2024

2024 Healthiest Employers of Charlotte

July 25, 2024 – Real Estate News reports that Charlotte is #5 on the “150 Best Places to Live in the United States.” Since the area is such a desirable location to live and work, employers in Charlotte must work to attract and maintain top talent through positive culture, work environments, and employee benefits options. 

2024 Healthiest Employers of Charlotte

2024 Winners

July 25, 2024

Healthiest Employers® was started in 2009 as a way to celebrate companies that are putting their people first by investing in the health of their employees. In partnership with Springbuk, we are pleased to announce the 2024 Healthiest Employers of Charlotte.

Each company filled out our annual Healthiest Employers application. The responses are scored Rubric style 1-100 scale. The assessment is made up of six categories with yes/no, multiple choice, and short answer questions, with each question totaling .25-3 points. A Healthiest Employers Index (HEI) is assigned to each application to help rank among companies of similar sizes. For information on how the applications are scored, please visit our methodology page here

Real Estate News reports that Charlotte is #5 on the “150 Best Places to Live in the United States.” Since the area is such a desirable location to live and work, employers in Charlotte must work to attract and maintain top talent through positive culture, work environments, and employee benefits options. 

Among our Charlotte applicants:

16.1% report that all employees work in office or onsite
38.7% are on a hybrid schedule with specific days in the office
41.9% of companies only provide work-from-home options to specific roles or teams
3.2% report that all employees work completely remote

Notable health and wellness trends among this year’s Texas honorees include:

90.3% of companies provide tuition reimbursement to help employees advance their careers
87.1% have a dedicated program manager in place to oversee all health and wellness programming
80.6% provide 401k matching
74.2% of applicants in Charlotte report tracking gaps in claims data for the strategic planning of their company wellness program
64.5% have peer support groups available to support employees’ mental well-being
58.1% of applicants have members from upper leadership serving on the wellness committee
51.6% offer family planning benefits
22.6% of companies report having a formal wellness program for more than 20 years 

Congratulations to this year’s winners! Write-ups were only conducted on the top 3 in each size category.

50 to 499 Employees

1st WithersRavenel Inc. 
Cary (Local Office: Charlotte) 
430 Employees

WithersRavenel is an employee-owned (ESOP) multi-disciplined civil, environmental, and geomatics engineering firm with 40 years of service in the Carolinas. WithersRavenel is located in Asheville, Cary, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Pittsboro, Southern Pines, and Wilmington, NC. The firm is comprised of over 400 employee-owners who are dedicated to project success for public and private clients.

The Thrive Well-being program's most unique benefit is its micro-training sessions. These 15-minute live video conferences are designed to fit the diverse needs of teams during busy workdays. The sessions are recorded and available on SharePoint for those who cannot attend live. Each session concludes with an open discussion to foster social well-being and idea sharing. The program covers physical, mental, emotional, financial, and social well-being, with content based on feedback from a committee and internal surveys. Quarterly reviews ensure the program meets team needs. Success is measured by survey feedback scores, participation rates, and leader engagement.

WithersRavenel maintains a hybrid work environment and flexible working hours, a practice established even before COVID-19. This flexibility supports employees in balancing work and home life. Teams coordinate office days for collaboration and meetings, facilitated by a strong IT department that ensures seamless and secure remote work. This approach has fostered a natural return to the office post-pandemic.

"The THRIVE program is a breath of fresh air and a reminder that WithersRavenel genuinely values its employees. THRIVE provides company-wide challenges and regular group discussions with professionals on physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being. Using tips and tricks I've learned through THRIVE, I've implemented small changes in my habits that add up to improving my well-being. And even better, the best part of THRIVE at WithersRavenel is having a community of coworkers to learn, share, and grow in a supportive, positive environment." –Nicolas Perdomo, Staff Professional III

2nd City of Salisbury 
Salisbury
420 Employees

Salisbury is a historic city with 460 employees dedicated to providing a safe, livable environment for present and future generations. The city emphasizes honesty, integrity, inclusion, and diversity, and actively participates in partnerships with the community and various organizations.

The City of Salisbury runs quarterly and annual campaigns addressing various health pillars and invites local banks to present financial information to employees. Leadership encourages community volunteering and recognizes those who participate. The city has also extended its EAP services, now offering 12 free sessions per issue, up from the previous 3 sessions.

