For many employees, the workplace looks a lot different today.
It might be a laptop in the bedroom, a cubicle separated by a piece of plexiglass, or simply masked colleagues surrounded by similarly masked customers.
Whatever the clothing or the climate, the pandemic may have changed the meaning of “a great place to work.”
In 2020, when we were isolated, we needed an employer who kept us feeling connected. We needed visionary bosses who helped us adapt to trying circumstances. And we relied on managers who maintained consistency through difficult times — continuing to find ways for training, encouraging new ideas and promoting a work-life balance.
Did your company come through for its employees? If so, nominate it for The Salt Lake Tribune’s Eighth Annual Top Workplaces award.
Honors are given to small, medium and large companies by The Tribune and its partner, Energage, a Philadelphia-based culture technology firm that specializes in employee engagement and workplace improvement research.
Nominations for the 2021 awards are now being accepted through April 16.
We’re looking for Utah companies that offer more than just competitive salaries, quality medical insurance and retirement with an employer match — although those are all important. Your company can be a startup or one that is decades old.
Tell us about the businesses that invest in training, provide resources so workers can do their jobs in an efficient and satisfying manner, and go the extra mile to show employees they are valued.
Any organization with 35 or more employees — whether a private business, a publicly held company, a government agency or a nonprofit — can participate. Submit a nomination at http://www.sltrib.com/nominate or by calling 801-803-6841.
Once the nomination is received, employees will be sent a 24-question survey starting in March and lasting through May.
Winners will be announced in the fall.
In previous years, employees have been eager to respond to these questionnaires. In 2020, Energage sent surveys to more than 35,400 Utah employees at 134 nominated companies and agencies. (More than 1,300 organizations were invited to participate). The firm received 23,615 back, a response rate of nearly 67%.
Across the nation, Energage does similar analyses for 56 major metropolitan newspapers. The company says 2 million employees at more than 7,000 organizations were surveyed last year about what makes their workplaces special.
Not sure what we’re looking for? Here are 10 examples of what Utah employees had to say last year about their Top Workplace.
Knows where it’s headed
“We are on pace to help the entire small-business marketplace find resources they need to succeed.” — Employee at Lendio, a Lehi business services company.
Has good managers
“[My manager] coaches me, thanks me for things I’m doing well, is open about improvements that need to be made and helps me to make those improvements. I know he truly cares about my success as a person and a professional.” — Employee at BambooHR a Lindon-based software company.
Encourages new ideas
“[Creativity] is part of our culture. Most people who are hired have a big personality that drives new ideas.” — Employee at Avalaunch Media, a Lehi digital marketing agency.
Excels at communication
“From the CEO and co-founder down to each employee, there hasn’t been a time where we couldn’t ask a question or — when decisions are made — that it isn’t been shared openly as to why.” — Employee at Tesani, an Orem holding company.
Offers meaningful work
“We genuinely serve other people’s needs.” — Employee at Achieve Today, an Orem educational technology company.
Has strong values
“During the pandemic, leadership has tried everything possible to maintain team member engagement and not unreasonably reduce benefits.” — Employee at Health Catalyst Inc., a South Jordan heath care vendor.
Has informed leaders
“They take the time to meet with individuals at any level of the organization, which just makes them feel more approachable and human. They reach out to see how we are doing. They always look at ways we can be better.” — Employee at 1-800 Contacts, Draper.
Appreciates employees
“Hard work gets recognition from managers” and “mentions from other departments.” There’s nothing better than “seeing our product succeed and hearing about the successes.” — Employees at RainFocus, a Lehi software company.
Offers work-life flexibility
“They allow me to take the time I need to tend to my family, realizing family needs to be the priority over work.” — Employee at Sirsi Corp. a Lehi software company.
Provides generous benefits
“I have great benefits. I am saving for retirement. I love our parties and activities, our employee recognition programs and monthly coaching sessions with my manager.” — Employee at Stratus.hr, a Sandy human resource company.
