Gauge your health with Top Workplaces

Building an organization that is recognized as having a great workplace culture is one of those things that work on at least two levels: It’s the right thing to do for your employees, and it’s the the right thing to do for the success of your organization.

More and more businesses are recognizing the importance of having a healthy workplace — healthy, as in employees are highly engaged and feel that their work is meaningful, that they are contributing and that their contributions are valued.

That was clear from last year’s New Mexico Top Workplaces survey, conducted by Energage (formerly Workplace Dynamics) in partnership with the Albuquerque Journal. The program continued to grow in 2018, with 50 companies making the list, up from 45 in 2017 and 40 in 2016.

The Journal is again partnering with Energage on the survey, which starts today.

Taking part in the process is a chance to honestly assess whether you’ve got a workplace culture that works, and if not, to help you figure out where you can improve.

According to research cited by Energage, companies that are recognized in thirdparty surveys like Top Workplaces attract more highly qualified applicants and have lower turnover rates. That’s particularly valuable in today’s business environment with its historically low unemployment, rates and the resulting stiff competition for qualified workers.

“Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results,” Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage, said in a statement to the Journal. “Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”

Michelle Dearholt, chief performance and retail officer at Nusenda Credit Union, which ranked top among midsize New Mexico companies in last year’s survey, echoed those sentiments in comments to the Journal. Dearholt said the company’s workplace culture and its focus on employee engagement and professional development help Nusenda recruit and retain the best employees.

“Our benefits and programs are structured to allow employees to fulfill their potential, while taking time to spend with family, and focus on personal wellness,” she said. “We believe that healthy and happy employees increase our service levels to our membership and community, which is our top priority.”

This year, companies will be surveyed from January through March after being nominated by the employer, an employee or a customer. The deadline for nominations is Jan. 18, and companies will be surveyed from January through March. The Journal will publish a special edition next spring with the results.

Nominations can be made online at abqjournal.com/nominate or by calling (505) 288-3443.