Best Companies in Arkansas

ArcBest

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say ArcBest offers competitive pay and comprehensive benefits, along with flexible schedules that support work-life balance. The company’s people-first culture is described as inclusive and collaborative, with leaders who communicate clearly and inspire their teams. Staff also report plenty of opportunities for training and career advancement, and they feel secure in their jobs at this growing, stable company. They appreciate ArcBest’s commitment to innovation in logistics and its active community involvement, which make them proud to work there.

Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield takes care of its people with excellent benefits and wellness programs, helping them maintain work-life balance. The workplace culture feels inclusive and mission-driven, with leadership that listens to employees and communicates clearly. Staff report many opportunities to grow through training and promotion, and they feel compensation is fair for the industry. Job security is high at this stable insurer, and employees appreciate the company’s community involvement and ethical values – they feel proud to be part of an organization improving healthcare for Arkansas.

Arkansas Children's Hospital

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Arkansas Children’s Hospital describe a caring, team-oriented culture where everyone feels their work has purpose. They appreciate solid benefits and employee wellness support, which help manage the challenges of healthcare and maintain work-life balance. The hospital offers opportunities for professional growth through ongoing training and education, and staff feel supported by leaders who communicate compassionately and value their input. Pay is competitive for healthcare roles, and employees feel secure working for this respected, stable institution. They are also proud of the hospital’s community outreach and innovative approach to pediatric care, which make it a rewarding place to work.

Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say the Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation (AECC) offers a supportive, family-like work environment with great benefits and steady hours that promote work-life balance. The cooperative’s culture emphasizes teamwork, safety, and integrity, and employees appreciate leaders who are approachable and value their input. There are chances to learn new skills and advance as the company invests in training and development, and the pay and retirement plans are considered very good. Job security is strong in this stable utility, and employees take pride in AECC’s community service and efforts to provide reliable, sustainable energy to Arkansas.

Arvest Bank

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Arvest Bank provides great benefits like health coverage and retirement plans, and they enjoy a friendly culture that supports work-life balance with reasonable hours. The company encourages learning and advancement – staff receive good training and many move up in their careers at Arvest. Pay is competitive, and employees feel secure and valued at this stable, growing regional bank. They also praise Arvest’s inclusive, community-oriented environment and approachable leadership, noting that the bank’s commitment to customer service and local outreach makes it a fulfilling place to work.

Baptist Health

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Baptist Health fosters a compassionate, teamwork-focused culture and provides benefits like comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans that help them balance work and personal life. Many appreciate the hospital system’s supportive environment – colleagues and managers often feel like family, and leadership communicates a clear, patient-centered vision. Staff report that Baptist Health encourages their professional growth with training programs and opportunities to advance, and they feel fairly compensated for their hard work. The organization’s stability and growth make employees feel secure, and they value its community outreach and faith-based mission, which add purpose to their everyday work.

Bank OZK

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Bank OZK provides a professional yet supportive atmosphere with strong benefits, including good health coverage and a generous 401(k) match, helping them balance work and life. The culture emphasizes integrity, customer service, and teamwork; managers lead by example and are approachable, creating a respectful workplace. Team members have opportunities to advance through training and internal promotions, and they view the pay as competitive for the banking industry. Working at a financially stable, growing bank gives employees confidence in their job security, and they appreciate Bank OZK’s community involvement and high ethical standards, which align with their own values.

Conway Corporation

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe Conway Corporation as a fantastic place to work, noting excellent benefits (health insurance, retirement plans) and steady, flexible schedules that allow for a good work-life balance. The culture at this city-owned utility is very team-oriented and friendly – colleagues often say it feels like family, and leadership is caring and responsive to employees’ needs. Conway Corp invests in its people with training and chances to move up, so many staff build long careers there. Pay is competitive and, paired with the company’s stability, gives employees strong job security. They are proud of Conway Corp’s community focus and reliable service mission, which make their work especially meaningful.

