Financial services firm Edward Jones was recognized as one of the “Best Workplaces for Women” in the country by Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine, according to the Beaufort County Edward Jones financial advisors. Edward Jones ranked No. 7 in the country, moving up 24 spots from last year.

“Talented women have a key part to play in our firm’s growth strategy for roles in our branch offices and our headquarters as we work to make a difference in our clients’ financial lives,” said Edward Jones Managing Partner Jim Weddle. “We support associates by offering family friendly programs such as our new and extended family leave policy, and creating a workplace that offers a variety of career paths leading to opportunity and success as we serve individual investors.”

The ranking is based on associates’ assessments of communications with management, options for development and training and support for work/life balance, among other factors. The ranking also takes into account how well-represented women are within the workforce overall and in management and executive positions.

“There’s a strong correlation between being able to talk openly with company executives and feeling like a workplace is fair,” said Michael C. Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work. “Traditionally, communication channels with leaders have been less available to women than to men. The ‘Best Workplaces for Women’ do well at paving the way for those open dialogs, and as a result, women are more likely to feel they get fair consideration in their jobs and careers. Congratulations to these great companies. They are showing everyone how to create a great place to work for all.”

Both women and men at “Best Workplaces for Women” feel their employers provide ample opportunities to grow and advance in their careers, and provide them with the flexibility they want to balance their work and personal lives.
Edward Jones also ranks No. 10 on Fortune magazine’s “Best Companies to Work For 2016” overall list.
The “Best Workplaces for Women” ranking is part of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based upon employee survey feedback. To see the full list of the “Best Workplaces for Women,” go to http://fortune.com/best-workplaces-for-women.