August 9, 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 Southern California.
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.
Winners in this location span the greater Los Angeles area to San Diego, two of the largest cities in the nation’s most heavily populated state. It is estimated that approximately one in eight Americans live in the state of California.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Healthiest Employers application asks employers about their current in office vs. remote work policy. According to the 2024 data, only 7.7% of applicants are completely in the office or work onsite. 3.8% are completely remote and 88.4% report hybrid work options or remote work options for specific roles.
Notable health and wellness statistics among our Southern California applicants include:
- 100% of Southern California applicants are providing options for employees experiencing stress, anxiety, and depression
- 92.3% of companies incorporate wellness in their corporate values and/or mission statements to emphasize the importance well-being plays in their employees’ lives
- 80.8% are analyzing gaps in care data when strategizing their wellness programs
- 73.1% host company-wide employee and family appreciation days/outings throughout the year
- 57.7% of applications indicate they have included childcare assistance opportunities; 42.3% are now also including eldercare assistance options
- 46.2% are providing Mental Health First Aid certifications for employees to support their peers
- 30.8% report they now offer paid maternity leave of greater than 14 weeks
Congratulations to this year’s winners! Write-ups were only conducted on the top 3 in each size category.
100 to 999 Employees
1st Kitchell Contractors
Phoenix, Arizona (Local Office: San Diego)
632 Employees
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner
Kitchell began as a commercial contracting business and has expanded by acquiring complementary businesses and expertise. Today, Kitchell Corporation is a holding entity for several companies.
Kitchell rewards employees with up to $2,000 in HSA funds for participating in the wellness program, which can cover annual premiums for a single insured. The program requires yearly preventative visits with PCP, dental, and vision providers, as well as recommended cancer screenings. In 2023, 271 employees maximized their wellness dollars, marking a 17% year-over-year increase in participation.
Kitchell offers a robust EAP program specializing in rapid professional evaluations via email, text, or six free confidential face-to-face or phone counseling sessions for all household members. The EAP and medical vendors also provide monthly lunch-and-learn classes supporting all pillars of wellness.
“At Kitchell, we take pride in fostering a culture that prioritizes health and well-being, making our Wellness and Benefits Program a natural extension of our core values. Driven by our employees' voices, gathered through an annual survey, we've crafted a program that not only meets but exceeds their diverse wellness needs. From personalized health assessments to a suite of holistic wellness resources encompassing mental health support, fitness challenges, and wellness education, our program is designed to empower our team members to take proactive steps toward their health.” –Wendy Cohen, President & CEO
2nd Dudek
Encinitas, California
877 Employees
Dudek is a 100% employee-owned, multidisciplinary planning, environmental, and engineering consulting firm based in Encinitas, CA. They empower clients throughout the United States to DU more™ for communities and the environment. Recognized as one of the Top 110 U.S. Environmental Firms by Engineering News-Record in 2023 and a nationally recognized Top Workplace and Culture Excellence Award-winning firm by Energage in 2024, Dudek stands out in its field.
Dudek prioritizes employee well-being with unique benefits like the KISx Card (now Valenz Health). This innovative program offers direct contracting for advanced imaging and over 400 surgeries at no cost to employees, significantly reducing claim costs and preventing premium rate increases. The KISx Card has led to nearly $90,000 in total net savings and a 66% reduction in surgical and imaging costs. This proactive healthcare approach ensures employees can access necessary medical services without financial burden, highlighting Dudek's commitment to innovative, cost-effective healthcare solutions and employee well-being.
At Dudek, wellness encompasses more than just physical and mental well-being. Each individual's definition may vary, reflecting diverse ways team members balance work and life. The DuWell program addresses the following pillars of health:
- Emotional: Dudek encourages positive attitudes and openness with friends or professionals.
- Environmental: The program promotes mindful consumption, resource conservation, and recycling.
- Financial: Dudek provides tools and resources for managing finances and achieving financial goals.
- Intellectual: Continuous learning and skill enhancement are fostered at Dudek.
- Occupational: Dudek strives for workplace fulfillment and supports career growth.
- Physical: Nutrition, physical activity, and adequate sleep are emphasized for maintaining health.
- Social: Building strong connections and encouraging community involvement are key aspects.
- Spiritual: Dudek supports finding purpose and meaning through activities like journaling, meditating, and practicing gratitude.