Dillard's

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Dillard’s offers valuable benefits like healthcare and employee stock plans, and they appreciate the chance to grow with a company that often promotes from within. The workplace environment can be fast-paced, but team members report that supportive managers and collaborative coworkers help maintain a reasonable work-life balance in retail. Many staff have developed their careers here, benefiting from training programs and mentorship that prepare them for leadership roles. Pay and sales incentives are competitive, and employees feel stable working for an established company. They also value Dillard’s involvement in community charities and the pride of representing a well-known brand, which contributes to a positive sense of purpose at work.

First Community Bank

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees of First Community Bank often mention the welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere and solid benefits that make it a great place to work. They enjoy a healthy work-life balance, aided by flexible schedules and understanding management that supports personal needs. The bank encourages employees to grow – many have advanced through internal training programs and promotions, which keeps morale high. Compensation is fair and comes with perks like employee banking benefits, and staff feel secure because the bank is financially stable and continuing to expand. Workers also appreciate that First Community Bank is active in local charities and events; they feel that leadership genuinely cares about both the community and their employees, creating a workplace full of pride and teamwork.

First Security Bank

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at First Security Bank say the company provides a supportive, small-bank culture where everyone knows your name and teamwork is key. They benefit from good health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks, and manageable hours that allow for a solid work-life balance. The leadership encourages learning and often promotes from within – staff members mention training opportunities and a clear path to advance their banking careers. Pay is competitive in the region, and employees feel valued and fairly compensated for their work. They also appreciate the bank’s stability and local roots, which give them confidence in their job security. Moreover, First Security’s involvement in community development and charitable activities makes employees proud to represent a bank that truly cares about its neighbors.

Garver

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Garver’s people-focused culture and outstanding benefits make it one of the best engineering firms to work for. They enjoy perks like robust health insurance, generous paid time off, and even unique wellness programs, which help maintain a positive work-life balance during project deadlines. Garver encourages professional growth – staff have access to continuous training, mentorship, and a clear career path, and many have advanced into leadership roles as the firm expands. The company offers competitive salaries and performance bonuses, and employees feel secure thanks to Garver’s stability and employee-ownership model. Management is praised for being transparent and supportive; they promote a collaborative, innovative environment where new ideas are welcome. Employees also value Garver’s community engagement through charitable projects and STEM outreach, which adds extra meaning to their work.

Harps Food Stores

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Harps Food Stores often describe the company as a family-oriented workplace that truly values its associates. As an employee-owned grocery chain, Harps provides good benefits, including affordable health insurance and profit-sharing through its employee stock ownership plan, giving workers a tangible stake in the business. The culture is friendly and customer-focused – team members from the store aisles to the corporate office support each other and create a positive daily environment. Harps offers flexible schedules whenever possible to help with work-life balance, and associates can grow into higher positions with the help of on-the-job training and mentorship. Wages are competitive for the retail sector, and employees feel a sense of stability and job security because the company is well-established and continues to grow across Arkansas. They are also proud of Harps’ community involvement, like local food drives and charity support, and credit the approachable leadership for maintaining the company’s down-to-earth values as it expands, making Harps a place where they feel both appreciated and proud to work.

Heifer International

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Heifer International love the mission-driven culture, noting that their work to help communities worldwide gives them a strong sense of purpose. They say the organization offers good benefits for a nonprofit – solid health coverage, generous paid time off, and flexible schedules – which help maintain a healthy work-life balance. The workplace atmosphere is collaborative and inclusive, with leadership that values transparency and staff input. Heifer encourages professional growth; employees can take on new projects, attend training, and even travel internationally to expand their skills. Pay is reasonable and paired with the nonprofit’s stability and global reputation, employees feel secure in their roles. Many also appreciate Heifer’s integrity and community-focused values; knowing the organization makes a positive impact in the world makes them proud to be part of the team.