“The accessibility of the program has been invaluable, providing me with the freedom to address health concerns promptly and effectively. The wide variety of wellness challenges have not only facilitated my goal setting but have also empowered me on my personal wellness journey. I deeply appreciate the program's commitment to fostering a healthy and well-rounded community for City staff members.” –Michael Hanna, Assistant Public Works Director

3rd FiltersFast.com
Monroe
50 Employees

Since 2004, FiltersFast.com has grown to become the leading online filtration provider in the United States and continues to expand rapidly. While the company now sells filters worldwide, it remains a family-owned business based in Charlotte.

One of FiltersFast.com's most unique benefit offerings in 2023 has been the Health and Wellness Events. The company organized a Spring Walking Challenge and a Fall Wellness Challenge, which saw impressive engagement, with over 40% of employees participating. Notably, there was a significant increase in participation from the Distribution Center, with a 150% rise compared to previous years. Typically, remote employees are more active in these events, so this increased involvement from the Distribution Center is a significant milestone. The diverse participation and the emergence of new winners in both challenges highlight the employees' growing commitment to health and wellness. 

To further support physical and mental health, FiltersFast.com held virtual events last year with Sara Cain-da Costa, a yoga instructor and mental health expert. These classes educated employees on the importance of mental wellness and provided strategies to improve their health. Participants felt encouraged and refreshed, with many expressing that these activities were crucial in improving their mental health. The company has launched a philanthropic initiative for social and community well-being that provides employees with paid volunteer opportunities. This initiative has been enthusiastically received, allowing the team to give back to the community and enhance their social well-being.

“I was pregnant in 2023, and the past year's challenges motivated me to stay active. On days when I lacked the motivation to work out, the challenges and the opportunity to improve my health kept me going. Competing with my coworkers and sharing their enthusiasm for health was incredibly encouraging.” –Jenny Bland, Internal Marketing Specialist

500 to 999 Employees

1st Cleveland County Government
Shelby
866 Employees

Cleveland County is a local government entity encompassing 15 cities, towns, and municipalities, covering 469 square miles in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With a population of nearly 100,000, the county offers a family-oriented lifestyle, small-town charm, and southern hospitality. Conveniently located between Charlotte, Asheville, and Greenville/Spartanburg, Cleveland County serves as a gateway to these major metropolitan areas. The region's changing seasons and proximity to mountains and beaches make it an ideal home for many.

Cleveland County has achieved significant health improvements among its employees, including a 6% decrease in the high-risk population, a 31% increase in compliance with care gap closures, and an 8% decrease in ER utilization. Chronic conditions no longer dominate the top seven health conditions for total spending. This success is attributed to annual screenings, HSA classes, Weight Watchers, and chronic disease management programs for diabetes, cardiovascular health, and medical weight management. 

The unique Medical Weight Management program provides personalized support and education, including FDA-approved weight loss medications, one-on-one sessions, virtual group sessions, and weekly check-ins. Additionally, employees benefit from an on-site wellness center, low-cost pharmacy, and newly added primary care services. The Employee Support program, led by a certified counselor with a doctorate in pastoral care and counseling, offers on-site counseling, training, and various support sessions, with over 1,200 confidential counseling sessions annually.

“Our programs have evolved to provide something for everyone on their health journey, whether it is an employee taking advantage of paid walking breaks or participating in the Cleveland Cup 5k, an employee receiving a performance bonus for completing their safety training, or an employee with a chronic medical condition such as diabetes, a cardiovascular condition, or in need of weight management, that can access support that is life-changing. We offer these programs and more to benefit everyone. Our employees are engaging in our programs and improving their health in ways we never could have imagined.” –Allison Mauney, Human Resources Director

2nd City of Gastonia
Gastonia 
859 Employees

The City of Gastonia is located just 23 miles west of Charlotte and serves as the county seat and one of the largest municipalities in North Carolina. Named an All-American City three times, Gastonia boasts welcoming neighborhoods, a vibrant business environment, and a responsive government committed to providing fair, competent, and cost-effective municipal services.

The City of Gastonia offers a unique array of well-being programs and services through third-party vendors, including an onsite clinic and wellness coordinator. The onsite clinic, operated by Atrium Health, provides services such as acute care, labs, preventive care, immunizations, physicals, and chronic disease management, with a 96% satisfaction rating and significant annual health plan savings. CaroMont Health provides an onsite Wellness Coordinator who manages well-being activities, including challenges, fitness classes, and health fairs. The Diabetes Case Management Program by PPCN includes an onsite pharmacist who meets with participants, achieving high compliance and health improvement metrics. These programs have led to impressive engagement and health outcomes among City employees.

