First Watch Tops List of Most Loved Workplaces

What does it take to create a workplace that employees actually enjoy? Look no further than the example set by First Watch, the breakfast/lunch/brunch spot, which finished atop the “America’s Most Loved Workplaces 2024” rankings by Newsweek magazine.

Here’s what that periodical had to say about why the Bradenton, Fla.-based restaurant chain with 530-plus locales finished first in the annual rankings:

“First Watch deeply values its employees, fostering a culture of kindness, hard work and teamwork, as reflected in its ‘You First’ values. The company emphasizes work-life balance, with unique benefits like comprehensive programs for backup childcare and eldercare, ensuring employees feel supported in their personal lives.

“First Watch’s commitment to holistic appreciation is evident through recognitions like the Legacy Pin, inspired by late founder Ken Pendery, which honors individuals who have made significant impacts on their colleagues. Continuous feedback loops, such as the CEO-hosted “Why” Tours, ensure employee voices are heard and valued, leading to ongoing improvements in the work environment. This dedication to a people-first culture, combined with opportunities for career growth, makes First Watch a truly beloved place to work.”

When it comes to the top-ranked retailers that operate their own stores, the top finishers include Kendra Scott jewelers (ranked #98), Ace Hardware (188), Mattress Firm (192) and e.l.f. beauty (194).

Other restaurant-operating top finishers in First Watch’s category include Eat’nPark Hospitality Group (136), the Athletic Brewing Co. (151) and Golden Corral (175).

Here’s how Newsweek came up with the rankings: “To identify the top 200 companies on this list, companies were evaluated and scored as follows: 50% of the initial score was based on direct employee responses to Best Practice Institute’s proprietary Love of Workplace Index assessment. And other 35% came from BPI’s direct interviews and written responses from company officials, and the final 15% was derived from analyzing external public ratings from sites such as Comparably, Careerbliss, Glassdoor, Indeed, Google and others. Newsweek then conducted editorial research on every company before the final list of 200 companies and their rankings was completed.”