Hytrol Conveyor Company

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees call Hytrol Conveyor Company a great place to work, highlighting a family-like culture and perks that show the company cares. They benefit from offerings like an on-site gym and health clinic alongside solid health insurance and retirement plans, all of which support a good work-life balance. Hytrol invests in its people with thorough training and chances to advance – many employees have grown their careers as the company expands. Pay is competitive for manufacturing, and workers feel secure because Hytrol is stable and successful in its industry. Leadership listens to employee ideas and puts a strong emphasis on safety and teamwork. Employees also take pride in Hytrol’s community involvement and the honest, respectful values that guide the company’s operations, making it a rewarding workplace.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say J.B. Hunt combines a friendly, team-based culture with the excitement of an industry-leading transportation company. They enjoy competitive pay and benefits (including good health insurance and retirement plans), and appreciate company policies that promote work-life balance even in a busy logistics environment. J.B. Hunt invests heavily in employee growth: from drivers to office staff, people can access top-notch training programs and clear career paths, and many have risen through the ranks internally. The leadership team is seen as open and forward-thinking – employees feel their ideas are valued as J.B. Hunt embraces new technology and services. Job security is strong given the company’s stability and steady growth, and employees are proud of J.B. Hunt’s community involvement and safety-first values, which add meaning to their work.

Maverick Transportation

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees describe Maverick Transportation as a company that truly cares about its drivers and staff, creating a professional yet supportive culture. They point to strong benefits and competitive pay – drivers, for example, have excellent training, modern equipment, and good home-time options, which all support a better work-life balance in trucking. Maverick encourages career growth; many employees have developed from rookies into seasoned professionals or moved up into office and leadership roles thanks to continuous training programs. The family-led leadership is praised for prioritizing safety and listening to employee feedback, making workers feel valued and secure. Employees also take pride in Maverick’s high standards and community involvement, noting that the company’s ethical approach and charitable efforts make it a fulfilling place to build a career.

Mountaire Farms

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees at Mountaire Farms say the company rewards hard work and offers many chances to grow. They note that pay is competitive and often comes with bonus opportunities, and the company provides solid health insurance and even wellness centers that help employees stay healthy – benefits that are especially valued in a tough production environment. The culture feels rooted in family values; coworkers support each other and managers are often promoted from within, which motivates employees to advance through training programs. Despite the fast-paced work, employees find the scheduling fair and appreciate efforts to balance work and personal time. Job security is a strong point – Mountaire’s steady growth in the food industry makes employees feel secure in their roles. They are also proud of the company’s community outreach, such as food donation programs, and they respect a leadership team that emphasizes doing things the right way and caring for both employees and neighbors.

Murphy USA

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Murphy USA provides a positive, energetic work environment and benefits that exceed expectations for retail. They report competitive pay and solid benefits packages (covering health, dental, etc.), which, combined with flexible scheduling, help them maintain work-life balance even in a store setting. The culture is customer-focused yet fun – employees enjoy interacting with customers and feel supported by approachable managers and coworkers. Murphy USA also offers clear paths for advancement: many store associates move up to management through training and development programs, so people feel they can build a career here. The leadership empowers staff and values their feedback, making employees feel respected and secure as the company continues to expand its gas station network. Additionally, employees appreciate Murphy USA’s community initiatives and ethical standards, which make them proud to represent the company.

Riceland Foods

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 

Employees describe Riceland Foods as a place with a strong team spirit and a company that truly looks after its people. They cite good benefits such as comprehensive health insurance and a solid 401(k), which provide security and help with work-life balance. The culture is collaborative – even in the challenging mill environment, coworkers support one another and managers are approachable and fair. Riceland offers training and promotes from within, so many workers have been able to advance their careers over time. Pay is considered fair for the region, and employees feel secure because Riceland is a long-established, farmer-owned cooperative that remains stable and successful. They also value the co-op’s commitment to the community and agriculture; leadership’s ethical practices and outreach programs (like donating rice to those in need) give employees a sense of pride and purpose in their work.

