What makes a workplace great depends on who you ask.
For some employees, it’s pay and benefits. For others, it’s flexibility, supportive management, or simply feeling valued at work.
In an era marked by burnout, rising costs, and changing workplace expectations, many workers are placing greater emphasis on culture and work-life balance than ever before.
To better understand what makes a workplace stand out locally, Puget Press asked residents a simple question: “Who’s the best employer in Thurston County, and why?”
The responses revealed a wide range of workplaces—from coffee roasters and retailers to transit agencies, healthcare providers, and small businesses.
As with any workplace, experiences can vary widely depending on position, leadership, and individual priorities, but several themes emerged repeatedly: respect, flexibility, advancement opportunities, and supportive leadership.
Olympia Coffee: Benefits And Growth Opportunities Brew Loyalty
Founded in Olympia in 2005, Olympia Coffee is a specialty coffee company headquartered in Thurston County with multiple cafés across Washington. The company roasts coffee locally and has become a well-known regional brand.
One local resident said the company “has been really good to me,” highlighting benefits that extend beyond typical coffee shop work.
According to the commenter, employees across roles—including baristas, roasters, office staff, and drivers—receive two to three weeks of paid time off, predictable schedules, a 401(k) match, paid sick time, volunteer hours, health insurance, and free coffee.
“It’s also just a good place to move up,” one employee wrote. “Just about all managers and admin started as baristas and there’s always opportunities to move up if you want.”
Career advancement emerged as a recurring theme in many responses, and Olympia Coffee appeared to stand out for promoting from within.
Intercity Transit Earns A Simple But Strong Endorsement
Several employers were mentioned by name without additional details, including Intercity Transit.
Headquartered in Olympia, Intercity Transit provides public transportation throughout Thurston County and is one of the region’s largest public employers.
Public-sector jobs are often valued for stability, benefits, and retirement options, though experiences can vary by role and department.
Small Businesses Win Praise For Leadership
While large employers often receive attention, many respondents pointed to small businesses where owners play a direct role in workplace culture.
One employee at South Bay Pub praised owner Jeff, who also owns Landmark, Boulevard, and Characters Corner.
“Jeff the owner is amazing,” one local wrote.
The commenter also praised a former employer.
“I used to work at Old Hwy 99 and Rob was an amazing owner/boss as well,” they added.
Another respondent highlighted Ruff Salon in Lacey.
“We’re a small business and the owner is also one of the groomers here and we all have the best time together,” one commenter wrote. “I’ll be here forever and ever.”
Leadership was one of the most common themes throughout the responses. Employees frequently emphasized fair treatment and feeling supported over compensation alone.
Flexible Schedules Matter At Washington Counties Risk Pool
The Washington Counties Risk Pool provides insurance and risk management services for counties across Washington state.
One employee offered a detailed look at the organization’s workplace culture, particularly within its IT department.
“We’re allowed to take care of personal business during the day as long as it doesn’t interrupt our work,” one Reddit user wrote.
The employee described flexible schedules, hybrid work arrangements, monthly bowling outings, paid lunches during meetings, wellness spaces, and opportunities to attend conferences around the state.
“They treat you like an adult,” the commenter said.
The employee also praised the absence of workplace politics.
“They also don’t play head games which is such a big relief.”
Remote and hybrid work flexibility has become increasingly important to many employees nationwide, particularly following the pandemic. Studies have found that flexibility remains one of the most desired workplace benefits among job seekers.
Retail Jobs Can Offer More Than A Paycheck
Retail work doesn’t always receive glowing reviews online, but some respondents highlighted employers that provide positive work environments.
One local resident said working at Trader Joe’s “was a lot of fun.”
Another praised Barnes & Noble for employees who love books.
“If you love to read, Barnes & Noble is also great if you are seeking a (min wage) retail gig with more fun and creativity than most retail jobs,” one commenter wrote. “And the customers are typically in a great mood.”
Both responses suggest that workplace enjoyment can sometimes stem from shared interests and customer interactions as much as pay.
Wellness And Healthcare Employers Receive Praise
Several healthcare and wellness employers also earned endorsements.
One employee at Ballaura Wellness Spa said the company stood out because of its values and leadership.
“The CEO is kind, fair, and genuinely cares about the staff,” one local resident wrote.
The employee said the company emphasizes personal growth, professional development, and workplace culture.
“It’s been the best fit I’ve found in Thurston County,” they added.
At NeuroStim in Lacey, one former employee reported receiving yearly raises and bonuses.
“The owners have questionable politics but they treated and paid everyone very fairly,” one commenter wrote.
Meanwhile, an employee at Lacey Post Acute and Rehabilitation highlighted the organization’s mission-driven work.
“If you’ve got a big heart, this the place to be,” they wrote.
Healthcare workplaces often face staffing shortages nationwide, making culture and retention increasingly important factors for employers.
Community Organizations Leave Lasting Impressions
The YMCA also received praise from local workers.
One of the nation’s largest nonprofit organizations, the YMCA offers fitness programs, childcare, and community services.
One employee said they had remained with the organization for more than five years.
“Fellow staff and managers are kind and respectful,” one local resident wrote. “It’s an overall positive place to work.”
Long employee tenure can sometimes serve as an indicator of workplace satisfaction, though experiences naturally vary among employees.
Not Every Great Employer Looks The Same
Other employers receiving mentions included Pepsi Northwest Beverages and the iconic Big Tom’s drive-in.
One commenter noted that Pepsi can be rewarding “if you can handle the shift schedules,” highlighting an important reality: even highly regarded employers may not be the right fit for everyone.
The responses suggest that the “best” employer often depends on what workers value most. Some prioritize benefits and retirement plans. Others seek flexibility, mission-driven work, or simply supportive managers.
If there was one recurring theme among Thurston County workers, it was this: people want to feel respected, fairly treated, and valued.
And while no workplace is perfect, many local employees say those qualities can make all the difference.
The Complete List of Employers with Glowing Endorsements
Listed alphabetically. Mentions reflect individual experiences shared by local residents and do not constitute endorsements or rankings by Puget Press.
- Ballaura Wellness Spa
- Barnes & Noble
- Big Tom’s
- Boulevard Tavern
- Characters Corner
- Intercity Transit
- Landmark
- Lacey Post Acute & Rehabilitation
- NeuroStim
- Old Hwy 99
- Olympia Coffee
- Pepsi Northwest Beverages
- Ruff Salon
- South Bay Pub
- Trader Joe’s
- Washington Counties Risk Pool
- YMCA
