, and financial security create environments where employees feel valued and motivated. Investing in these perks isn’t just about attracting top talent - it’s about fostering long-term loyalty and building a workplace where people genuinely want to grow and thrive,” says Raymond Lee, President of Careerminds.
Source: Careerminds
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