Company ownership makes working at Publix unique. As owners, we are responsible for the success of our company.
In the 1962 Publix progress report, Mr. George wrote:
“When all is said and done, no matter how attractive our stores are. No matter how efficient and practical the machinery. No matter how high the quality of the products we offer. It’s the people at Publix who are responsible for our great success and continued growth.”
Mr. George made it possible for us to be owners of Publix. He believed that when Publix associates own the company, they would take care of it and work hard to make it better.
How can we continue to take care of our company?
When we’re focused on our mission statement, we can each do our part by being
- passionately focused on customer value
- intolerant of waste
- dedicated to the dignity, value and employment security of our associates
- devoted to the highest standards of stewardship for our stockholders and
- involved as responsible citizens in our communities.
What does this mean for you, as an associate?
As Mr. George said, “I think perhaps the greatest single thing that we can attribute the success of our company is to the fact that it’s your company; you own the company.” What we each do as company owners affects our stock price. Every task, no matter how small or big, contributes to the success of our great company, which affects our ability to grow. So it’s up to you to take responsibility for your role in making Publix the premier quality food retailer in the world.
Be proud of being a company owner! Let it show in your work; let it show when you interact with your customers or co-workers. Every extra effort you make, and the attitude you bring to your work, could affect Publix’s bottom line and the value of your stock account.
The next time you are spreading our culture, providing premier service, operating as an efficient and effective team, supporting sustainable practices, improving processes and tools, or working on your other difference maker tasks, remember that what you do makes a significant impact on taking care of our company.
Paths to company ownership
Here are 3 ways you can become a company owner (if you aren’t already).
- 401(k) SMART Plan: After 6 months of employment, if you are at least 18, you can contribute as little as $1 all the way up to 30% of your eligible pay (including your holiday bonus) on a pre-tax basis to your 401(k) SMART Plan account, up to the annual IRS limit. For every dollar you save in the SMART plan, up to 3% of your eligible pay, Publix may contribute 50 cents to your account — up to a maximum of $750 a year — if you’re eligible. The sooner you start contributing, the more you can save toward your retirement. This plan has a broad range of investment fund options, including the Publix Stock Fund (up to the 25% investment election limit). Dividends paid on the Publix Stock Fund are reinvested in your SMART plan account.
- PROFIT Plan: After 1 year of continuous employment with at least 1,000 work credit hours in your anniversary year, you’re automatically enrolled in the PROFIT Plan. Publix contributes Publix stock to your PROFIT Plan account each year based on your eligible wages. Dividends are paid directly to you and deposited in your primary pay account.
- ESPP: The Employee Stock Purchase Plan allows you to directly purchase Publix stock after 1 year of continuous employment. Dividends are paid directly to you — either deposited in the account of your choosing or mailed as a check.
To learn more about these plans, review the Retirement & Stock page on PASSport. Publix’s contributions to the 401(k) SMART Plan and PROFIT Plan are approved by the board of directors each year.
