REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc.), a national retailer providing quality outdoor gear and clothing, announced today that it is ranked number nine on FORTUNE magazine's 2011 list of "100 Best Companies to Work For."
"Our ongoing placement on FORTUNE'slist is reflected in our employees' dedication to provide knowledge, support and encouragement to help others lead active lifestyles and to partner with nonprofits that share our commitment to outdoor recreation and stewardship," said Michelle Clements, senior vice president, Human Resources for REI. "Their passion is what makes REI a great place to work and what has earned us this honor 14 years in a row."
The company is one of five organizations to be recognized on the list each year since its inception in 1998, including two previous book versions. REI is also the highest of the Washington State-based companies on the 2011 list, which includes five others.
REI offers a unique benefits program to its employees, such as healthcare options for full- and part-time employees, generous retirement plan contributions, gear and apparel discounts, employee gear grants, free equipment rentals, a public transit subsidy, adoption assistance and paid sabbaticals after 15 years of service. For more information about REI's compensation and benefits, visit http://www.rei.com/jobs/pay.html.
The full list of "100 Best Companies to Work For" is available at www.FORTUNE.com/BestCompanies and will appear in the February 7 issue of FORTUNE magazine.
To pick the "100 Best Companies to Work For," FORTUNE partners with the Great Place to Work Institute to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America. Three hundred eleven companies participated in this year's survey. Two-thirds of a company's score is based on the results of the Institute's Trust Index survey, which is sent to a random sample of employees from each company. The survey asks questions related to their attitudes about management's credibility, job satisfaction, and camaraderie. The other third of the scoring is based on the company's responses to the Institute's Culture Audit, which includes detailed questions about pay and benefit programs and a series of open-ended questions about hiring practices, internal communications, training, recognition programs and diversity efforts. Any company that is at least seven years old with more than 1,000 U.S. employees is eligible.
About REI
REI is a national outdoor retail co-op dedicated to inspiring, educating and outfitting its members and the community for a lifetime of outdoor adventure and stewardship. Founded in 1938 by a group of Pacific Northwest mountaineers seeking quality equipment, REI is committed to promoting environmental stewardship and increasing access to outdoor recreation through volunteerism, gear donations and financial contributions.