Simmons Bank

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees at Simmons Bank say the company offers a friendly, community bank feel along with solid benefits and opportunities you might expect from a larger institution. They enjoy good healthcare coverage, retirement plans, and other perks, and they appreciate that the bank supports work-life balance with accommodating scheduling and a caring management approach. Simmons Bank encourages career growth: employees talk about training programs and the ability to rise through the ranks as the bank expands, which keeps them motivated. Compensation, including salary and bonuses, is competitive and makes employees feel valued for their efforts. With Simmons’ strong growth and Arkansas roots, staff feel their jobs are secure and that they are part of a stable, respected financial institution. They also highlight the bank’s involvement in local charities and events – a reflection of leadership’s genuine care for the community – and this community spirit adds to their pride in working there.

Simmons Foods

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 

Employees of Simmons Foods often say the company lives up to its “people-first” values by making everyone feel like part of a family. They benefit from competitive pay and good benefits – including health insurance and other programs – which help them manage work and personal life. The work environment in Simmons’ plants and offices is built on teamwork and respect; managers are approachable and many have moved up from the front lines, inspiring others to grow. The company provides training and clear paths for advancement, so employees see real career opportunities in poultry and pet food production. Even though the work can be hard, Simmons tries to maintain fair schedules and a safe, supportive atmosphere, which employees appreciate. They feel secure working for a stable, growing food business and take pride in Simmons Foods’ community involvement and strong ethical standards. According to staff, leadership’s commitment to innovation and doing right by employees makes Simmons a rewarding place to build a career.

State of Arkansas (Government)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees working for the State of Arkansas say they enjoy a strong sense of purpose and excellent job stability. They highlight great benefits – including affordable health insurance, generous paid leave, and a reliable retirement plan – that make it easier to balance work and life. The work culture emphasizes public service and teamwork; coworkers support each other in the mission to serve Arkansas’s citizens. There are opportunities for training and advancement across various state agencies, so employees can build long careers in public service. While pay in government might be modest, employees feel it’s fair given the work-life balance and security they have. They appreciate that leaders in their departments communicate goals clearly and encourage ethical, transparent practices. Employees also take pride in the real impact of their work (like improving schools, roads, and healthcare) and feel that being part of the state government allows them to contribute positively to their community every day.

Stephens Inc.

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees at Stephens Inc. often mention that the firm’s supportive, close-knit culture sets it apart in the finance industry. They receive top-notch benefits and competitive pay – including bonuses and other financial perks – which make them feel well rewarded for their hard work. The company promotes a healthy work-life balance despite the demands of the job; managers are understanding and strive to prevent burnout, making the workplace atmosphere collegial rather than cutthroat. Stephens invests in its people’s growth, offering training and clear career paths, and many employees have advanced to senior roles by proving themselves. They feel secure working for a stable, privately-owned firm with deep roots in Arkansas. Leadership, guided by the Stephens family’s longstanding values, is seen as accessible and principled, emphasizing integrity and client focus. Employees also appreciate Stephens Inc.’s civic involvement – the firm supports numerous local initiatives – which adds to their pride in working for a company that cares about both its employees and its community.

Tyson Foods

Why This Company Has Been Nominated:
Employees say Tyson Foods provides a supportive environment and good benefits, even given its size. They highlight comprehensive health plans, wellness programs, and recent perks like tuition assistance that help employees and their families, making work-life balance easier to achieve. Tyson’s culture emphasizes safety, respect, and inclusion – whether on the production line or in the office, team members feel part of one family with leaders who listen and care. The company offers plenty of chances to advance: many employees have developed new skills through training and moved up into higher-paying roles over time. Pay is competitive and often comes with bonuses or extra incentives, so people feel their effort is rewarded. Job security is strong at Tyson because demand for its food products stays steady and the business keeps growing. Employees also appreciate Tyson’s innovation in food production and its community involvement, like donating food and focusing on sustainability. All these factors make them proud to work at Tyson Foods.

