News Summary
Seven companies from Tennessee have been recognized in a recent report by U.S. News & World Report identifying the best workplaces in the U.S. This includes notable firms like Averitt, BlueCross BlueShield, and HealthStream, which excel in metrics such as work-life balance, pay quality, and professional development. The ranking highlights the emphasis on employee satisfaction and well-being, showcasing Tennessee’s commitment to fostering positive work environments.
Tennessee has achieved recognition in a recent report identifying the best companies to work for in the United States, with seven firms from the state making the list compiled by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings emphasize the importance of various workplace metrics such as quality of pay, work-life balance, and professional development.
The full report includes a total of 497 companies, and notably, nine of the top ten recognized businesses are based in the U.S. Among the seven Tennessee companies acknowledged for their exemplary work environments, only two are publicly traded.
Top Tennessee Companies Recognized
Averitt
Averitt, established in 1958, is a private transportation firm recognized for its stability, sense of belonging, and safety. It has consistently ranked among the top logistics and transportation companies in the country.
BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee
Founded in 1945, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is a private healthcare organization known for its leadership in the healthcare and research sectors. The company earned praise for its work-life balance, job stability, and commitment to safety.
HealthStream
HealthStream is a publicly traded organization founded in 1990 with a market capitalization of $993.3 million. It has garnered attention for its contributions to healthcare and research, achieving top marks in work-life balance, belongingness, and safety.
Ingram Content Group
Ingram Content Group, a private firm in the media and communications sector established in 1978, was recognized for its stability, sense of belonging, and commitment to safety within the workplace.
McKee
Established in 1934, McKee is a privately traded consumer products company that stands out for its strong metrics in stability, quality of pay, and a sense of belonging among employees.
Pinnacle
Pinnacle, a publicly traded finance and insurance organization founded in 2000, with a significant market capitalization of $7.57 billion, is noted for maintaining high work-life balance and stability while fostering a sense of belonging within its workforce.
Vaco
Founded in 2002, Vaco is a private consulting and human resources firm recognized for its work-life balance, quality of pay, and job stability, making it a valuable workplace for employees in Tennessee.
Evaluation Metrics and Overall Context
The recognition of these companies stems from a thorough evaluation based on six critical metrics: quality of pay and benefits, work-life balance, job stability, belonging and self-esteem, opportunities for professional development, and physical and psychological comfort. The importance of these dimensions reflects a growing trend among companies to prioritize employee satisfaction and well-being.
The top ranking company nationwide is 1stDibs, a publicly traded consumer products company founded in 2000. Following closely is A10 Networks, recognized as the second-best business with a focus on information technology and caregiving.
Recognition by U.S. News & World Report underscores how organizations that emphasize employee-centric cultures can succeed and thrive, ultimately attracting and retaining talent in competitive markets. By focusing on significant factors that enhance job satisfaction and workplace morale, companies in Tennessee are setting a noteworthy example for others across the country.
The achievement of these seven Tennessee companies emphasizes the state’s commitment to creating positive and productive work environments that benefit employees and, subsequently, the organizations themselves.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Tennessean: Best Companies in Tennessee 2025
- Knox News: 65 Knoxville-Eastern Tennessee Companies
- Knox TN Today: FirstBank Ranked a Best Company
- Value Penguin: Best Cheap Car Insurance in Tennessee
- Forbes: Best Employers for New Grads

Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan 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 the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.


