3 Employee Perks That Pay Off in C-Stores

CHICAGO -- Give me a roundup of great places to work, and I’ll give you a convenience store or two elbowing onto lists traditionally dominated by Fortune 500 companies and startups.

In this tightening labor market, it certainly doesn’t hurt to be named an employer of choice. Here are some of the more cost-effective benefits and perks that are making employees happy and earning convenience stores a home on top-employer rankings ...

A regional newspaper awarded Stewart’s Shops a top workplace honor based on employee survey responses. One survey participant highlighted the Saratoga Springs, N.Y.-based convenience retailer’s culture of authentic compassion.

“We care about the company, but also about each other. It's about respect," the respondent said. One of the ways the c-store embodies this philosophy is through flexible scholarship opportunities open to the dependents of workers who participate in the employee stock program. The funds can be used for tuition, room and board, meal plans or any other education-related expenses.

Stewart's Shops' associates also receive health insurance, paid vacation, maternity leave and discounted YMCA memberships and day care.

QuikTrip landed on both Fortune’s list of best companies to work for and People’s ranking of companies that care.

The Tulsa, Okla.-based retailer has earned a reputation for investing in employees. Besides offering full-time benefits such as paid time off, profit sharing and 401(k) matching, QuikTrip also offers career counseling and free college business classes, according to People.

A publication in RaceTrac’s hometown of Atlanta has named the c-store retailer a great place to work every year since 2011.

At a recent industry event, Lori Mullins, director of learning, talent and professional development for the chain, said that listening to employees and customizing benefits to suit their needs has been a key to staff retention. Mullins said RaceTrac makes work anniversaries feel special by personalizing gifts, including a cruise for travel enthusiasts.