Employers are learning that it takes a lot more than a paycheck to keep employees happy. The editors of Arkansas Business, Arkansas' prestigious business journal, recognized these companies among the best for work-life balance and benefits.


ARKANSAS CHILDREN’S
Employees: 3,740 | Little Rock and Springdale

Arkansas Children's Hospital

The Arkansas Children's Hospital campus in Little Rock. 

Arkansas Children’s is the premier source for pediatric care in the state, with two hospitals, a research institute, a foundation and a statewide network of clinics comprising its health care system. The network cares for its caregivers through programs by setting annual goals and providing the tools and resources from its corporate university, Improvement U, to enhance their career growth journey.

TOP THREE PERKS
1.    Concierge services
2.    OneTeam Portal
3.    Improvement U Program

In 2019, the health system launched the “OneTeam Connect Portal” where team members can post volunteer opportunities to support internal and external needs in the community. In 2020, they launched a concierge service to allow employees to access services like oil changes, dry cleaning and grocery shopping while they work. They also support team members with food insecurities through a partnership with the UAMS Stocked and Reddie Food Pantry.

WHAT EMPLOYEES ARE SAYING

Charli Thomas, Wellness and Recognition Coordinator • Joined Arkansas Children’s in 2018

“Health care workers are known for being the worst patients and being the worst at taking care of themselves. There is a lot of compassion fatigue and always looking after someone else, which means they don’t always look after themselves.

"My job is to ensure that the people who take care of the kids of Arkansas are taken care of...whether that’s their health or that they get celebrated or that they feel like they are a part of the team. I help make sure that all of those boxes are checked.”

Cory Weir, Sports Medicine Coordinator • Joined Arkansas Children’s in 2018

“The employees that I have share the same goal as far as why we are [here]. …[We] all have the same goal. We all enjoy working [here] because of the mission to take care of kids. We all love doing what we’re doing.”


BANK OZK
Employees: 2,839 | Based in Little Rock with jobs statewide

Bank OZK is nationally recognized as one of the highest performing banks in the U.S. because they pour so much time into motivating their employees. Everyone who works at Bank OZK is trained in providing exceptional customer service, working as a team, doing right and pursuing excellence. This helps build morale and a sense of belonging.

TOP THREE PERKS
1.    Banking services
2.    Paid parental leave
3.    OZK Kudos awards

Bank OZK celebrates anniversary milestones while also providing opportunities for community service, pet insurance, paid parental leave, peer recognition and awards and rewards for performance.

During the pandemic, Bank OZK expanded paid leave, added health care provisions, encouraged career counseling and applied social distancing policies and procedures to keep their employees safe.

WHAT EMPLOYEES ARE SAYING

Alex Cravens, Director of Banking Systems Technology • Joined Bank OZK in 2013

“There is a lot of investment in the people. We do a lot of work with other departments… you meet so many different personalities and talents that you get to work with.”


MORE GREAT PLACES TO WORK

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield cares for the financial health of their employees with a corporate match of 401(k) contributions. They also have an onsite clinic, fitness and wellness programs and healthy dining options.
Little Rock | Employees: 3,195 | Health Care

Conway Regional Health System supports employees with a concierge service, relaxation room with massage chairs, themed team contests and monthly surprise events for day and night shifts.
Conway | Employees: 1,202 | Health Care

Datamax offers employees annual biometric health and wellness screenings at no charge.
Little Rock | Employees: 233 | Technology

Stone Ward treats employees with a free, fully-stocked kitchen and pantry that includes fruit, microwave pizzas, sandwich fixings and other foods.
Little Rock | Employees: 56 | Advertising-Marketing

Delta Dental boosts morale with treat days, chair massages and employee recognition luncheons.
Little Rock | Employees: 227 | Health Care