NOW, Bloomingdale, IL, the largest independent and family-owned manufacturer of natural products in the U.S. health food store channel, has been selected by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR) as one of the nation’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For for the fifth consecutive year, as well as being recognized for the first time as one of The Nation’s Best and Brightest in Wellness for 2017.

The annual Best and Brightest awards identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in operations and employee enrichment that leads to increased productivity and financial performance, ultimately celebrating companies that are making better business, creating richer lives and building a stronger community. Nominated companies are evaluated by an independent research firm assessing key measures compared to other nationally recognized winners in the categories of Compensation, Benefits and Employee Solutions; Employee Enrichment, Engagement and Retention; Employee Education and Development; Recruitment, Selection and Orientation; Employee Achievement and Recognition; Communication and Shared Vision; Diversity and Inclusion; Work-Life Balance; Community Initiatives and Strategic Company Performance. One aspect of the selection process involves randomly selected employees at each nominated company completing a confidential survey about their work environment.

The Best and Brightest in Wellness award honors companies and organizations that recognize and celebrate quality and excellence in employee and worksite health. The 2017 winning companies were evaluated by an assessment, created and administered by a leading wellness systems firm. Company entries are examined statistically for quantitative data and examined on a point system based upon criteria to benchmark and improve wellness program effectiveness. They include outcomes, analysis and tracking, participation and incentives, benefits and programs, leadership, employee input, culture and environment.

“Valuing and nurturing the well-being of employees has always been part of the NOW culture because we know that they are key to fulfilling the mission we’ve followed for 50 years,” said NOW CEO Jim Emme. “We remain committed to providing employment in a healthy and safe environment, and we appreciate this validation that we continue to demonstrate to our people how much we value them.”