This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Goal Zero, an innovator of portable solar power systems, has been named to Outside magazine's fifth annual Best Places to Work list.
The firm, based in Bluffdale, was selected for enabling employees to pursue an active work-life balance while fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. The company's office space features an on-site gym, climbing wall, community garden and a slide connecting the first and second floors. Employees also may work four 10-hour days and take Fridays off throughout the year.
Goal Zero is an innovator of portable solar systems that power a variety of devices, from cell phones to laptops and refrigerators. Products include full solar energy systems such as solar panels, portable rechargers and accessories, designed to work in concert with each other.
The company also works closely with the charity group TIFIE Humanitarian to help bring power to impoverished areas of the world. For instance, the alliance has pioneered a program called "Light A Village" in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by installing solar power to outlying villages for lights, refrigeration,and access to electrical power in areas once regarded as too primitive.
In addition, the non-profit organization donated $400,000 worth of lights and power packs to Japan following the 2011 tsunami.
"Knowing that the products we offer are making a significant difference in peoples' lives around the world is a huge team motivator," said Goal Zero CEO Joe Atkin.
The magazine list began with an outreach effort that identified a range of non-profit and for-profit organizations in the United States with at least 15 employees. Participating companies were sent confidential employee-satisfaction surveys and employer-questionnaires to collect information about benefits, compensation, policies, job satisfaction, environmental initiatives and community outreach programs.
The full listing of 100 companies is found at outsideonline.com/bestplacestowork.