More than 4,300 companies were nominated or asked to participate in the 2019 Top Workplaces contest by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and its partner, Energage (formerly Workplace Dynamics). Employees across the metro area responded to print and online solicitations that began appearing in September. Using survey results, a list of 150 workplaces was compiled, consisting of 20 large companies (listed below; 500 or more employees), 55 midsize companies (150-499 employees) and 75 small companies (149 or fewer employees).
Credit: Phil Skinner
Credit: Phil Skinner
2. Dorsey Alston, Realtors
Dorsey Alston, Realtors has been in the top five for five consecutive years and was the 2016 mid-size winner. The private Atlanta-based company has 252 employees in its two metro Atlanta locations. Most of its workforce are self-employed agents who work as independent contractors, and Dorsey Alston made health insurance available to its agents in 2017. Employees say they appreciate the collegial and collaborative nature at Dorsey Alston, which was founded in 1947 and is now led by President Michael Rogers. Its community involvement spans metro Atlanta charities, arts organizations and public and private schools, including the Atlanta Speech School Gala, American Cancer Society, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Covenant House and Rock Chastain.
3. Kabbage, Inc.
Kabbage has been named to the list for five consecutive years and this is its first year in the top five. The private financial technology company, founded in 2009, has 489 global employes and 367 at its U.S. headquarters in Atlanta. Flexibility at work and perks, such as a daily catered lunch and snacks, are among reasons employees appreciate working for Kabbage. Wellness benefits include fitness classes, health equipment onsite, biweekly meditation classes, CPR training, an annual flu shot clinic and sponsoring sports clubs. It also fully pays health benefits for individuals and provides annual bonuses and a 401(k) match. Through its sabbatical program, employees of five years can receive six weeks of paid time off and an additional $6,000. In 2018, Kabbage participated in the Atlanta PRIDE parade and also took a stand against gun violence after the mass shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School. Workers in 2019 will build a Habitat for Humanity home as part of its Kabbage Kares program, which also has supported PAWS Atlanta, Easter Seals and the Epilepsy Foundation.
4. Loews Atlanta Hotel
Loews Atlanta Hotel, which is in its fifth year on the list, moved up from the 8th spot last year. It’s the winner of the 2019 Top Workplaces Managers special award. Loews Atlanta Hotel, which opened in 2010 in Midtown, has 167 employees and is part of Loews Hotels & Co. Its Good Neighbor program partnered with and hosted more than 25 organizations and events in 2018; and nearly 40 percent of the staff participated. Benefits include two medical plans, two dental plans, a vision plan, life/accidental death & dismemberment insurance, and short-term and long-term disability. It also matches 401(k) contributions and provides flexible spending accounts. Paid parental leave, not typically offered in the hospitality industry, is available. Employees rave that its people and culture embody the principle of “We are a family.”
5. Brasfield & Gorrie
Brasfield & Gorrie has been on the list for six years and this is its first year in the top five. As one of the nation’s largest privately held construction firms, it has 3,000 U.S. employees and 499 in Atlanta. The company, founded in 1964, is based in Birmingham, Ala., and had 2017 revenues of $2.8 billion. It’s the winner of the 2019 Top Workplaces Direction special award. Employees say they appreciate having a role in recognizable and high-quality projects in Atlanta and feel as if they are part of something bigger than themselves. Its wellness program, called “Brasfit,” is focused on eat (nutrition), live (mental health and stress management), learn (health and wellness education) and move (physical activity). The Atlanta office offers a gym with group fitness, a personal trainer and massage therapist, along with workshops, webinars and group activities.
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