Forbes partnered with market research company Statista to identify the organizations liked best by employees.
In the magazine's first-ever ranking of America's best employers by state, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the parent company of First Tennessee Bank, Publix and Costco were among the top employers praised by their workers in Tennessee.
In Georgia, the Dalton-based Shaw Industries and Atlanta-based Home Depot were among the best employers in the Forbes list.
Vance Bell, chairman and CEO of Shaw, said Monday that Shaw "has invested significantly in our products, processes, plants, and - most importantly - our people.
"This achievement demonstrates Shaw's dedication to our more than 22,000 talented individuals working to produce industry-leading flooring solutions and to create a better future for their families and communities – and our customers and company," he said.
Best employers in Tennessee
1. Publix Super Markets
2. Costco Wholesale
3. University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville
4. Tennessee Valley Authority
5. First Horizon
Best employers in Georgia
1. Google
2. Emory University in Atlanta
3. Shaw Industries in Dalton
4. QuikTrip
5. Home Depot
Source: Forbes list of the Best Employers