Top workplaces

The workweek can present bosses and employees with opportunities to show off their best. Now, Connecticut companies can participate in The Hartford Courant’s annual Top Workplaces survey, demonstrating to a wider audience how employees are engaged, committed and productive.

For 40 hours or more, the work week can present bosses and employees with opportunities to show off their best.

Now, Connecticut companies and organizations can participate in The Hartford Courant’s annual Top Workplaces survey, demonstrating to a wider audience how employees are engaged, committed and productive. The nomination period is open through March 15.

Workplaces are evaluated by their employees responding from February to April to a 24-question survey. The Top Workplaces awards, which will be presented in September, represent a comprehensive assessment by employees about how they see their employers.

Last year, The Hartford Courant named 60 local companies and organizations to its Top Workplaces list based on responses to surveys about working conditions such as education and training, a company’s ethics, employee autonomy in scheduling, working from home when necessary and even an on-site gym.

Last year’s top winners were led by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices New England Properties, CNC Software Inc. and Emergency Resource Management in their size categories.

As much as anything, the annual competition offers a chance for companies and or-

ganizations to show what makes them the best.

“Everyone in our company, I believe, knows that I’m available to them any time of day or night because we have an open, transparent environment of communication,” said Candace Adams, president and chief executive of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices. Top down management “just doesn’t work in building a solid, respectful loyal team,” she said.

Last year, more than 800 employers in the region were invited to take part in the employee survey. To participate, a company, public agency, nonprofit or other organization had to have at least 50 employees in Hartford, Middlesex, New London, Tolland or Windham counties. There was no charge and The Courant did not learn the identities of companies that did not make the list of winners.

Falling unemployment and an expanding workforce are good signs for job-seekers in Connecticut. Employment in expanded by 1.2 percent in 2018. The state’s unemployment rate declined in December 2018 by one–tenth of a percent, to 4 percent, the lowest since May 2002.

The Courant partnered with research firm Energage of Philadelphia to determine the greater Hartford area’s Top Workplaces using responses from employees from a detailed and confidential survey questionnaire.

Engerage sent surveys to 23,399 people employed at 84 companies and organizations. Of those, 13,603 people responded, on paper and online.

The Top Workplaces survey gathered responses on 24 factors covering seven areas, including assessments of how well employees work together toward a common cause. Among other things, employees were asked about company values, whether new ideas are encouraged or if managers help employees learn and grow. Pay, benefits and training also are key questions.

To participate, go to www.courant.com/nominate or call 860-256-4476.