3rd AIR Communities
Denver, Colorado (Local Office: Irvine)
776 Employees
AIR Communities owns and operates high-quality apartment communities across the United States. Their properties are professionally managed by outstanding teammates who deliver best-in-class customer service.
The team at AIR Communities is dedicated to creating safe and comfortable living environments for residents. They emphasize employee well-being with flexible time-off policies that go beyond standard vacation days, accommodating personal needs such as childcare and appointments. In 2023, corporate teammates benefited from summer hours, early Fridays, an extra day off after Thanksgiving, and extended paid holidays for onsite staff. New parents receive generous parental leave. This supportive approach is reflected in a high team engagement score of 4.41 out of 5 in 2023, with nearly 80% participation, demonstrating the value employees place on the flexibility and support provided by AIR Communities.
In 2023, AIR introduced the Live Well program to enhance teammate wellness through a holistic approach. This program covers eight dimensions of well-being—emotional, financial, spiritual, physical, environmental, intellectual, professional, and social—aligned with AIR's cultural pillars. Live Well includes wellness challenges, regular communications, and an incentive program to promote healthy behaviors such as taking time off and participating in leadership development.
“I'm so grateful that AIR offers all new parents 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave. On top of getting much needed reps and adjusting to the new family dynamic, I feel like I received invaluable bonding time with my baby girl that I would have never have been able to experience otherwise.” –Alex Ungerman, Senior Communications Specialist
4th Venbrook – Woodland Hills – 502 Employees
5th David Evans and Associates, Inc. – Portland, Oregon (Local Office: Ontario) – 953 Employees
6th PAE Consulting Engineers, Inc. – Portland, Oregon (Local Office: Los Angeles) – 355 Employees
7th Henderson Engineers – Lenexa, Kansas (Local Office: Los Angeles) – 902 Employees
1,000 to 4,999 Employees
1st Cubic Corporation
San Diego
1,945 Employees
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner
Cubic Corporation develops technology solutions in transportation to simplify daily journeys and in defense to enhance mission success and safety for service members. Driven by talented teams worldwide, Cubic aims to address global challenges through innovation and dedicated service to customers and partners.
Cubic Corporation offers unique benefits to support employee well-being. These include second opinion services through Cleveland Clinic and telehealth solutions like Hinge Health and Virta Health, both fully employer-paid for those on the medical plan. Hinge Health provides digital physical therapy to combat chronic pain and prevent surgery, while Virta Health offers a virtual clinic to reverse type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity through nutritional therapy and virtual care. These programs have shown high engagement and a 3:1 ROI. Additionally, Cubic provides an employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, allowing employees to spend an annual allowance on personal well-being expenses, reflecting employee feedback. This program, launched in October 2022, has received positive feedback and supports diverse well-being needs, enhancing Cubic’s culture of well-being.
The program ensures that all employees, regardless of medical plan enrollment, have access to free resources. Cubic promotes health pillars through multiple channels, including interactive mental health sessions with professionals, financial planning with third-party consultants, and physical challenges with prizes. Key benefits include Hinge Health for digital physical therapy and Virta Health for diabetes, prediabetes, and obesity treatment, both free for medically enrolled employees. Information is accessible via an interactive hub on the company intranet. The program fosters a positive community, with employees referred to as CUBES, and includes regular well-being meetings for feedback. The popular Lifestyle Spending Account allows employees to allocate funds toward their well-being across the four pillars.
“I’m thrilled we are able to provide our employees and their families with meaningful wellbeing offerings that give a wide variety of options so they can take small steps, leading to big outcomes. I’m not interested in just helping our employees to survive, I want to see them thrive. Cubic’s wellbeing program is designed to ensure we have the support resources available that will help facilitate true and lasting lifestyle changes.” –Christy Carver
2nd Golden 1 Credit Union
Sacramento, California (Local Office: Goleta)
2,021 Employees
Golden 1 Credit Union, one of the largest credit unions in the United States with over $20 billion in assets, is dedicated to the credit union difference in California. As a member-owned, not-for-profit institution, Golden 1 prioritizes a "people helping people" philosophy. With 1.1 million members, Golden 1 offers lower loan rates, higher savings returns, and numerous free services.
Golden 1 Credit Union prioritizes employee well-being through its innovative wellness program, Be Well, powered by Virgin Pulse. This holistic platform supports various health aspects, including physical activity, mental health, financial wellness, and nutrition. Be Well offers resources such as meditation sessions with Headspace, personalized financial guidance through Enrich, weight management support with Omada, and fitness classes through FitOn, along with direct access to health providers.
