One of Atlanta’s constant bright spots for its economic future is the number of Fortune 500 companies that are located here – 17 to be exact. And on the Fortune 1000, there are 31 companies based in the Georgia capital. This means Atlanta continues to be a strong anchor the economy of the state, with both investment and jobs abounding from such successful companies.
On the employment side, the latest Forbes World’s Best Employers list came out and Atlanta figures in strongly.
Hometown airline Delta came in at number six, beating out all other airlines – though Southwest had a strong showing at number nine. Delta is also the highest ranked company not based in the tech sector. Delta jumped up from 20th on the list last year, already a high ranking but this year sets a new – and tough – standard. Delta was already ranked number 18 by Forbes earlier this year for most admired companies.
“Our people are our most worthy investment,” said Joanne Smith, Delta’s E.V.P and Chief People Officer. “When we’re recognized by an institution like Forbes as one of the World’s Best Employers for 2022, it’s a meaningful affirmation of the ways we listen – and act – when our people share with us their unique needs and goals.”
Forbes’ rankings are developed through independent survey data of 150,000 full-time and part-time workers at major companies in 57 countries. Samsung, based in South Korea, is the top ranked company but the United States mostly dominates, with companies 2-12 all based in the U.S. Respondents to the survey rank their employers on a multitude of topics, including talent development, equality and social responsibility, and whether they would recommend the employer to family or friends. Not to mention higher salaries, better benefits, advancement opportunities and work-life balance.
Where Atlanta really shines on the Forbes list is that it is not just Delta that makes an appearance on the list. Lockheed Martin, with a strong presence in Atlanta, is ranked 11th. Mercedes-Benz has their U.S. headquarters in Atlanta and the German car-maker is 25th.
Coca-Cola, still one of the world’s most recognized brands and an Atlanta jewel for more than 100 years, comes in at 32nd on the list. The Home Depot is another Atlanta headquartered company, ranked 52nd. Rounding out the Atlanta presence on the list is the SK Group, the South Korean conglomerate that is making the bulk of its U.S. investments in Georgia.
