Is Your Company Headed Toward an Employee Shakeup?

As the economy improves, will your employees jump ship? A recent report by national recruiting firm FPC found that 79 percent of all employees plan to begin the job hunt during 2013. The report gave two primary reasons for the looming worker exodus: no opportunity for advancement and perceived employee mistreatment.

When times are tight, company culture, perks and benefits, and employee morale often become a low priority. But study after study indicates that it pays to keep your employees happy. From low productivity to poor customer service, disgruntled employees are a burden—and turnover is expensive. According to Jeff Kortes, president of Human Asset Management, turnover costs can extend from 30 percent for entry-level employees to 150 percent for mid-level employees to 400 percent for high-level employees. In short, keeping your employees engaged with your company is likely a sound investment. 

In our final issue of 2012, we’re happy to feature 22 of the state’s Best Companies to Work For. These companies don’t just say that their employees are their No. 1 asset—they mean it. These companies have found that by investing in their employees, their employees give back by doing whatever it takes to get the job done. Learn more about each company and the Best Companies to Work For selection process beginning on page 68.

As we put together the Best Companies to Work For article, we asked each executive why they have made it a priority to build a great place to work—even during the sluggish economy. We learned that creating an organization that is a Best Company to Work For is truly a win-win for everyone—employees, executives and the bottom line. Here are a few of the responses we heard:

Grant Thornton Managing Partner Steve Stauffer says positive company culture leads to a dynamic organization. “Company culture and employee morale are key elements of what makes Grant Thornton a dynamic and successful company. Our people come first at Grant Thornton. We feel that by investing in our people, we are investing in our firm.”

Eight-time winner SelectHealth says employees appreciate a challenging and respectful environment. “Work is about more than just a paycheck. We’ve found that lasting job satisfaction comes from being challenged, from doing something that makes a difference, from working with those who respect you and want to see you succeed. If we can help our employees achieve these things, they’ll be happy with their job,” says Nate Miller, SelectHealth’s director of human resources.

DigiCert CEO Nicholas Hales says employee morale is directly related to customer service. “For us, we believe that if we treat our employees well, and we give them opportunities to succeed, that they will invest their talents and passions into the company and will provide legendary experiences for our customers.”

Being a Best Company to Work For doesn’t have to be expensive. Though the majority of the honored companies offer their employees unique perks, such as educational opportunities, flexible schedules and other nontraditional benefits, a majority of the employees say that the primary reason they love their job is because there’s a mutual feeling of respect and reliability. Saying a simple “thank you” doesn’t cost a dime, but may save your company a fortune.

From the Editor
Sarah Ryther Francom