Employees and their families receive significant gym membership discounts. Mental and emotional health support is available through the EAP, mental health lectures, and monthly resources, while financial planning is offered through onsite quarterly meetings with a financial counselor. Social, spiritual, and community engagement is promoted through various events, including adult prom, charity runs, and community clean-ups. These integrated wellness opportunities ensure comprehensive well-being for the City of Gastonia's population.

“The City of Gastonia’s wellness initiatives have gotten people in a competitive spirit and we take walks together when time allows. The wellness challenges and lectures for mental health really help me refocus myself. I suffer with anxiety, and it’s really nice to have a working environment that supports people who have mental health struggles. The wellness program helps me steer back on track when I get stuck in a rut physically or mentally.” –Anonymous Employee

3rd Truliant Federal Credit Union
Winston-Salem
849 Employees

Truliant is a mission-driven, not-for-profit financial institution dedicated to improving lives through exceptional service and straightforward financial solutions. Chartered in 1952, Truliant now serves over 339,000 members with more than 35 Member Financial Centers across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

Truliant is committed to creating pathways for diverse individuals to assume leadership roles through its Emerging Leaders Program. Addressing the lack of diversity in leadership positions, the program targets employees, especially in the Call Center, without prior leadership experience. Launched in 2022, the pilot included nine participants selected from over 30 applicants and offered training in call center management, leadership development, and personality types. Participants presented projects on employee engagement and attrition, leading to implemented improvements. The program's success has resulted in promotions and increased interest in leadership roles, leading to its expansion to other areas of Truliant.

Truliant also has a robust DEI program, guided by the Truliant Diversity Council, which comprises over 15 employees. The council advises on diversity-related topics, drives initiatives, and fosters open communication. The DEI program includes the launch of four Business Resource Groups (BRGs) focused on veterans, LGBTQ+ employees, and Hispanic employees. This year, Truliant launched a Women and Allies BRG, with a mental health BRG to follow. These BRGs sponsor events and provide networking and support opportunities, enhancing workplace culture and inclusion. Truliant addresses financial literacy in the workplace through its Truliant at Work (TAW) Financial Wellness webinar sessions, including seminars like “Building a Better Budget,” to educate employees on making better financial decisions.

“To provide a great experience for our members, we have to create a great employee experience. With an engaged and creative workforce, we will be able to achieve any objective. Employees constitute the core of what Truliant has been, is, and will be in the future.” –Sherri Thomas, Chief Administrative Officer

4th Rowan County Government – Salisbury – 825 Employees

5th Gaston County – Gastonia – 900 Employees

6th Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates, P.A. – Charlotte – 720 Employees

7th Gentle Giant Moving Company – Winchester – 572 Employees

1,000 to 1,499 Employees

1st NASCAR
Daytona Beach, Florida (Local Office: Charlotte)
1,429 Employees

NASCAR is a sports and entertainment organization. 

The most unique benefit currently offered to NASCAR employees is the Biometric Screenings program. Employees have three options for completing the screenings: at-home kits, LabCorp appointments at PSCs, and physician medical forms. The consistently high participation rates provide invaluable data that the Wellness team uses to tailor wellness initiatives. For example, if screenings reveal high blood pressure in the population, the team will address this through virtual Wellness Hours, low-sodium recipes, exercises, stress relief activities, or yoga classes. This data-driven approach ensures that the wellness program is not just a checkbox but a meaningful tool for improving employee health. The program is comprehensive, educational, engaging, inclusive, and creative, with a focus on areas where employees can make a significant impact on their health.

The Benefits and Wellness Team uses weekly newsletters, social media, and the NASCAR intranet portal to keep employees informed about various programs. These communications address topics such as high blood pressure, finance, nutrition, preventative care, and stress. Employees have free access to Wellable, a wellness platform that provides on-demand fitness classes, company challenges, and informative articles to promote well-being. The company also offers Health & Wellness Discounts through LifeMart and gym membership discounts via the medical vendor. Annual biometric screenings are conducted to ensure the medical benefits package addresses the health issues identified within the company.

Charles Schwab provides financial advising and counseling services, complementing the company's 401(k) program. Employees can schedule one-on-one sessions with a representative to learn more about managing their finances and investments. Additionally, employees can join bi-weekly webinars from Charles Schwab on topics such as retirement, college savings, and investing. SupportLinc also offers financial advice on issues like mortgages, debt, and bankruptcy.

