Becoming a Times Union Top Workplace isn’t a title bestowed on just any business.
The Top Workplace Award is truly special because it is based on employee feedback. And for the 5th time, Stewart’s Shops has been honored with this award.
This award measures qualities including company values and goals, employee engagement and growth opportunities, as well as compensation and benefits. With 345 + shops across 31 counties in New York and Vermont, Stewart’s Shops is one of the largest employers in the Capital Region with 5,000 employees between the shops, the manufacturing plant and the corporate office.
Not only did Stewart’s Shops win Top Workplace, our leader and president, Gary Dake was honored with a leadership award for his commitment to his employees.
Sharing with Our Partners
At Stewart’s Shops, we call our employees partners, because they really are. Our partners own over 40% of the company through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, or ESOP; a benefit for anyone working 1,000 hours a year. This year, Stewart’s Shops made a $19 million contribution to the ESOP. This contribution is about 19% of the Partners’ 2020 gross pay.
There are now 105 Partners with a balance of over $1 million and nearly a third of these millionaires are still actively working. This is possible because of Stewart’s stability, enabling years of double digit percent of pay contributions, plus double-digit growth of balances each year.
Sharing with Our Communities
Stewart’s Shops also shares with the communities and customers we serve, proudly donating $7.5 million in contributions to nonprofits each year. In 2020, Stewart’s Shops donated an additional $1 million in Covid relief to those in need.
Additional Benefits
Stewart’s ESOP participants also receive paid maternity leave, half-priced YMCA fitness and day care memberships, as well as “Make Your Own” Scholarships which have provided $400,000 per year of scholarships to Partners’ dependents.
We’re Hiring!
And we have good news! Stewart’s Shops is currently hiring for the busy summer season ahead in the shops! You can find more information on our careers page.