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MINNEAPOLIS, Jan 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE)
Today General Mills was named to FORTUNE's ninth annual list of "100 Best Companies to Work For." Low turnover and unique employee perks were among the many criteria that earned General Mills a place on FORTUNE's list for a fifth year. General Mills also was honored in 2005, 2004, 2000, and 1998. Ranking No. 98 on this year's list, FORTUNE also recognized General Mills as one of the top 10 companies on the list with the lowest turnover rate -- 5 percent.
General Mills employees agree with FORTUNE's assessment. The company's most recent employee climate survey reports that nine out of 10 employees recommend General Mills as a great place to work. In fact, it's not uncommon to find employees who have spent most of their careers at General Mills.
"To be ranked as one of America's best places to work by FORTUNE is an honor, and is truly a reflection of our dedication to employees," said Michael Peel, senior vice president of Human Resources, General Mills. "General Mills focuses on shaping our culture as one that is highly performance oriented -- yet, at the same time, one that is responsive to employee need and that promotes family and work-life balance. This culture is key in recruiting and retaining championship talent."
What makes General Mills such a great employer? According to FORTUNE, "You can bring your laundry to work and get your car serviced, packages wrapped, and nails done at the headquarters of this food giant. A subsidized infant care center for children ages 6 weeks to 16 months is also available to employees."
In addition to the convenience services cited by FORTUNE, other perks offered to employees include an on-site grocery store, full-service credit union, take-home dinners, and an on-site fitness center with free membership for employees, their families, and a free lifetime membership for retirees.
Keeping employees healthy also is a priority at General Mills. The company offers an on-site medical facility with preventative care, vision care, a dentist, a dietitian, physical therapy, dermatology, immunizations for international travel, as well as same-day prescription fulfillment. In addition, General Mills offers Total You, an online health program offered in partnership with the Mayo Clinic that promotes nutrition, fitness and balance.
"These employee services not only increase the quality of work life for employees, but enable them to better balance extremely busy work and personal lives," says Peel. "Allowing employees to access these services during the work day allows them to spend more time with their families in the evenings and on weekends."
General Mills is one of two Minnesota companies to make this year's list; The Mayo Clinic was also honored by FORTUNE. The list and related stories appear in FORTUNE's January 23 issue, which is on newsstands on January 16 and at www.fortune.com on January 9.
"The 100 Best Companies to Work For" list is compiled for FORTUNE by Robert Levering and Milton Moskowitz of the Great Place to Work Institute in San Francisco, based on two criteria: an evaluation of the policies and culture of each company, and the opinions of the company's employees.
Located in Golden Valley, Minn., General Mills is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of consumer foods products. Its global brand portfolio includes Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, Green Giant, Old El Paso and more. It also has more than 100 U.S. consumer brands including Cheerios, Wheaties and other Big G cereal brands; Yoplait and Colombo yogurts; Betty Crocker desserts and dinner mixes; Betty Crocker and Nature Valley snacks; Totino's frozen pizza and snacks; and Progresso ready-to-serve soups. General Mills is a leader in the bakeries and foodservice business as a major supplier of baking and other food products to the foodservice and commercial baking industries.
SOURCE: General Mills
General Mills, Minneapolis Kirstie Foster, 763-764-4347
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