“Our wellness programs continue to deliver exciting, innovative, and engaging initiatives for all colleagues. Our programs are flexible in design and allow NASCAR to meet teammates where they are in their health journey.” –John Ferguson, SVP & Chief Human Resources Officer

2nd Iredell Health System
Statesville
1,365 Employees

Iredell Health System, located in Iredell County, North Carolina, is a non-profit, community-based organization offering a range of services including inpatient care, outpatient services, home health care, and rehabilitation. Committed to their mission of "Inspire Wellbeing - Together," they provide care to everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. The health system values the community as central to its mission and strives to support its staff in delivering care. Their focus includes enhancing patient experience, improving population health, providing cost-effective care, and supporting caregivers.

The wellness program, powered by the Vitality platform, actively engages employees through a variety of events such as walking challenges and outdoor activities. The app, compatible with most smart devices, allows users to log activities and earn points, which can lead to discounts on insurance premiums for full-time staff. The user-friendly application facilitates easy event participation and tracking, and also provides updates on upcoming activities. A team of 12 employees collaborates with Vitality representatives to create tailored challenges and monitor participation statistics, ensuring events are suitable for all ages and work-friendly.

Iredell Health System offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) designed to support employees and their families by reducing stress and enhancing well-being. In addition to standard counseling for mental, behavioral, and relationship issues, the EAP provides legal assistance, help with insurance claims, repair resources, and temporary housing if needed. It also offers support for issues related to obesity, smoking, drug dependence, and family crises. The EAP has been crucial in assisting employees with various personal challenges, such as finding care for an aging parent and resolving workplace conflicts. This comprehensive benefit includes free sessions and financial counseling, promoting overall wellness for employees and their families.

“Our focus on employee health and wellness is an integral part of this concept, as there is no one better to start with than our own! Each year, I am proud to see our team work to develop new and innovative ways to keep our teammates focused on wellness so we can continue to lead our community on this and be prepared to care for others.” –John Green, President and CEO

3rd Cabarrus County Government
Concord
1,250 Employees

Cabarrus County is committed to embracing growth and continuously improving the quality of life for all citizens. Collaboration is central to their mission, bringing together people, communities, and government to build a successful future.

Cabarrus County provides childcare services through a partnership with Lockhart Child Development Center. Eligible employees can enroll their children, aged 3 months to 5 years, at a discounted rate of $140 per week or $280 bi-weekly, saving $560 monthly per child. In 2023, this program resulted in $157,925 in savings for employees.

Cabarrus County promotes retirement readiness through NC Total Retirement Plans, offering webinars on investment options, pensions, 401(k) plans, and more to assist in employees' financial wellness. Employees can also schedule one-on-one sessions with retirement counselors. The county automatically contributes 5% to employees' 401(k) accounts, regardless of their contributions. Additionally, a compensation study for public safety resulted in a 28% average salary increase.

The county prioritizes physical fitness by budgeting for fitness rooms and equipment in new facilities. They also consider employee suggestions from wellness surveys and have equipped the new EMS building with a gym. To further promote physical activity, the county partners with the Active Living and Parks department to offer sports leagues.

4th Kintegra Health – Gastonia – 1,450 Employees

5th Brighthouse Financial – Charlotte – 1,465 Employees

6th City of Concord – Concord – 1,133 Employees

7th Messer Construction Co. – Cincinnati, Ohio (Local Office: Charlotte) – 1,376 Employees

1,500 to 4,999 Employees

1st Premier INC
Charlotte
2,861 Employees

Premier Inc. is a leading healthcare improvement company, representing an alliance of about 4,350 U.S. hospitals and health systems, along with over 300,000 other providers and organizations. Recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® for 15 consecutive years, Premier is dedicated to transforming healthcare through its collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.

Premier Inc. is in its second year of partnership with Spring Health, initiated in response to employee engagement feedback highlighting the need for mental health resources. This partnership aligns with Premier's belief that everyone benefits when people feel their best. Spring Health provides proven mental health solutions for employers and health plans, improving lives and driving business results.

Premier Inc. is addressing employee well-being with a holistic approach by introducing new benefit offerings such as Spring Health (comprehensive mental health and EAP), WINFertility (family building benefits), and Health Advocate (employee advocacy), in addition to traditional benefit plans. These programs, identified through annual employee feedback surveys, help address employees' most pressing mental health needs. Premier also provides learning program bundles, coffee chats, and fireside panels focused on mental health and resources. Additionally, meditation and yoga classes are offered both in-person and virtually through YMCA and Daily Burn partnerships. Company policies have been amended to support mental health and well-being, including paid time off and flexible/hybrid work arrangements.

