EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- Clif Bar & Co. was recently named one of the best workplaces in the United States by Great Place to Work. Fortune magazine recently published the 2013 list recognizing exceptional workplace cultures at small- and medium-size companies.
Ranked ninth on the list of 25 best medium workplaces (251 to 999 employees), Clif Bar made the 2013 list in its first year of applying, competing against hundreds of companies nationwide. Great Place to Work evaluated each company in a rigorous selection process that included an employee survey and detailed questionnaire about benefits programs and company practices.
"We strive for a workplace that sustains our people—one of the Five Aspirations, or bottom lines, that defines our business," said Clif Bar CEO Kevin Cleary. "Happy, healthy people create good food. We're honored to be recognized for building a company culture that supports and inspires our employees to grow and succeed, have fun and contribute to a more sustainable future."
Taking a holistic approach to employee well-being, Clif Bar supports its people physically, fiscally and emotionally. Employees have access to an onsite gym, personal trainers and fitness classes as well as nutritional counseling and an annual athletic competition stipend.
In addition to 401(k) and annual incentive plans, employees also own 20% of Clif Bar through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In keeping with the company's focus on environmental sustainability, employees are helped to reduce their own carbon footprint through such incentives as fiscal help to purchase low emission vehicles or leave their cars at home entirely.
An onsite childcare center, dog-friendly workplace, employee-run kitchen, flexible work week, telecommute options, tuition reimbursement, community service opportunities, life coaching and a paid sabbatical every seven years provide employees with emotional support, comfort and personal growth.
Clif Bar owners and co-chief visionary officers Gary Erickson and Kit Crawford have sought to create the kind of workplace at which they would like to work since the company's inception in 1992. In the past decade, Clif Bar has received multiple honors for its company culture, including recognition for its sustainable approach to business, healthy workplace, business ethics, social responsibility, volunteer efforts and bike friendliness.
Great Place to Work is a global consulting and management training firm specializing in workplace excellence and development of high-trust organizational cultures. Annually, it produces the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list and the Great Place to Work Best Small & Medium Workplaces list.
Clif Bar & Co. is a leading maker of nutritious and organic foods and drinks, including Clif Bar energy bar, Luna, The Whole Nutrition Bar for Women; and Clif Kid, Nourishing Kids in Motion. Focused on sports nutrition and snacks, the family and employee-owned company is committed to sustaining its people, brands, business, community and planet.
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