When Universum conducted its latest Student Survey, which looks at the most attractive employers for students just starting in their careers, it specifically analyzed responses dating from the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Those results displayed a preference for employers with ethical standards and "inspiring leadership." According to Forbes' second annual ranking of best employers by state, those students have a host of attractive (if occasionally surprising) choices. Related: Worlds' most attractive employers: What draws workers? Partnering with market research company Statista, Forbes compiled a list of organizations liked best by employees, surveying 80,000 Americans working for businesses with at least 500 employees. These surveys were conducted on a rolling basis from October 2019 to May 2020. Responses regarding the same employers were compared throughout the process, according to Forbes, in order to account for any significant variations in results collected pre- and post-COVID. Government agencies appear the most on the list. The Department of Defense ranks in 32 states, more than any employer, says Forbes. In spite of seeing 66 employees across its military, contractor and civilian populations die due to the coronavirus, the DoD has instituted a number of measures to ensure the safety of its workforce. These measures include a policy that ensures those who receive pay and benefits for performing duties that can no longer be fulfilled due to the pandemic will still be compensated. The Department of Veterans Affairs is another agency affected by the pandemic, reportedly losing at least 30 employees. But it also has taken steps to protect its workers, including the launching of a tool employees can use to screen themselves for symptoms and exposure before entering facilities. It was among the first health organizations to pause elective surgeries and visitation. The Department ranks in 17 states on Forbes' list. Observers may find the presence of Amazon's ranking in 24 states a bit of a shock, considering the retail giant has reportedly lost eight employees to COVID-19 and is also facing a lawsuit alleging the company failed to provide workers at its JFK8 Staten Island facility with a safe work environment. But Forbes reports that Amazon has invested $4 billion in more than 150 coronavirus-related changes to its warehouses, providing its sites with 100 million masks, 34 million pairs of gloves, 48 million ounces of hand sanitizer and 2,298 handwashing stations. Additionally, frontline workers have seen pay increases of $2 an hour and access to a $25 million relief fund meant to help mitigate pandemic-related financial distress. All employers also have 100 hours of emergency child and adult care available to them. See our slideshow above for the employers appearing the most in states' top 10 lists, and click here for the full study. Read more: |

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