Hershey gains Great Place to Work certification based on strong company culture
The Hershey team at Sweets & Snacks Expo 2022. Pic: Neill Barston
The US-headquartered Hershey Company is celebrating after its US business has been certified by Great Place to Work, a key international authority on workplace culture, reports Neill Barston.
As the business noted, the accolade is particularly noteworthy given the fact that it is based entirely on what present employees say about their experiences working at the firm.
Significantly, this year’s survey of employees cited justice, pride and leadership as particular strengths for the company. Hershey’s US business joins operations in Brazil and India in earning this certification honour.
The certification process examines employee experience, leadership behaviour proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention and increased innovation.
“Being named a Great Place to Work-Certified company further validates our culture and our 128-year legacy of making moments of goodness,” said Michele Buck, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Hershey Company. “Inspired by our remarkable people who bring our purpose to life, we are committed to living our values every day and ensuring our company remains a great place to work.”
Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work explained that gaining such certification required particularly high standards within a business.
She said: “It’s the only official recognition determined by employees’ real-time reports of their company culture. Earning this designation means that The Hershey Company is one of the best companies to work for in the country.”
The certification underscores Hershey’s on-going commitment to foster a positive employee experience, with inclusivity, equity and mentorship initiatives driving tangible results.
As the business noted, its approach has been one of empowering people to be themselves while owning and growing their own careers to their full potential. In 2022, the company launched an enterprise-wide career development program so employees could learn and practice new ideas, behaviours and skills. Additionally, Hershey is committed to supporting employees through a set of competitive and wide-ranging benefits to help them be well, plan for their future, and balance work and life. To continue supporting employees and their growing families, Hershey will increase salaried parental leave to up to 20 weeks in 2023.
“This honour directly reflects the thoughts and opinions of our employees, which is the highest praise we could receive,” added Chris Scalia, Senior Vice President, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Hershey Company. “To address the challenges of the past two years, our leadership team has harnessed the power of continuous and active listening, created a safe and open workplace through public acts of vulnerability, and fostered value creation through putting our employees’ well-being first. These initiatives are making a difference, and we will continue to engage our people to create a workplace that’s welcoming, inclusive and reflective of our purpose and values.”
According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work, and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company’s profits and have a fair chance at promotion.
