Our annual ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon turns 20 this year with more than 13,000 employees participating. Oregon Business research editor Brandon Sawyer and DHM Research calculated the rankings based on employee surveys and a benefits report from each company. The size category is based on the number of Oregon employees.
Our annual ranking of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in Oregon turns 20 this year with more than 13,000 employees participating. Oregon Business research editor Brandon Sawyer and DHM Research calculated the rankings based on employee surveys and a benefits report from each company. The size category is based on the number of Oregon employees.
| LARGE COMPANIES — 100 OR MORE OREGON EMPLOYEES | ||||||||
| RANK ’13 | ’12 | COMPANY | CITY / HEADQUARTERS | OREGON SENIOR EXECUTIVE / TITLE | EMPLOYEES OR/TOTAL | DESCRIPTION | SCORE EMPLOYEE/ EMPLOYER | TOTAL SCORE |
| 1 | 8 | U.S. Cellular | Medford Chicago | Joe Cabrera, Roberta Winger, Tim Brown Directors | 150 9,000 | Wireless/cellular phone service provider | 467.4 68.0 | 535.35 |
No. 1 Large Company: U.S. Cellular
Concern for both clients and employees has helped make this wireless network company a 9 time 100 Best winner. “Being part of an organization that values the opinion of their customers and associates makes me feel very proud and very lucky,” says one employee. “We are allowed, as associates of the company, to ask questions, push back on ideas/initiatives and given the freedom to act in the best interest of our company at all times.” People who work here also praise the pay and benefits structure for both part and full time workers, the collegial atmosphere and opportunities for advancement. Says one employee: “Laughter and easy going efficiency are the rule of the day around here, and I’m a perfect example of promoting from within.” Says another: “I look forward to waking up and coming into work everyday.” An employer can’t ask for much more than that.
This company has been the number one best large company four times.
{jumi [/includes-for-articles/100-Best-2013-pitch.html]}
| LARGE COMPANIES — 100 OR MORE OREGON EMPLOYEES | ||||||||
| RANK ’13 | ’12 | COMPANY | CITY / HEADQUARTERS | OREGON SENIOR EXECUTIVE / TITLE | EMPLOYEES OR/TOTAL | DESCRIPTION | SCORE EMPLOYEE/ EMPLOYER | TOTAL SCORE |
| 2 | 1 | Perkins Coie LLP | Portland Seattle | Robert L. Aldisert Portland Managing Partner | 120 1,850 | Law firm | 444.2 76.3 | 520.47 |
No. 2 Large Company: Perkins Coie LLP
This Portland law firm offers excellent pay and benefits, including sabbaticals, tuition reimbursement and a subsidy to help low earning staff pay for their children’s health and dental plan. Employees also praised the firm for its commitment to sustainability, strong IT department, and supportive management. “Management is one of the best I’ve seen in my career and keeps staff appraised with great communication,” says one employee. This firm also pays attention to the finer things in life, including stocking the kitchen with locally roasted espresso, Dave’s Killer Bread and six different kinds of nut butter. That’s a lot of nut butter. An activities committee coordinates fun events once a quarter, while a Happiness committee is dedicated to giving employees, quote, “gifts specially designed to make you smile.” With all those perks and benefits, it’s not surprising that not many suggestions came in for ways to make this company an even better place to work. Says one employee: “Even though there are things I’m not 100% satisfied with, I don’t think anyone else does it better.”
This firm is a six-time winner of our 100 Best award.
{jumi [/includes-for-articles/100-Best-2013-pitch.html]}
| LARGE COMPANIES — 100 OR MORE OREGON EMPLOYEES | ||||||||
| RANK ’13 | ’12 | COMPANY | CITY / HEADQUARTERS | OREGON SENIOR EXECUTIVE / TITLE | EMPLOYEES OR/TOTAL | DESCRIPTION | SCORE EMPLOYEE/ EMPLOYER | TOTAL SCORE |
| 3 | 6 | Oregon Research Institute | Eugene | Byron Glidden Administrative Director | 220 240 | Human behavior research | 440.1 67.1 | 507.22 |
No. 3 Large Company: Oregon Research Institute
This research institution is dedicated to the study of human behavior and improving the quality of human life. So perhaps it’s no surprise that management here has figured out what it takes to keep employees happy: in this case, a flexible work schedule, good pay and benefits, and an intellectually stimulating work environment. “There are endless interesting projects to be involved with,” says one employee. This organization also received kudos democratic decision making structure. Said one employee: “The best part of working here is the governance system where everyone gets a chance to share their input and all input is evaluated before something is implemented.” The focus on individual autonomy makes people feel trusted and respected, another employee said. “I can work late if I need to, come in late if I need to and take a kid to the doctor—all no questions asked.” That kind of faith in one’s employees has helped land this organization on the 100 Best list six times, twice on the top ten list.
{jumi [/includes-for-articles/100-Best-2013-pitch.html]}
{artsexylightbox}{/artsexylightbox}
{jumi [/includes-for-articles/100-Best-2013-pitch-wide.html]}
