Work for these companies and never get laid off.

Chris Wodke

www.summittrainingpublications.com

Downsizing has become a way of life for most American workers and companies. A recent article in Fortune Magazine describe several companies that have never laid off a worker and have made the commitment to never do so. These layoff free companies share several traits in common. Most of the companies are privately held, fiscally conservative with a focus on customer service. They invest in their employees with training because they see them as valuable. The employees return the confidence with cost cutting ideas and loyalty to their organization.  Check out the list, maybe some day you will be lucky enough to work for one of them. No surprise most of them are on Fortune’s list of best places to work.

Nugget Market
This grocery chain has been in business for 81 years, When Nugget Market has less demand for workers they allow the workforce to shrink through attrition. They also cross train employees to allow them to fill more roles within the store and fill jobs that pay a higher rate.

Devon Energy
This oil and gas company believes its talented workforce is the key to its success.  They avoid layoffs by keeping costs low during tough economic times. In rough years employees may be asked to give up wages. In good years the company will give a mid year pay increase.

AFLAC
We have all seen their humorous commercials with the talking duck. Silly ads aside, AFLAC believes in living up to the mandate of its founders.  The philosophy of John, Paul and Bill Amos was , “If we take care of our employees, the employees will take care of the business”. AFLAC keeps its workforce employed by practicing conservative fiscal management.  They solicit employee ideas to keep budgets in line with a program called “Bright Ideas”.  Ideas implemented include flex scheduling and telecommuting.

Nu Star Energy
Nu Star is a pipeline operating company.  Chairmen Bill Greeley and CEO Curt Anastasio have promised employees if they do a good job, they will always have a job.  They feel layoffs erode morale, create fear and reduce productivity. To avoid layoffs, Nu Star manages costs and looks for ways to improve profits. The employees have responded with fierce loyalty.  When hurricane Ike hit, many employees reported to work to get the company back up and running, even though many of them had lost their homes. One of the employees was quoted as saying “it is an honor and a privilege to work for a company that considers you a valuable individual”.

Quik Trip
This privately owned company maintains a strong balance sheet by investing heavily in the company. They have expanded stores even during this recession, creating jobs.  Quik Trip keeps costs low by investing in projects only if there is a benefit to customers or provides growth for employees

Container Store
The container store is another organization that expanded this year, creating jobs.  Container store invests heavily in training. The average employee gets an average of 241 hours of training each year. They have avoided layoffs by freezing salaries and watching their balance sheet.  They asked employees to help boost sales with a cash incentive contest.

Stew Leonard’s
This Northeastern based grocery chain is privately held by Stew Leonard.  They have made the commitment to keep employees during tough economic times.  They work hard to maintain profits by emphasizing customer service.  The goal of CEO Stew Leonard is to “grow and develop our people and not to lay them off just to increase short term profits”.  Stew says the  grocery business is somewhat stable. They do not see large drop in sales during a recession or a large increase in sales during good times.

Scott Trade
Things have been tough for many companies in the financial services business. Scott Trade is no exception. CEO Roger Riney made a commitment to retain their talented workforce.  Scott trade is a privately held company that has a conservative growth strategy and a strong focus on the happiness and longevity of their employees.  

Scott Trade employees have continued to get a bonus although reduced during this recession. One employee was quoted as saying “job security is priceless not just for your pocketbook, but for your piece of mind”.

Publix Super Markets
This company has increased sales during the recession.  They focus on managing costs, employee development and store expansion. Publix has no debt. They recently acquired a number of stores closed by grocery retailer Albertson’s saving 1,250 jobs. There has not been a layoff in the 77year history of Publix.  Publix is employee owned. The company philosophy is to never layoff an owner.

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