The Hershey Company announced today that its U.S. business has been Certified by Great Place to Work. This distinguished honor is determined by feedback from current employees—a direct reflection of their firsthand experience at Hershey.

This year's survey of current employees noted pride in their work, trust in the brand, and excitement in the company's future as particular strengths for the company. Hershey's U.S. business joins operations in Canada, Brazil, India, Mexico, and Malaysia in earning this certification honor.

Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and the leadership behaviors proven to deliver market-leading revenue, employee retention, and increased innovation.

"Great Place to Work Certification is a highly coveted achievement that requires consistent and intentional dedication to the overall employee experience," says Sarah Lewis-Kulin, vice president of global recognition at Great Place to Work. She emphasizes that Certification is the sole official recognition earned by the real-time feedback of employees regarding their company culture. "By successfully earning this recognition, it is evident that The Hershey Company stands out as one of the top companies to work for, providing a great workplace environment for its employees."

"Our recognition again by Great Place to Work showcases our commitment to providing our employees a fulfilling experience focused on wellbeing, growth, and career advancement," said Michele Buck, chief executive officer of The Hershey Company. "We believe that an equitable workplace and culture fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth—critical drivers which propel us forward on our journey to become a Leading Snacking Powerhouse."

Hershey's workforce is driven by a people-first culture of co-creation—empowering employees to embrace their authentic selves, take ownership of their work, and unlock career potential. The company recognizes that its people are its greatest asset, and it actively invests in professional development and upskilling opportunities. Below are recent achievements and initiatives around Hershey's employee experience:  

• Say Hola: Hershey promotes an equitable and accessible workplace by actively investing in employee development programs and adapting its facilities to accommodate different needs. Last year, the company launched its first U.S. bilingual manufacturing facility in Hazleton, PA. "Say Hola" is a proof point of the company's people-first manufacturing vision.
• National Veterans Business Development Council: Hershey's legacy of supporting the U.S. military dates back to World War I, when the company supplied chocolate to U.S. soldiers. Today, veterans continue to be a key part of our workforce, bringing unique perspectives and experiences. In 2022, under the guidance of its Veteran Business Resource Group (BRG), Hershey partnered with the National Veterans Business Development Council, bolstering its access to diverse supplier networks. In 2023, the company aims to deepen these ties and expand military-affiliated hiring across all roles with increasing its  veteran hiring goal from 6% to 10%. This effort underlines our commitment to diversity and support for those transitioning from military to civilian life.
• Parental Leave: Hershey is committed to supporting employees and their families through a set of competitive benefits, helping them be well, plan for their future, and balance work and life. As part of this commitment, the company increased salaried parental leave to up to 20 weeks in 2023.

"Great Place to Work Certification underscores our commitment to creating a workplace where our employees can reach their full potential," said Chris Scalia, chief human resources officer, The Hershey Company. "We know our people can be their best when they feel their best. This means working to make sure everyone here feels supported, inspired and valued. To do this, we are constantly evolving to build a culture that values diversity, builds careers, and embraces a strong sense of community."

According to Great Place to Work research, job seekers are 4.5 times more likely to find a great boss at a Certified great workplace. Additionally, employees at Certified workplaces are 93% more likely to look forward to coming to work and are twice as likely to be paid fairly, earn a fair share of the company's profits and have a fair chance at promotion.

The Hershey Company is on the current Candy Industry “Global Top 100 Candy Companies” list. Click here to view the current “Global Top 100” rankings.