Ajinomoto Foods North America Achieves Great Place to Work® Certification Again

Ajinomoto Foods North America Earns Excellent Workplace Certifications Again

Ajinomoto Foods North America Inc. (AFNA), based in Ontario, California, proudly announces that it has once again achieved the esteemed Great Place to Work® certification alongside recognition in the Inspiring Workplaces rankings. This marks the second consecutive year that AFNA has received such accolades, reflecting its ongoing commitment to promoting a supportive and creative work environment.

In a remarkable leap, AFNA advanced from #55 to an impressive #14 in the Inspiring Workplaces rankings in North America. This reflects aggressive efforts to establish a workplace that prioritizes employee well-being and satisfaction. Notably, almost 80% of AFNA employees expressed that the organization is a great place to work, which stands in stark contrast to the 57% average reported by typical U.S. companies.

AFNA’s commitment to fostering a people-first culture revolves around its core values, including 'Caring for One Another' and 'One Team.' This recognition is not just an acknowledgment of the company’s practices; it encapsulates the principles that drive AFNA’s workplace ethos across six defined categories essential for an inspiring workplace: Culture & Purpose, Employee Voice, Inclusion & Belonging, Leadership, Wellbeing, and Employee Experience.

One of the building blocks of AFNA’s impressive internal culture is the expanded focus on employee development and growth opportunities. The company has successfully rolled out its leadership development program and implemented conversation labs and coaching initiatives designed to catalyze personal and professional growth. The relaunch of its tuition reimbursement initiative—rebranded as “Skill Up & Grow”—is one such effort aimed at enhancing access to professional certifications and skill development for all staff members, regardless of their position.

Additionally, AFNA has revamped its onboarding processes to ensure new hires feel welcomed and included from the outset. This includes the innovative 'My Purpose' workshop, which empowers employees to connect their individual strengths to AFNA’s values and mission, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.

The Great Place to Work® certification relies exclusively on employee feedback, which highlights how AFNA has cultivated a robust culture grounded in trust and collaboration. The certification reflects consistent investment in operational excellence, growth through innovation, and the establishment of cross-functional leadership that values each employee's voice in shaping the company’s future.

Claudia Camarillo, AFNA’s Vice President of Human Resources, expressed her pride in these achievements, emphasizing the company’s unwavering commitment to its People First culture. She highlighted the company’s focus on leadership development, encouraging employee voice, and building meaningful connections that contribute to a vibrant workplace environment. Camarillo stated, "Culture is not a standalone initiative. It's integrated into the daily experience of our employees through our leadership, collaboration, and supportive practices."

While engagement remains a challenge nationally—with only 31% of U.S. employees reporting feeling engaged at work—AFNA's internal statistics tell a different story. With a striking 91% internal engagement score and nearly a 50% reduction in voluntary hourly turnover in recent years, AFNA demonstrates a strong correlation between its investment in culture and positive employee outcomes.

In summary, Ajinomoto Foods North America is not merely a food manufacturer; it is a workplace dedicated to nurturing talent and prioritizing the well-being of its employees. AFNA continues to listen, learn, and enhance its workplace experience, ensuring that every team member feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel in their roles. As a leading name in frozen foods, it aligns its operational goals with the interests and happiness of its workforce, setting a high standard for employers across the nation.

For more details on Ajinomoto Foods North America and its initiatives, visit www.ajinomotofoods.com.