National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For Get It Done

December 11, 2014

Putting employees first and creating corporate cultures that inspire innovation and empowerment are known to bring out the best in workers, companies and communities. The winners in the 101 National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2014 exhibit fine examples of those traits.

The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For competition identifies and honors organizations that display a commitment to excellence in their human resource practices and employee enrichment. Organizations are assessed based on categories such as communication, work-life balance, employee education, diversity, recognition, retention and more.

Peckham Inc. in Lansing, Mich., an elite winner in the medium business category, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1976 to provide job training and competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. It has grown to be one of the largest vocational community rehabilitation programs in Michigan, according to its website. Peckham is committed to assisting job seekers secure and maintain long-term employment, allowing for job upgrades and career advancement. A wide range of services are offered with a focus on job readiness skills, career exploration, resume development, interviewing, guided job searches, as well as developing interpersonal and coping skills to enhance job retention.

The organization is passionate about its mission, exceeding customer expectations and empowering, enriching and educating those they serve. To this end, each they develop key indicators that keep them focused on their mission and vision. This year’s indicators were: advocacy, health and wellness, sustainability, adult education, asset building and inclusion.

Berea, Ohio-based WOW! Internet, Cable and Phone won the large company Elite award. There is something extra special about working at a company that starts with the word WOW!, and that is working in what they call “the WOW! Way.” It’s putting our customers first in everything, and that is done by putting its employees first, the company says on its website. “It is our commitment to ensure our employees are happy, challenged and rewarded. We trust our employees to live our core values and create the award-winning customer experience that lives up to our name.”

With 3,200 employees across the Midwest, sharing a core set of values is key, the company explains.

• Courage: Act on your beliefs with pure intention in spite of your fears.
• Respect: Treat others as you would wish to be treated.
• Integrity: Choose to do what’s right.
• Accountability: Own your part of any situation and work toward a solution.
• Servanthood: Embrace the attitude and honor of serving others rather than being served.

TransTech IT Staffing in Itasca, Ill., won the small business Elite award. The certified woman-owned company is a leading provider of contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire services of IT professionals. It has been delivering professional, flexible, and personable recruiting services since 1990.

Getting the right IT professional for the right job requires an exacting assessment of the professional and the company in which they are placed. A set of nine core values are the engine to inspiring employees to complete the TransTech IT mission of providing outstanding service to consultants and clients in a fun and supportive environment. One of those values, “Win Together,” is described this way on its website: “Success depends upon fostering a strong, team-oriented environment. No one individual can win the deal – we will hold each other accountable and all succeed together.”

Join us celebrating the accomplishments of the 101 National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For in 2014.