"I am proud to see our employees embrace our culture of wellness, especially from a grassroots perspective. Premier has champions throughout the organization that lead by example and motivate others to adopt healthier lifestyles. We love to see our employees continue to carry out our mission to improve the health of communities." –Lisa Benna, Chief Human Resources Officer

2nd JE Dunn Construction
Kansas City, Missouri (Local Office: Charlotte)
4,556 Employees

JE Dunn Construction, founded in 1924, is a leading general building contractor in the U.S. with 26 office locations. The company's vision is to become an indispensable business partner by understanding clients' purposes, goals, and needs, and delivering transformational solutions with guaranteed results. JE Dunn remains committed to clients' building goals while adhering to its guiding principles. 

JE Dunn Construction's most unique benefit is their mental health program, Lyra, implemented in January 2022. This initiative has helped industry competitors with their own implementations and aims to break the stigma associated with mental health in construction. By sharing their experiences, JE Dunn demonstrates a commitment to mental health for their employees, their families, and the broader construction industry. In 2023, several employees, particularly men, proactively shared their mental health stories, leading to the creation of a video series with Lyra. This effort has been instrumental in destigmatizing mental health and earned JE Dunn the "Workforce Mental Health Innovative Company of the Year" award from Lyra. JE Dunn employees rated their experience with Lyra at 4.8 out of 5, with nearly 99% being instantly matched with a provider. The benefit includes 12 fully covered visits per employee and dependent annually, with care available via live video, messaging, or in-person. Lyra also provides digital resources to enhance the experience between sessions. Survey results indicate that 88% of employees engaging with Lyra reported improved mental health, with a median access to care of just one day.

“JE Dunn was an early innovator in the wellness space and started our programming well over 20 years ago. The inception of our program came from Mr. William H. Dunn, Sr., who saw a responsibility to keep JE Dunn employees well so that they can be the best version of themselves at home and at work.” –Christy Paoli, Chief People Officer

3rd Gilbane
Providence, Rhode Island (Local Office: Charlotte)
3,100 Employees

Founded in 1870 and headquartered in Providence, Gilbane Inc. is one of the largest privately held, family-owned companies in the construction, real estate development, and facility management services industry.

Gilbane Inc. recognizes that overall well-being encompasses more than just physical health, emphasizing the importance of mental, emotional, financial, occupational, intellectual, and spiritual health. Through the Wellness Champion network, employees are encouraged to establish relationships with primary care physicians, schedule annual wellness visits, and utilize resources on the Benefits Portal for preventive care. By the end of 2023, 66% of employees earned a discount on their medical premiums for 2024 through the completion of various wellness-related activities.

In 2023, Gilbane introduced wellness activities such as Daily Habits, Health Coaching, and updated company-wide challenges to engage employees year-round. Employees who participated in Health Coaching reported positive experiences. These initiatives, along with an expanded range of resources including Musculoskeletal Solutions, Family Formation Benefits, Diabetes and Pre-Diabetes Management Programs, Financial Wellness Resources, and Health Coaching Webinars, highlight Gilbane's commitment to promoting healthy choices and outcomes for employees and their families.

“In line with our people first strategy and our culture of caring, we continue to look at opportunities to enhance our benefit offerings for our employees and their families.” –Katherine Johnson, Chief Human Resources Officer

4th McKenney's, Inc. – Atlanta, Georgia (Local Office: Charlotte) – 1,700 Employees

5th OrthoCarolina, P.A. – Charlotte – 1,507 Employees

5,000+ Employees

1st Compass Group USA
Charlotte
150,000 Employees

Compass Group, the nation's largest family of foodservice and facilities services companies, serves over 11 million meals and maintains more than 1.9 billion square feet daily in diverse settings such as college quads, hospital dining rooms, ballparks, museums, school cafeterias, corporate cafés, airport lounges, and senior living communities. Recognized as number one by industry peers on Fortune’s 2023 list of World’s Most Admired Companies and among the top 50 Companies Changing the World, Compass Group has also been acknowledged by Forbes on its lists of Best Large Employers, Best Employers for New Grads, and Best Employers for Diversity. 

