As one of the largest contributors to the GDP of the United States, Illinois is the prime state for economic activity. Its gem is Chicago, a city named as the fourth most important business center in the world in the MasterCard Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index. This is widely known as one of the most pursued urban cities for job seekers. Even though Chicago is severely congested and expensive, there are lots of job opportunities here since it is the center point of competitive businesses in many industries.
From food processing to science and engineering and retail, the Chicago labor force works as a major financial center of the world, making them the second-largest central business district in the United States. It is also the strongest in manufacturing, printing, publishing, food processing, medical technology, transportation, distribution, retail, meatpacking, and digital innovation. So several startups and big corporations call Chicago home.
The COVID-19 pandemic might have transformed the whole world, especially the job market. You may have heard of the phenomenon “The Great Resignation”. And you may be one of these workers who have participated in this. In fact, wages in 2021 have grown at the fastest rate in 35 years.
But this doesn’t erase the fact that according to World Business Chicago, there are 400 major corporate headquarters that boom in Chicago, including 31 Fortune 500 HQs, 300 corporate R&D facilities, and ranked #2 North American City for International HQs.
And according to Crain’s Chicago Business magazine, the top employers of Chicago’s workforce are the US government agencies and the educational system themselves. This includes the Chicago Federal Executive Board, Department of Defense, City of Chicago, Cook County, and Chicago Public Schools and Universities. Some of the most distinguished companies headquartered in Chicago are Boeing, Walgreens, and United Continental Holdings Inc.
So, if you might be looking for a shift in dynamic working conditions and better compensation and benefits today, I highly recommend you to check out some of these corporations. We have assessed these companies based on the following factors: career growth, advancement prospects, personal development, company stability, social responsibility, and workplace diversity.
To help you find the best company in this exciting, new labor market, here are the top 10 best employers in Chicago, ranked from 10 to 1:
10. Salesforce
This San Francisco-based IT company flourishes and specifically thrives on change. It provides a fast-paced environment living on the cutting edge. Working here will make you move quickly as it is very challenging and rewarding. Enjoy the awesome company culture, a family-owned mindset where everyone is important and endless opportunities for career growth and innovation. Leaders here support constructive feedback and help their employees even during times of uncertainty.
9. KPMG
If you’re into financial analysis, you might want to work for KPMG. This accounting company with several distinguished clients prides itself on a diverse, welcoming work environment. They have a policy that fabricates open and honest communication. Workers from different backgrounds are encouraged to build trust and collaboration. Their flexible and adaptable workplace enables people to share knowledge freely, bringing out the very best in each other. All things considered, KPMG workers work with a significant degree of high level of professional ethics, dependability and receptiveness.
8. EY
Another incredible company to work for in Chicago is Ernst & Young Global Limited, commonly known as Ernst & Young or EY. This large multinational accounting firm headquartered in London, United Kingdom, offers different services in Assurance, Advisory, Tax, Transaction Advisory, strategy, operations, HR, technology, and financial services consulting.
They offer high potential career openings and opportunities through their powerful network where you can explore careers whether you are a new grad, executive, or experienced professional. You can also enjoy flexible working hours and a benefits package focusing on your physical, emotional, financial, and social wellbeing.
7. Discover Financial Services
If you want to work for an Illinois-born company, find great benefits of working in finance here at Discover Financial Services is headquartered in Riverwoods, Illinois. It has over 17,000 employees, with 4,850 in Greater Chicago.
Discover Financial Services, Inc. is an American financial services company that owns and operates Discover Bank, which offers checking and savings accounts, personal loans, home equity loans, student loans, and credit cards. It also owns and operates the Discover and Pulse networks, and owns Diners Club International.
According to Great Place to Work Inc, 86% of employees at Discover Financial Services say it is a great place to work compared to 59% of employees at a typical U.S.-based company and it also has great employee retention with staff members usually staying for 3.9 years.
6. Allstate
If you are interested in protecting yourself and others, why not work for insurance? Allstate is the largest publicly held personal property and casualty insurer in America. It is a consumer-focused, data-driven company that commits itself to growth and innovation.
Allstate also sponsors employees’ professional development and career growth through employee resource groups and mentorship programs. Here workers can explore new things in their careers. In particular, their Power of 5 mentorship program helps women advance into leadership positions. Since the program launched in 2015, 20% of participants received promotions.
5. Walgreens
Do you want to venture into retail? Walgreens is a solid bet.
Based in Deerfield with retail locations throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area, Walgreens focuses on providing good health and well-being through medical products. This drugstore chain is known as one of the most world-changing companies around the world.
If you choose to be a Walgreens employee, you can enjoy benefits such as health, prescription drugs, dental and vision, PTO and holidays, 401(k), life insurance, child care, employee discount, and transportation benefit plans.
4. Deloitte
Another big corporation that prides itself on an engaged workforce is Deloitte. Currently employing over 300,000 people with 5,000 in Greater Chicago, this multinational professional services network is committed to its employees’ professional growth.
According to Great Places to Work In, 88% of employees at Deloitte again compared to the 59% average.
Management here is competent at running the business. Deloitte is also honest and ethical in its business practices.
3. Accenture
If you are looking for a great place to work with collaboration and innovation, you can go with Accenture. Employing over 500,000 worldwide employees with 6,000 in Greater Chicago, this company commits to helping Chicago’s technology workforce. It co-founded the Chicago Apprentice Network and runs skills-development initiatives with Girls Who Code.
2. Abbott
Interested in working for the front lines of the pandemic? You can have a wonderful career with Abbott Laboratories. Abbott is a world leader in healthcare services because they aim to help people live more fully. They offer products and services in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritionals, and branded generic medicines. Abbott offers a workplace where everyone does their best to help with projects that give back to society. ‘
1. AbbVie
And we are on our #1 best employer in Chicago! This is none other than, AbbVie! It is smaller than other companies on this list - employing 47,000 people, with 9,750 in Greater Chicago. But this Chicago-bred innovation-driven, patient-focused specialty biopharmaceutical company offers unique, dynamic, and modern workspaces.
AbbVie also offers employee wellbeing programs and community aid outreach programs. In particular, it donated $35 million to support underserved communities and health care systems and doubled its employee match for COVID-19-related charity contributions. Employees with families can also enjoy the Childcare Relief Fund to help pay for child care.
Conclusion
Are you thinking of finding a new job NOW? Which of these top employers in Chicago interests you the most? Feel free to share your thoughts and let us find out what your future in Chicago’s workplaces is!
