Fortune Magazine Appreciates SAS for Employee Care

Fortune has ranked the Software firm SAS in its top ten for years, but this is the first time it's become the number one in the magazine's annual list.

Photo: Fortune Magazine Appreciates SAS for Employee Care

Editors say SAS's emphasis on health care, child care and work-life balance are important, but a main criteria they looked at this year is how companies are helping employees weather the recession.

SAS is well known for pampering its workers - with free health care, subsidized child care, a free 66,000-square-foot recreation and fitness center, and programs that promote employee wellness.

Managers say that investment pays off with extremely low employee turnover that in turn reduces training costs.

"In a tough economy, SAS did not waiver from our commitment to our employees and the innovative culture that keeps them challenged and provides work-life balance,” said Jenn Mann, Vice President of Human Resources at SAS. “SAS’ continued success proves our core belief: Happy, healthy employees are more productive.”

SAS is followed by investment advisers Edward Jones and Wegmans Food Markets at the second and third positions respectively.

ABC11.com has contributed to the report.