(Dublin, OH – April 30, 2007) The Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption today announced the Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces in America based on adoption benefits offered to employees. Number one on the list is Providence, Rhode Island based Citizens Financial Group, Inc., which does business as Citizens Bank and Charter One Bank as well. Citizens also ranked #1 in the financial services industry
The list of the nation’s top 100 companies includes large companies like JPMorgan Chase (New York, NY), medium-sized companies like Leo Burnett (Chicago, IL), and small, employee- owned companies like South Mountain Company (West Tisbury, MA).
"Roughly 64% of Americans have had a personal experience with adoption," explained Rita Soronen, executive director of the Foundation. "This comprehensive list recognizes employers who excel at supporting their employees who adopt by providing financial assistance and paid leave."
Dave Thomas, who was an adopted child and founder of Wendy’s Restaurants and the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, started the adoption benefits in the workplace initiative more than 15 years ago. He simply began calling other CEOs to suggest they add adoption benefits to their human resource packages because, as he said, "It’s the right thing to do." Thirty-nine percent of the employers surveyed by the Foundation agreed with Dave. They also cited multiple other factors that influenced their decision to offer adoption benefits, such as employee requests for adoption (40%), equity for adoptive parents (52%), a family-friendly image (61%), and a competitive work/life benefits package (62%).
The Foundation offers a free toolkit for employers to guide them through the process of proposing and establishing an adoption benefits policy. Order online at www.AdoptionFriendlyWorkplace.org or by calling toll-free (877) 777-4222.
Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption
2007 Best Adoption-Friendly Workplaces
Size Category Top Ten
Small (1-100 Employees)
- South Mountain Company, West Tisbury, MA
- Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Oklahoma City, OK
- Miami International Insurance Agency, Miami, FL
- College Coach, Newton, MA
- Community Based Care of Brevard, Melbourne, FL
- Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Dublin, OH
- ContiGroup Companies, New York, NY
- Granite State Credit Union, Manchester, NH
- ELK Promotions, Worthington, OH
- StrataG, Knoxville, TN
