Florida-Based Publix Recognized Among Top Companies That Care, Per Recent Study

Photo byTodd Van Hoosear, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Many Floridians are aware that a man named George Jenkins founded Florida-based Publix after starting as a broom pusher at Piggly Wiggly in the 1920s. By 1940, Jenkins founded the first Publix supermarket and today there are over 1,300 stores.

However, what might not be as well known is that Jenkins was passionate about giving back. When asked how much money he would be worth if he didn't give so much away, he reportedly replied, "Probably nothing."

This philosophy has been recognized by a recent study.

The Study, What It Measured, And How Publix Fared: PEOPLE magazine and Great Place To Work recently teamed up to recognize the nation's top 100 companies that care. To do this, PEOPLE and Great Place To Work looked at metrics like the reduction of a company's carbon footprint, investment in employees' mental health, and giving back to the community.

Publix ranked number 15th out of 100. Previously, Publix was named one of Indeed's top-rated workplaces.

Publix currently earns 3.9 out of 5 stars on Indeed. Some say working at Publix is a fun, easy job. Others say it is a great way to meet people. A few lamented the difficulty of becoming full-time.

Ways Publix Gives Back To Its Communities: Publix has several ways that it gives back to its local communities, one of which is Publix Partners, an initiative that supports local schools. Other campaigns include the March of Dimes, the United Way, and the Special Olympics.

Publix's Produce Milestone: As of the summer of 2024, Publix had donated 100 million pounds of produce to Feeding America. Additional recipients of produce donations were diverse geographically, as they included Harry Chapin Food Bank, Treasure Coast Food Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, and Second Harvest of the Big Bend.

However, other grocers doing business in Florida also give back. Whole Foods runs a Nourishing Our Neighborhoods program. Winn Dixie's program is called Fighting Hunger. Trader Joe's has its Neighbood Share Program, and Aldi donates to Feeding America.

How Publix Reportedly Gives Back To Its Employees: According to Clark.com, Publix has never laid off an employee and offers employees who have worked for one year 1,000 hours stock that is equal to approximately 8% to 12% of annual compensation.

Clark.com notes that Publix has a very low turnover rate of only 5%.

The author is not affiliated with Publix or any other grocers.