For the 12th year in a row, Florida’s native grocery chain Publix was named among the best workplaces in retail as part of Fortune’s annual ranking.
The list examines the top 20 companies in the U.S. based on surveys given to over 1 million employees working for U.S. retailers.
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“Employees tell Great Place to Work whether or nor leaders are accessible, if they communicate honestly and clearly, and if their actions match their words,” Fortune’s report reads. “Employees tell if they feel respected as individuals, if they receive support for their well-being and personal development, and if they have opportunities to contribute, and appreciation for their work.”
Overall, the top-ranked company was Wegmans Food Markets, headquartered in Rochester, New York.
But Publix Super Markets, based in Lakeland, earned the No. 3 slot for this year’s ranking. Under a section titled “What Employees Are Saying,” the report reads as follows:
“People care about you here. I’ve never had a job where management cared about their employees as people. They provide mentorship, and want you to succeed and move up in the company. They are also always willing to work with you if you need time off. Employees are also friendly and take value in their work.”
Fortune Best Workplaces in Retail 2025
Great Place to Work’s company profile for Publix states that 84% of its employees call it a great place to work — a far cry from the 57% figure for the typical company.
Other survey results for Publix included the following:
- “I am given the resources and equipment to do my job.” — 91% of respondents
- “Our customers would rate the service we deliver as ‘excellent.’” — 91% of respondents
- “When you join the company, you are made to feel welcome.” — 91% of respondents
- “I feel good about the ways we contribute to the community.” — 90% of respondents
- “I am able to take time off from work when I think it’s necessary.” — 89% of respondents
“It’s an honor to be recognized as one of the best workplaces in the retail industry for the 12th consecutive year,” Publix Director of Communications Maria Brous said. “We’re especially proud of this designation because it’s from our associates who shared their experiences as part of the award process.”