Special Report

America's Best Companies to Work For

36. American Express
> Glassdoor rating:
3.7
> Number of reviews: 2,700
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Ken Chenault)
> Employees: 54,000
> Industry: Credit services
> Revenue: $34.3 billion

Among the most praised aspects of working at American Express (NYSE AXP) is the work-life balance, and the frequent option to work from home. High salaries may be another reason AmEx is one of the best places to work. Marketing analysts make about $68,000, roughly $12,000 more than employees in similar positions nationwide. In addition, the company offers maternity and paternity leave, as well as a supportive 401k plan.

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37. Cisco Systems
> Glassdoor rating:
3.7
> Number of reviews: 6,600
> CEO approval rating: 93% (Chuck Robbins)
> Employees: 70,942
> Industry: Networking & Communication Devices
> Revenue: $47.1 billion

Founded at the dawn of the computer age, Cisco Systems (NASDAQ: CSCO) designs, manufactures, and sells the hardware that facilitates internet connectivity, from wireless routers to data center switches. This year, Cisco employees are among the happiest in the workforce. The company pays its software engineers an especially generous base salary of $118,700, 31% more than the average software engineer among all companies. Employees also laud the company for its flexible scheduling options, manageable work-life balance, and its 401k match of up to 3% of a given salary.

38. USAA
> Glassdoor rating:
3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,100
> CEO approval rating: 87% (Stuart Parker)
> Employees: 27,000
> Industry: Insurance
> Revenue: $24.0 billion

Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, USAA is one of the best companies to work for in the U.S. One factor likely contributing to employees’ high praise is the flexible vacation policy. In addition to the two to three weeks of paid vacation, the company gives out additional vacation days each quarter. USAA also offers a 401k program, and it will match an employee’s contribution up to 8%. In February, Stuart Parker took over as CEO. Parker has been with USAA for 16 years, and enjoys an 87% approval rate on Glassdoor.com.

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39. PwC
> Glassdoor rating:
3.6
> Number of reviews: 7,100
> CEO approval rating: 90% (Robert Moritz)
> Employees: 180,000
> Industry: Professional Services
> Revenue: $34.0 billion

PwC, formerly known as PricewaterhouseCoopers, was formed in 1998 when Price Waterhouse merged with Coopers & Lybrand. Today, it primarily offers consulting and auditing services to companies across a broad swath of industries. While all of the “big four” auditing firms are among the best places in the country to work, PwC scored better than Deloitte and KPMG, two of its primary competitors. Nine out of 10 employees surveyed thought highly of CEO Robert Moritz and positive employee reviews regularly praise the company for being a great place to launch a career.

40. H&R Block
> Glassdoor rating:
3.6
> Number of reviews: 1,300
> CEO approval rating: 71% (William C. Cobb)
> Employees: 2,200
> Industry: Tax preparation
> Revenue: $3.0 billion

Like many of the other best companies to work for, employees often note the flexible work schedule in their reviews on Glassdoor.com. Flexibility comes at a cost, however. Because H&R Block provides tax services, employment is extremely seasonal. The company employs 2,200 workers year-round, with ranks swelling to roughly 88,000 as the April 15th tax deadline approaches. Among the biggest perks of working at H&R Block is discounted tax advice and medical coverage. Benefits are also extended to the company’s seasonal employees.

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