Compass Group has designed its programs and benefits around four main pillars: health, well-being, financial, and work-life balance. The Total Well-Being Program provides health assessments, coaching, nutritional counseling, fitness challenges, and mindful meditations. This year, expanded access to on-demand content has been added, including workout videos and guided meditations. Data shows significant improvements in activity levels among associates since joining the program. The company offers 24/7 counseling, self-paced support, and mental health resources through anti-stigma campaigns, promoting emotional, physical, and financial well-being. Compass Group provides benefits and programs to help associates manage their money confidently. In 2023, they expanded financial education webinars and resources to better support associates' financial needs. The company has introduced a new tuition reimbursement program, reimbursing over $90,700 in its first year. Additional benefits include exclusive discounts, generous leave, and PTO opportunities, supporting associates in reaching their full potential. 

“We know that the key ingredient to our success is our hardworking and dedicated people. Our well-being program is one way that we recognize and thank them for all that they do. From access to quality healthcare to financial literacy education, our team carefully designs programs to care for the holistic well-being of our associates and their families.” –Matthew Leckrone, SVP, Total Rewards

2nd U-Haul International
Phoenix, Arizona (Multiple Local Offices)
16,371 Employees
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the #1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 23,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. In addition, they have a fleet of over 186,000 trucks, 128,000 trailers, 46,000 towing devices, 876,000 rentable storage units, and 75.1 million square feet of self-storage space.

U-Haul is very proud of their Virta offering, a clinically proven treatment to reverse Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and pre-diabetes. Through this treatment plan, U-Haul Team Members have been able to lower their A1c, lose weight, and reduce or eliminate the usage of insulin.  Their mission is to sustainably reverse the conditions without the risks, costs, or side effects of medications or surgeries. 38% of diabetes-specific medications have been eliminated, insulin dosages have been reduced by 63%, and 16,000 total pounds have been lost through the use of this program. 

U-Haul also strives to make healthy lifestyles attainable and affordable, which is why in 2021,  they invested in a 54,000-square-foot corporate fitness center and on-site cafeteria where employees can order healthy meals for less than $5. While U-Haul is a vast corporation, their values are deep-rooted in family culture. From team-building challenges to the sharing of healthy recipes and tips, there is an unmistakable investment in everyone’s wellness journey. 

“The wellness and benefits programs have helped me tremendously with my weight loss journey! As a work-from-home senior agent, the ‘Get Fit Program’ is one of my favorites because it has motivated me to go to the gym more, focus on my fitness goals, and be more active, especially since I am sitting for the majority of my work shift. The reimbursement incentive they offer not only helps alleviate the costs of my gym membership, but the check-ins incentive has me excited and ready to workout every day! I feel healthier, happier, and stronger!” –Leah Short, Senior Agent

3rd Burns & McDonnell
Kansas City, Missouri (Local Office: Charlotte)
9,946 Employees

Burns & McDonnell, founded in 1898, is a full-service, 100% employee-owned company with over 14,500 professionals including consultants, engineers, architects, and construction experts. Operating from more than 75 offices worldwide, the team specializes in designing and building critical infrastructure with an integrated, solutions-driven approach.

Burns & McDonnell's Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) is a standout feature, making them part of a small percentage of firms nationwide that are 100% employee-owned for over 35 years. Employee ownership is automatic and free, leading to employees having three times higher retirement savings than non-ESOP participants. This ownership model drives their success and fosters a unique culture. The company takes a holistic approach to wellness, offering on-site benefits such as a health center, pharmacy, fitness facility, and counseling services. Additionally, they provide various virtual mental health resources, including counseling and texting therapy, ensuring easy access to quality care for all employee-owners.

Giving back is a core part of their culture, encapsulated in the guiding principle "We Invest for a Better World." In 2023, employees volunteered over 15,000 hours, raised nearly $400,000 for the annual Charity of Choice, and contributed over $5 million to United Way chapters nationwide. This reflects their commitment to community investment and improving the collective future.

“Through our comprehensive wellness program, we empower our employee-owners to take ownership of their health and well-being by providing them with the tools and resources they need to live healthy lives. I am proud of the high participation in our program, and as a result, we have seen a significant reduction in healthcare costs and risk factors for our employee-owners.” –Leslie Duke, Chief Executive Officer

4th TIAA – New York City (Local Office: Charlotte) – 11,519 Employees

5th Novant Health – Winston-Salem (Local Office: Charlotte) – 28,989 Employees

6th Black & Veatch – Overland Park, Kansas (Local Office: Charlotte) – 10,440 Employees