The platform's engaging features and personalized programs empower employees to take control of their health, fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging. Notable initiatives like the destination steps challenge during Black History Month highlight this approach. The program has led to a 40% increase in employee engagement over the past year, reflecting its effectiveness and Golden 1's commitment to enhancing workplace health and well-being. Be Well exemplifies Golden 1's dedication to fostering a culture where employees can thrive personally and professionally.
“Our culture supports active lifestyles, allowing for walking meetings and one-on-one conversations on the go. Golden 1 also offers various fitness classes, and programs focused on healthy eating, stretching, and mental wellness. I have nothing but great things to say about the wellness programs at Golden 1.” –Michael Sabado, VP of IT Enterprise Platforms
3rd Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld
Washington, D.C. (Local Offices: Los Angeles and Irvine)
1,360 Employees
Akin is an elite law firm with 900+ lawyers and advisors who pride themselves on dedication to their clients and communities. With 17 offices worldwide, the firm is renowned for numerous market-leading practices; its strengths in complex transactions and restructurings, high-stakes litigation and public policy and regulatory matters; and its unyielding pro bono commitment.
The firm has long prioritized mental health and well-being in the legal industry, predating their involvement as an inaugural signatory to the American Bar Association's Well-Being Pledge in 2018. Their Mental Health Advisor program exemplifies this commitment, offering onsite and virtual counseling sessions paid by the firm to address personal and professional concerns. Recently expanded with two additional advisors in Texas, the program now provides coverage across offices in Washington, New York, Los Angeles, and Texas, available Mondays through Thursdays nationwide. In 2023, 141 unique participants engaged with the service, with 69% being new users, demonstrating ongoing acceptance and promotion within the firm. They continue to advocate for mental well-being in the legal sector through initiatives like One Mind at Work's legal vertical, with their Chief Human Resources Officer actively promoting progress in this area among peers.
“Incorporating scheduled mini breaks into my day has been instrumental in maintaining an active lifestyle. By blocking off time on my calendar and prioritizing these breaks, I ensure I stay moving and refreshed. Whether it’s a brisk 5-minute walk or opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, these small actions contribute significantly to reaching my goals and keeping me energized. Dedicating time to self-care and personal well-being has transformed my approach to an active lifestyle.” –Business Services Professional
4th Essex Property Trust – San Mateo (Local Office: Irvine) – 1,734 Employees
5th West Monroe – Chicago, Illinois (Local Office: Los Angeles) – 1,798 Employees
6th HARMAN International – Richardson, Texas (Local Office: Northridge) – 2,200 Employees
7th Walker & Dunlop – Bethesda, Maryland (Local Office: Calabasas) – 1,391 Employees
8th Huntington Health – Pasadena – 3,914 Employees
9th Vertex Pharmaceuticals – Boston, Massachusetts (Local Office: San Diego) – 4,424 Employees
10th OneAmerica Financial – Indianapolis, Indiana (Local Office: San Diego) – 2,536 Employees
5,000+ Employees
1st Shamrock Foods Company
Phoenix, Arizona (Local Office: Eastvale)
5,917 Employees
2023 Healthiest 100 Workplaces in America Winner
Healthiest Employers Hall of Fame Member
Shamrock Foods Company, a family-owned and operated Forbes 100 privately held company, specializing in manufacturing and distributing food and food-related products. Its family of companies includes Shamrock Foods, the largest independent foodservice company in the West and one of the top five in the United States, and Shamrock Farms, one of the largest family-owned and operated dairies nationwide. Shamrock Foods Company is committed to its more than 6,000 associates, embracing a longstanding philosophy of treating associates as family.
Shamrock Foods Company is renowned for treating its associates as family, fostering a unique culture through their Total Wellbeing program. This program emphasizes holistic care, encompassing physical and mental well-being, and encourages personal responsibility for health and wellness. One standout benefit is the 2nd MD's Expert Medical Opinion, which allows associates to consult board-certified doctors for second opinions via phone or video, enhancing confidence in their treatment plans. This benefit has led to significant success, with associates saving an average of $12,000 by avoiding unnecessary surgeries. By offering accessible resources, Shamrock empowers associates and their families to proactively manage their health, reducing potential critical care needs and associated costs.
Shamrock Foods Company’s award-winning Total Wellbeing program supports the physical health, financial well-being, sense of community, continued learning, and overall happiness of associates and their families. Physical health benefits include on-site wellness clinics, virtual primary care and physical therapy, cancer screenings, chronic care management, and home health assistance. Mental health support is provided through a 24/7 employee assistance program (EAP) and on-site counseling at no cost.
