Fortune’s 2011 “Top 100 Companies To Work For” list seems ultra slim on work that matters. Check out the top ten alone: SAS (business software), Boston Consulting Group (business consulting), Wegmans Food Markets (supermarket chain), Google, NetApp (data storage), Zappos (shoes), Camden Property Trust (apartment management), Nugget Market (gourmet supermarket chain), REI Recreational Equipment and Dreamworks Animation. Granted, it’s Fortune, it’s largely an examination of compensation and perks, and good people probably work for these companies. But you and I don’t. Why not? Maybe because image isn’t everything? Or maybe I don’t know enough about the reach or mission of each of these job providers.
Sure, I’ve seen Shrek, bought a tent at REI, Googled, I wear shoes, been to Wegmans, probably have data stored on a NetApp server somewhere and have likely frequented businesses relying on the strategic acumen of BCG – but who cares?
For sure, there are some on the list that appear to be obvious examples of work that matters: The Methodist Hospital System, CHG Healthcare Services, The Everett Clinic, Mayo Clinic and Teach For America . But maybe my analysis is too simple: ”You know it when you see it.” Surely, doing work that matters can’t mean completely sacrificing a great workplace experience for the mission alone. Where’s “our” list then?