Top Workplaces prioritize creating culture and building connections

Defining, creating and supporting a company culture is a priority among Top Workplaces and their employees.

In the 13 years since the Times Union began collaborating with Energage, our research partner for Top Workplaces, the employee surveys determining which employers make the cut show that people want to work where they feel valued and connected, and their work has meaning beyond a paycheck.

Since many people spend more of their waking hours devoted to work compared to any other single pursuit, they want to feel that they are appreciated by their employers and making contributions that matter.

In the aftermath of the pandemic, many employers are acutely aware of the importance of bolstering connections among their employees to create and sustain the cohesive teams that will best serve their business missions. As well, they recognize that connections to clients and the community are essential because their businesses do not exist in a vacuum separate from the forces that impact societal well-being as a whole.

This year we asked top finishers in each of the three workplace size groups (small, midsize and large employers) to tell us about the cultures of their enterprises. You will find those stories in the pages that follow as well as capsule write-ups on all recognized workplaces — there are 57 this year.

Among them are 13 companies that have made the list for the first time as well as two that have been recognized all 13 years: TBC — Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte and HANYS.

This report also includes Q&A interviews with three top leaders addressing leadership and company culture.

Congratulations to all Top Workplaces and their employees.