Financial well-being is bolstered by programs like company-contributed 401(k) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA), Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA), profit-sharing, and insurance partner discounts. Shamrock fosters a sense of community through family fun days, associate appreciation events, and community giving initiatives. They also encourage personal and professional growth through education reimbursement, partner university discounts, and leadership programs.
“At Shamrock, we want to enable each associate with accessible, affordable tools to live a healthier lifestyle, regardless of their current level of health. We believe early detection is the best way to improve health and wellness, and we’ll continue to emphasize proactive ways to care for associates and their families including strong doctor-patient relationships, regular annual exams, and easy access to healthcare providers, all through Shamrock’s Total Wellbeing program. Each year we review trends and find new programs to help with early detection. This year we added Galleri to add another level of early cancer detection available to our associates.” –Corey Gilchrist, Vice President of Total Rewards
2nd Genuine McCarthy Enterprises, Inc.
St. Louis, Missouri (Local Office: Newport Beach)
7,548 Employees
Genuine McCarthy Enterprises, Inc. is the parent company of McCarthy Building Companies, a name well-recognized in the construction industry. With nearly 160 years of experience, McCarthy focuses on learning, building, and growing to meet client needs. As a non-residential builder operating across the United States, McCarthy places paramount importance on the health and well-being of its employees, reflecting its status as a 100% employee-owned company.
During the pandemic, when access to mental health care became increasingly difficult, McCarthy prioritized resolving these issues. By utilizing Lyra, 98% of employees and their families are instantly matched with a provider, with an average wait time of only two days for the first available appointment. This has significantly reduced delays in receiving support.
McCarthy adopts a comprehensive and holistic approach to health and wellness by offering a variety of robust benefits and programs tailored to each employee and their family. The primary medical insurance covers all diabetes and preventive medications at no cost to employees. Support resources are available through Included Health, Livongo, and Rx Savings Solutions to help employees manage treatment and costs. Regardless of medical plan coverage, Lyra provides free mental health resources to all employees and their household members. For financial wellness, My Secure Advantage offers expert financial coaching and webinars on topics such as long-term planning, life events, and credit improvement. Additionally, McCarthy partners with Maven to support employees with reproductive health and family planning.
“I am exceptionally proud of the wellness programs we offer to our partners. We provide a comprehensive approach to health and wellness that addresses the physical, mental, and financial needs of our employees. Our wellness program offers employees opportunities to engage in physical activity, preventative health screenings, educational workshops, and other resources to all levels of wellness at the forefront. As an employee-owned company, our partners are like family to us, and we make sure they have the time, resources, and tools they need to show up to work at their best selves.” –Joe Jouvenal, Chief Operating Officer
3rd CBIZ
Cleveland, Ohio (Local Office: Irvine)
6,841 Employees
CBIZ provides professional business services in accounting, tax, and advisory services as well as employee benefits and insurance services. CBIZ has over 100 offices and 6,000 team members located throughout the U.S. and serves organizations of all sizes and individual clientele.
Through Accolade, CBIZ has seen 83% of team members utilizing the platform to help find in-network providers, answer health-related questions, and explain coverage offerings. By participating in various wellness activities, employees can earn points towards discounts on medical premiums and prize drawings. CBIZ also encourages their workforce to give back to their communities by offering up to 8 hours annually to volunteer during work hours. Because of the many employees and offices throughout the country, CBIZ has also started a “Our Great People Great Place (GP2) program that focuses on fostering a healthy work environment, positive social opportunities with coworkers, and creating a great place to work. This program hosts onsite local office gatherings and workplace awards to bring employees together. Additionally, CBIZ offers various Employee Resource Groups such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) and Pride to promote their continued DEI efforts.
“CBIZ continues to experience record growth and as we grow our business, we likewise continue to prioritize and invest in the health and wellbeing of our team members. We strive every day to bring one of our key core values, ‘Our People Matter,’ to life. In addition to our focus on well-being, we’ve made critical strides in strengthening our award-winning culture including the expansion of our Employee Resource Group offerings, which help to build community across our company and create new opportunities for our team members to connect and support each other. For the coming year, we plan to build on this progress and align more incentives to encourage more team members to take full advantage of these valuable resources and opportunities.” –Elizabeth Newman, Chief Human Resources Officer
