Perks and Programs

We asked Publix Super Markets Inc. to share a few programs they feel really capture what's unique about their workplace. Here is what they had to say.

• Retirement: Publix’s employee stock ownership plan provides eligible full- and part-time associates with retirement savings at no cost to them. Most importantly, the distribution is calculated at the same percentage of wages regardless of the associate’s position.
• Holiday Bonus: Full- and part-time associates receive an annual holiday cash bonus that is extraordinary for the retail food industry. Full-time associates with three years of service receive two weeks' pay as the holiday bonus. Monthly salaried associate receive a full month’s pay as holiday bonus.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Full- and part-time associates working as few as 10 hours a week can be eligible to receive reimbursements up to $12,800 toward degrees in an approved field of study such as accounting, industrial engineering, information technology, pre-pharmacy, marketing, and business management. Eligible associates can also receive up to $3,400 for individual courses, occupational/technical programs or undergraduate programs while attending a two-year school/community college.
• Stock Purchase Plan: In addition to the employee stock ownership plan, Publix provides all eligible associates with an opportunity to purchase additional shares of our privately held stock.
• 401 (k) Match: Participants can contribute up to 10 percent of their pay to their 401(k) retirement savings plan. For every dollar up to three percent of a participant’s annual eligible pay, Publix contributes 50 cents, up to a maximum match of $750.
• Annual Service Award: We recognize years of service in five-year increments. Associates with five, 10 and 15 consecutive years attend a lunch celebration event, and those with 20 or more years are honored with their guest at an elaborate dinner event. Associates honored at these luncheons and dinners can select a gift based on their years of service – everything from jewelry to housewares to electronics.
• Employee Owned: Publix has been employee-owned since 1930. We are the largest employee-owned supermarket chain in the nation. Publix associates benefit from that ownership through profit-sharing in the form of year-end bonuses and shares of company stock distributed yearly to a retirement account at no cost.

How to Get Hired

We asked Publix Super Markets Inc. for some inside information on how to get hired at the organization. Here is what they had to say.

What key characteristics tell you a prospective employee will be a great fit for your company?

The most important quality is a sense of urgency to provide customers, both internal and external, with outstanding service.  This requires a passion for helping people, a sense of humility, high standards, and great attention to detail.

What can prospective employees do to get your attention?

Research as much as you can about Publix, follow directions when applying, be truthful in all you say and do, make eye contact and smile when communicating with people, and introduce yourself to a manager to explain why you would make a great Publix associate.  One other thing: understand that there might be other applicants who are even more qualified for the position than you are.  We receive more than a million applicants a year.

Are there any positions or types of candidates you are particularly focused on hiring in this coming year?

We always target talented bakers, decorators and meat cutters.  We continually look for industrial maintenance technicians, particularly those with refrigeration experience. And our 1,100-associate Information Systems Department always has openings.

What should interested candidates do to find out more and get started?

Go to www.publix.com/careers for information about our company, the benefits of working at Publix, current job openings and more.  Another source for information is www.blog.publix.com/careers.