Top Workplaces: Employee Perspective

Employees of the 92 companies recognized in this year’s Top Workplaces survey overwhelmingly shared that their job satisfaction comes from a mix of appreciation from their managers, a sustainable work-life balance, and connections with colleagues.

Energage’s survey system allowed employees to share their feedback anonymously, and while, across all company sizes and industries, financial compensation is an important factor, most respondents cited other reasons for their happiness at work.

The survey gave employees the chance to share feedback to a simple question, “I love my job because,” and that prompt generated a wide variety of answers from the people who replied.

“I have the ability to think independently” was the response from an employee of a large financial services firm, and that sentiment was echoed by others, including someone from a midsized firm, who said, “I have the autonomy to make decisions independently and am provided with educational opportunities to support my growth and development.”

Others praised their organizations’ sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

“I am part of a group of extremely talented people all working to help us take care of our customers and are excited to see each other succeed,” said the employee of a midsized company, while a small-company employee shared that “I get to build real relationships, help people solve problems, and work with a team that actually has your back. Every day feels different, and I like knowing my work matters.”

The impact on the larger community is another factor that many respondents cited, whether it’s a distribution-company worker who shared their enjoyment in interacting with customers or the nonprofit employee who said, “I am able to work alongside incredible human beings, serve the community, and witness noticeable impact in the lives of students we serve as well as coworkers.”