Timberland again named to ‘Best Companies’ list

Fortune magazine has once again named The Timberland Company to its “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, making it part of an elite subgroup.

The Stratham-based Timberland, maker of premium quality footwear, apparel and accessories for outdoor enthusiasts was ranked 41st on this year’s list, making it one of only 20 companies to be named each year in the nine years since the compilation’s inception.

“It is extremely humbling to receive this recognition of our efforts,” said Jeffrey Swartz, grandson of Timberland’s founder and company president and chief executive officer since 1998. “Our goal and our commitment are to make it better in our workplaces, in our communities, in our world. It’s inspiring to see how other companies are executing their own make-it-better efforts.”

Timberland’s innovative and socially responsible “perks” were in part responsible for this year’s recognition. The company’s “Path of Service” program, which offers employees 40 hours of paid leave each year for community service and the $3,000 incentive given to employees to aid in the purchase of hybrid vehicles were listed among Timberland’s unique benefits.

Swartz told Fortune reporter Kate Bonamici that “context of family” was responsible for “the integration of personal values and mission into the workday” for family-owned companies like Timberland.

Timberland employs 5,285 people worldwide. – TRACIE STONE