Fun activities make it very clear why it’s good to work for Top Workplaces
This year’s Top Workplaces know how to stand out and treat their employees right. From laser tag outings with co-workers to company committees that organize secret Santa gatherings, 2018’s Top Workplaces often subscribe to the “work hard, play hard” mantra. No two companies have the same story, and the ways in which they give back to their employees differ as well, but they all possess one common goal — to respect their workforce to the fullest and provide them with the best environment possible to enable them to maximize their potential.
Alliance Residential, with a presence in 20 states and 33 metropolitan markets, recently surpassed more than 100,000 units managed by expanding and aligning strategies that emphasize individual ownership, team commitment and pursuit of a higher purpose. The female-owned business ALOM Technologies champions a collaborative working environment that focuses on employee satisfaction, diversity, inclusion and information sharing. The company also fosters a performance-oriented, yet fun and highly supportive work setting that emphasizes employee time off, wellness and enjoyable company events.
Arena Solutions was an early provider of SaaS software and the first cloud PLM company. The founders once ran a midsize manufacturing company that used Excel spreadsheets to manage the bills of materials for their products. The software was created to solve their need for a better way to manage their complex product data. At Avidbank, the CEO and a trio of employees celebrated a successful 2017 by going skydiving. Another group, once again joined by the CEO, participated in a Spartan Race earlier this year.
Barefoot Networks recently hosted an engaging panel discussion for International Women’s Day 2018 led by its Diversity and Inclusion Engagement Committee. The event gave employees a chance to hear from its female leaders in the organization and discuss such issues as gender equality and diversity. “As evident by our recent events, we’re a quirky organization,” said the team of scientists, engineers and apparel experts at Bolt Threads. “We have animalthemed awards to recognize outstanding contributions from individuals at our all-company meetings. We also host seminars where experts from within the company or outside fields give lectures on topics related to the scientific and fashion worlds.” For its part, California Water Service Group recognizes that its success is derived from hard-working employees. To show their appreciation, the company’s annual Employee Celebration Day features fun activities ranging from arcade to laser tag to bocce ball outings.
CD & Power, Northern California’s largest independent generator service organization, appreciates the best in its employees by organizing monthly staff training meetings packed full of motivation and technical information to inspire and increase the knowledge of the entire team.
At Clari, the CTO is an avid distance runner with over 14 marathons completed. Speaking of long-distance running, a current employee just completed the Boston Marathon and placed in the top 35.
Fiesta Fridays is one of the trademarks of working at Collaborative Solutions, which also includes friendly cornhole competitions and cocktail contests.
Since its inception in 1987, Diablo
Plumbing Inc. has been a family owned and operated business with a mission to be the first-choice plumber contractor for all Bay Area clients. They work toward this goal daily by performing work safely, on time and within budget.
Diablo Valley Oncology is recognized and certified as a quality oncology practice by the American Society of Clinical Oncology. They’re also a clinical research affiliate of John Muir Health, and Castle Connolly often recognizes the company’s physicians as America’s top doctors.
At ENGEO, employees’ personal and
professional opportunities are limitless. They are encouraged to maximize their talents and walk down the road less traveled. To help employees reach their full potential, the company holds meetings and seminars on topics such as project management, market trends and industry best practices.
Fremont Bank features a culture known as the Six Diamond Experience, which means they embrace treating people the way they want to be treated. Its employees are known for going above and beyond for which the company provides recognition via special awards.
To date, Globalstar has helped initiate more than 5,000 rescues worldwide and many of its employees truly enjoy the fact that the work they do is helping to touch the lives of others in such a positive manner.
Across GoDaddy, women now make up 24 percent of its employee base and represent more than 19 percent of the company’s technical roles and 12 percent of its developer roles — putting them ahead of other leading Silicon Valley technology companies.
Intapp’s headquarters is located in a historic building that was once a fruit and vegetable cannery that opened in 1919. They feature a Food Truck Wednesday to enjoy the sunshine and chat with fellow employees, and the company sponsors and celebrates engineering hackathons around the globe to promote continued innovation.
J & J Air Conditioning on how it works, “Our AIR training program has been in existence since 1985 and has not only trained our field employees, but also it’s open to the public and we’ve had many of our competitors send their mechanics to our trainings.”
Legacy Real Estate & Associates maintains a strong presence in the East Bay and has been recognized both locally and nationally. This has happened in part because of two equal goals: by making a better future for clients and their families, and treating agents like gold to make sure they have the support they need to succeed.
Mission Hospice & Home Care provides a range of appreciation events throughout the year, including a summer pool party and year-end holiday celebration for its employees and their families. Moreover, its Heart of Hospice recognition committee organizes fun office gatherings such as Halloween costume parties, secret Santa holiday gift exchanges and more.
Pet Food Express started in 1986 in San Francisco when founder Michael Levy decided to switch from training dogs to feeding them as a pet food entrepreneur. The company now has 53 stores within California and is perhaps the national retail leader in holistic pet nutrition and product safety.
RiseSmart on its path to success, “Our culture is inclusive, fun, creative, collaborative and respectful. We value the unique makeup of our team, and we socialize at frequent happy hours, company outings and get-togethers.”
Stryker Endoscopy was the first to combine voice activation, infrared
technology and high-definition video to give surgeons greater control and patients better outcomes.
This year, Veracyte celebrated the company’s 10th anniversary with a festive celebration at San Francisco’s historic venue, Bimbo’s, where employees and guests enjoyed Havana-themed music, food and decor as they danced the night away.
Virtual Instruments knows how to have a good time too. They host an annual summer family picnic at Saratoga Springs as well as company Halloween parties and table tennis tournaments.
As you can see, there are nearly limitless reasons to work for these fantastic Bay Area Top Workplaces.