If you peruse FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” list, you’ll notice a lot of commonalities among the honorees. These shared attributes help lay a solid foundation that supports a great place to work. You can download the full trends report from the Great Place to Work Institute, but we’ve compiled our own list of four attributes that make a great workplace.
Open, Honest Communication
Sounds simple enough, but studies show that companies that didn’t make FORTUNE’s list are fearful that open communication can backfire and bring down employee morale. According to the Great Place to Work Institute, when leaders understand the importance of effective trust-building communication and act accordingly, employees respond positively and view management as more credible. Leaders in the top 100 companies communicate directly, openly and honestly, which helps foster a culture of trust and creates a more engaged workforce.
Health & Wellness
With the cost of healthcare continuing to rise, employers are increasingly investing in employee health and wellness — and it’s one of the best investments a company can make. For every dollar companies invest in wellness programs, businesses can see savings of up to almost $5. Out of the 100 companies on the list, 73 have on-site fitness centers, 63 subsidize off-site fitness centers for employees, and more than half offer financial incentives for employees participating in wellness programs. These investments go far beyond the physical well-being of employees. Programs that focus on the mind and body and that help achieve work-life balance help employees recharge and stay motivated.
Giving Back
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” That’s why giving back has become a huge part of corporate culture. It’s something that employees have come to expect from companies, and it’s something that companies have made a top priority. By providing employees opportunities to give back and make meaningful contributions to their communities, it helps instill a sense of pride in the workplace, creates a more engaged workforce and inspires employees to be better people.
Development & Training
An employer’s commitment to professional development goes a long way in showing employees that they’re valued. Providing access to things like education and training, tuition assistance, professional registration, technical certification and professional society memberships help employees advance their careers by expanding their existing skill set and helping them continue to learn new skills. Of the training hours offered by the top 100 companies, almost 70% is devoted to employees’ current roles, while 40% is focused on growth and development.
These four components are just a few of the many things that Burns & McDonnell is proud to offer, but there’s so much more. Visit our careers website and browse our current openings for one that suits your qualifications and see for yourself!
While you’re here, we’d love to hear from you. What components do you think make a great place to work?
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