What it takes to be among our Top Workplaces in age of COVID

This year, how we think about Top Workplaces changed.

Since our first edition 10 years ago, the companies that made the list of Houston’s Top Workplaces often offered cool office perks — free beer! — that brought employees together. They sponsored parties, outings, retreats, volunteer projects and seminars to forge stronger relationships among employees, executives and employers.

COVID-19 ended all that.

What distinguishes this year’s

Top Workplaces is a determination to strengthen connections with employees and support them, no matter how scattered they might be. The office happy hours and holiday parties are gone, but the best companies have found ways to reach their workers and maintain their cultures.

These efforts go beyond Zoom.

Improving-Houston put a new twist on the company barbecue. Executives barbecued some 300 pounds of meat, then had the food delivered to employees’ homes.

The compounding pharmacy supplier PCCA couldn’t hold its traditional Halloween costume contest. Instead it held a “wig out,” in which employees transformed their appearances from the neck up — perfect for video conferencing.

Bill Higgins, president of Crest Management, came up with a “virtual water cooler” for employees to share both professional and personal interests, including movie recommendations and cocktail recipes.

It’s not all fun. Employees face new challenges and Top Workplaces are finding ways to help them. Camden Property Trust, for example, offers a stipend to offset increased day care costs or hire tutors to help children with remote learning.

The coronavirus has tested Houston companies and the commitments they have made to their employees. Many firms have had to make tough decisions, including furloughs and layoffs. But even then, the best employers haven’t lost sight of the value and importance of their workforce, finding ways to minimize the cuts, make difficult transitions easier and keep communications open.

Ultimately, as all successful companies do, Houston’s Top Workplaces are looking to the long term. When the pandemic ends and the economy rebounds, these companies plan to have in place the committed teams that will position them to capitalize, grow and prosper.

And bring back the free beer. Congratulations to all our winners.