News Summary
Seven companies from Tennessee have been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best employers. The ranking evaluated organizations based on quality of pay, work-life balance, job stability, and employee satisfaction, showcasing the state’s strong business environment that prioritizes positive workplace cultures.
Tennessee Companies Shine in U.S. Best Employers Ranking
Nashville, TN – Seven companies from Tennessee have been recognized in the U.S. News & World Report ranking of the best employers in the United States. This ranking evaluated both privately owned and publicly traded organizations, analyzing them across six key metrics: quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance, job stability, belonging and self-esteem, professional development, and physical and psychological comfort.
Among the seven companies, only two are publicly traded, while the remaining five are privately owned. This diversity highlights Tennessee’s strong business environment and its commitment to fostering positive workplace cultures that prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being.
Overview of Recognized Companies
The recognized companies span various sectors, showcasing a blend of transportation, healthcare, media, and finance. The following is a summary of each organization and their notable strengths:
- Averitt – Founded in 1958, this private transportation company is celebrated for its strong performance in terms of job stability, employee belongingness, and safety.
- BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee – Established in 1945, this private healthcare firm excels in work-life balance, job stability, and overall safety for its employees.
- HealthStream – A publicly traded healthcare company founded in 1990, HealthStream has a market capitalization of $993.3 million and is recognized for its work-life balance, sense of belonging, and safety among employees.
- Ingram Content Group – This private media and communications company, founded in 1978, emphasizes stability, belongingness, and safety within its workplace.
- McKee – Focused on consumer products and established in 1934, McKee stands out for its stability, sense of belonging, and competitive quality of pay.
- Pinnacle – Founded in 2000 and publicly traded, this finance and insurance company has a market capitalization of $7.57 billion and is noted for high work-life balance, stability, and fostering a sense of belonging amongst its staff.
- Vaco – This consulting and human resources firm, established in 2002, excels in promoting work-life balance, quality of pay, and job stability.
Ranking Context
The overall list includes 497 companies, with nine of the top ten based in the United States. The top employer, 1stDibs, is located in New York, followed by A10 Networks in San Jose, California. The rankings reflect a broad spectrum of industries, recognizing companies not only in healthcare and transportation but also in finance, engineering, and information technology.
This acknowledgment of Tennessee companies demonstrates the state’s competitive business landscape and its focus on creating fulfilling workplaces. The selection criteria emphasize aspects that resonate with today’s workforce, such as the importance of mental well-being, professional development, and a supportive company culture.
Implications for Tennessee
The recognition of these companies is a positive indicator for the state’s economy, as it signifies an investment in employee satisfaction, which can lead to reduced turnover rates and increased productivity. These insights may encourage other organizations within the state to evaluate their work environments and strive for similar recognition in future rankings.
As businesses increasingly focus on employee-centric initiatives, this ranking serves as a benchmark for others aiming to enhance workplace conditions and overall job satisfaction.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tennessean: Best Companies in Tennessee 2025
- Knox TN Today: FirstBank Ranked a Best Company to Work For in Tennessee
- U.S. News: Best Car Insurance in Tennessee
- Tennessean: Tennessee Companies Ranked in Forbes Global 2000 List
- Knox News: Tennessee Forbes Best Employers
- Wikipedia: Business in Tennessee
- Google Search: Tennessee Companies Best Employers
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
- Google News: Tennessee Companies
- Google Scholar: Tennessee Businesses
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.



