[lbi_editorial_note inner_content=”PHOTOS IN BPTW-Top 5ers. Let’s do some larger typography with the ranking.” timestamp=”9:20am on September 24, 2015″]
Good management, generous bonuses and incentives, flexibility and other company perks may go a long way toward attracting new employees, but what really defines a “best place to work” over time are the intangibles. Capital Region employees surveyed by Best Companies Group say its the feeling of being valued in an organization and having confidence in its leadership that, more than anything, drive their engagement. How exactly do you define that? We asked employees from the top five companies with 250 or more employees to share their personal stories of moments when they came to truly appreciate the company for which they work.
NO. 1: YP MARKETING SOLUTIONS
Michael O’Farrell
Key account representative
Years with the company: 5
As a key account manager at YP, I work with some of our biggest and best customers in Central/North Louisiana. We have amazing incentives, and I have been honored to receive the Winner’s Circle Distinction twice—a recognition bestowed upon the top sales performers in our company—which gave me the opportunity to travel to first-class resorts in the Bahamas and Miami, as well as mingle with the most senior leaders at YP. In addition, we have a fun work environment infused with flash parties and contests for cool prizes. I’ve won everything from gift cards to a limo night to an Apple watch. Most importantly, I am given the flexibility to be creative in solving the marketing challenges that customers face in today’s complex digital landscape.
NO. 2: BAKER, DONELSON, BEARMAN, CALDWELL & BERKOWITZ
Katie Cicardo
Associate attorney
Years with firm: 1
At a recent firm event, an attorney told my fiancé and a group of clients that I was an important and valued member of his team. The attorney also complemented the quality of my work, and he thanked my fiancé for sharing me with the firm. This is just one example of what makes Baker Donelson unique and a great place to work—it is a place where employees are made to feel respected and appreciated, both for their work product and for who they are as individuals.
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NO. 3: GEOENGINEERS
Jamie Vincent
Civil engineer
Years with the company: 8
I was born and raised in Baton Rouge and have always appreciated the opportunity to work on local projects that impact the community and city landscape. The chance to be involved in providing geotechnical services for visible landmarks across the city, like the Mall of Louisiana, LSU’s new Alex Box Stadium, L’Auberge Casino, Louisiana DOTD’s Interstate 12 widening project and LSU/CPRA’s upcoming Water Campus Facility, is very satisfying. I always enjoy pointing these landmarks out to friends and family and explaining what was involved to make the project a success. Another rewarding aspect of GeoEngineers is all employees are eligible to become shareholders within the firm after the completion of their first years of service. During my time at GeoEngineers, I’ve always been treated as an equal, valued team member despite rank or title.
NO. 4: RED RIVER BANK
Audrey Schmolke
Treasury management officer
Years with the company: 3
Red River Bank encouraged me to pursue getting my Certified Treasury Professional certification. When I initially started looking into taking the exam, the amount of material covered on the test was intimidating. My co-workers and Red River Bank were very supportive as I spent several months going over and studying the material for the test. It kept me motivated to have such a great group of people cheering me on. After several weekends and nights of studying I took and passed the Certified Treasury Professional exam. I attribute this success to Red River Bank. Had it not been for their belief in me, I do not know if I would have pursued this certification. They truly believe in their employees and want to see each of us succeed in our own personal goals we set for ourselves.
NO. 5: WOMAN’S HOSPITAL
Laurie Ann Hancock
Mother/Baby registered nurse
Years with the company: 11+
Woman’s Hospital is a remarkable place to work and an extraordinary place to receive care. In 2013, I discovered a lump in my left breast. Following a biopsy, I underwent mammograms and ultrasounds every six months. Then the unthinkable happened. In March 2015, during a checkup, the lump had changed characteristics and doubled in size. I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer and underwent a unilateral simple mastectomy. My coworkers were a huge support system for me and my family. I am usually a caregiver at Woman’s, but when I became the patient I experienced firsthand the amazing support we provide. Every registration clerk, office personnel, technician, doctor and nurse comforted me with exceptional care, compassion, respect and professionalism.