University of Arkansas (Fayetteville)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville enjoy a collaborative campus culture and the satisfaction of contributing to education. They appreciate the university’s excellent benefits – including solid health insurance, tuition waivers, and ample vacation time – which support a healthy work-life balance. The environment is inclusive and stimulating; colleagues across departments treat each other with respect, and leadership encourages open communication and new ideas. The university also provides many opportunities for professional growth: staff and faculty can attend workshops, pursue further degrees, and advance into higher roles as their experience grows. Compensation is fair for academia, and employees feel secure in their positions, thanks to the university’s stability and support from the state. They are proud of the university’s mission and community impact, and they value being part of an institution that’s shaping the future of Arkansas – which adds a strong sense of purpose to their work.

University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS)

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees at UAMS (University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences) find their work both challenging and deeply meaningful. They benefit from strong health and retirement benefits as state employees, as well as programs like tuition discounts, which help them balance demanding medical careers with personal life. The culture at UAMS is collaborative and learning-oriented: doctors, nurses, researchers, and support staff work in teams and share knowledge in an environment that values diversity and respect. UAMS offers robust opportunities for growth – employees can pursue specialized training, further their education, and move up in both clinical and administrative roles. Pay is competitive for a public academic medical center, and employees feel their jobs are secure because UAMS is a critical, well-supported institution in Arkansas. The leadership is viewed as progressive and supportive; they communicate a clear vision for advancing healthcare and often seek input from frontline staff on improvements. Employees are especially proud of UAMS’s mission – providing top-notch patient care, educating health professionals, and serving communities through outreach – which gives them a profound sense of purpose and makes UAMS a fulfilling place to work.

Walmart

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees in Arkansas say Walmart provides a supportive workplace with competitive pay and extensive benefits – including health insurance, a 401(k) match, and even college tuition assistance – that help them support their families and maintain a healthy work-life balance. The culture still reflects its friendly, values-driven roots: associates describe an inclusive environment with strong teamwork, and many managers act as mentors. Walmart invests heavily in training and career paths; employees often start in entry-level roles and advance to higher positions through the company’s development programs. This growth opportunity, along with performance bonuses and stock purchase options, makes employees feel valued and rewarded. Leaders from the store level to the CEO are seen as responsive and transparent, listening to associate feedback and communicating the company’s vision clearly. Employees are also proud of Walmart’s community involvement and sustainability efforts – knowing the company gives back and strives to do the right thing adds to their sense of purpose and satisfaction at work.

Washington Regional Medical System

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees at Washington Regional Medical System appreciate the hospital’s caring culture and the focus on its community mission. They receive good benefits – including strong health insurance and retirement plans – which, alongside predictable scheduling, help them manage the pressures of healthcare with a reasonable work-life balance. The workplace is known for teamwork: nurses, physicians, and support staff collaborate closely and treat each other with respect, which makes even high-stress days more manageable. Washington Regional supports its employees’ growth with training opportunities and career ladders; many staff have advanced to higher positions or specialized roles through internal programs. Pay is competitive for the area and roles, and employees feel secure knowing the hospital is a leading provider in a growing region. They speak highly of the hospital’s leadership, who are visible and listen to staff suggestions to improve patient care. Employees also feel proud of Washington Regional’s community outreach and non-profit values – providing care for those in need and participating in local health initiatives – which give extra meaning to their daily work.

Windstream Holdings

Why This Company Has Been Nominated: 
Employees say Windstream provides a collaborative and forward-thinking workplace in the telecommunications field. They point to good benefits – like comprehensive health, dental and vision plans – and flexible work options (including remote work for many positions) as key to maintaining a solid work-life balance. The company’s culture encourages innovation and problem-solving; teams are constantly working on new tech solutions, and employees feel their ideas can make a real impact. Windstream offers ample opportunities to learn and advance, with training programs in network technology and leadership development that have helped many staff move up in their careers. The pay and incentive structures are competitive, and after navigating past challenges, employees feel optimistic and secure with Windstream’s stable direction and focused leadership. They also value the company’s commitment to serving local communities – expanding broadband access and supporting community programs – which aligns with an ethos of service and makes them proud to work for Windstream.