How Top Workplaces rankings were determined
This is the 10th year the Chronicle has partnered with Energage to determine Greater Houston’s Top Workplaces. The results are based on a scientific employee survey process.
Starting in March, the Chronicle welcomed anyone to nominate companies as Top Workplaces. Energage also reached out to companies. In all, 2,349 employers in Greater Houston were invited to take part in the process. Any employer was eligible as long as it had at least 50 employees in the region. There was no cost to enter.
This year, 257 employers agreed to take the survey. Combined, they employ 134,258 people in Greater Houston. Of those employees who received questionnaires, 73,129 responded.
This year 150 employers earned recognition as Top Workplaces based on employee feedback.
The survey of 24 questions gathers responses regarding issues relating to workplace culture:
• Alignment. Where the company is headed, its values, cooperation.
• Connection. Employees feel appreciated, their work is meaningful.
• Effectiveness. Doing things efficiently and well, sharing different viewpoints, encouraging new ideas.
• My Manager. Cares about concerns, helps employees develop.
• Engagement. Motivation, retention and recruiting.
• Leadership. Confidence in company leaders.
• The Basics. Pay, benefits, flexibility, training, expectations.
Employees consistently rate issues of “Connection” and “Alignment” most important to them. Pay and benefits are less important.
Employers are ranked among groups of similar size. Within those groups, those that score high enough are recognized as Top Workplaces. Energage also determines special award winners based on standout scores on specific survey topics.
If you wonder why a company is not on the list, it might be because it chose not to participate or because it did not score well enough. Sometimes, Energage disqualifies employers based on questionable results detected through statistical tests to ensure organizations are accurately administering the survey.
To participate in the 2020 program, go to chron.com/nominate.