What does it take to create a workplace culture that is supportive, promotes work/life balance, attracts and retains top talent, and improves employee engagement?
The Fox Cities Chamber recognizes local employers who do just that through its Employee Friendly Workplace Certification, and several certified companies shared their thoughts on best practices for creating this type of culture.
What is a best practice you have implemented at your company that has helped you create an employee friendly workplace?
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region: We work together as a team. We are always learning, and we create a great workplace culture by treating each other with respect. Add a little fun, food, and movement and you get the TLC committee (Teaming, Learning and Culture (TLC) Committee). This committee builds relationships and connections to grow as people and have fun! Activities range from CPR training, summer trail walks, healthy cooking competitions, ice cream treats, and celebrations.
ThedaCare: The ThedaCare “Better U” Wellness Program is for team members and medical plan enrolled spouses and is deeply rooted in the partnership with the team member, spouse, and their Primary Care Physician. The program provides activities designed to meet participants where they’re at in their wellness journey via personalized tools and support, to help them reach their health goals. Participants opt in to earn points and rewards for engaging in their health and wellness throughout the year to potentially earn a $0 copay plan.
The program is accessed via “Ripple”, a web-based and smartphone application that provides a simple and secure way for team members to manage their health, save time and create greater peace of mind.
Baisch Engineering: We are proud to provide a flexible work arrangement for all our teammates. This may mean working remotely, shifting hours around within a given week to accommodate personal life needs, or adjusting the workweek to meet the needs of a client. Our teammates are self-designated as remote, hybrid, or office, and we have seen them thrive within their roles with this flexibility.
AIA Corporation: A large portion of why AIA has received the Employee Friendly Workplace award is because of the following benefits: Volunteer PTO; Value in Actions Awards; Four employees get nominated annually for truly embodying our core values and encompassing them into their everyday; Unlimited PTO for exempt employees; Fit ‘n Fun Committee: The primary focus is to incorporate fun and wellness activities throughout the organization; Fitness Reimbursement Program
What resource do you commonly use in your role, that you would recommend to others looking to enhance their culture or benefits? (web site, podcast, etc.)
ThedaCare: HBR.org, forbes.com, ama-assn.org, linkedin.com, CultureAmp.com, Gartner.com, Deloitte.com, joshbersin.com, MyLifeExpert.com
Baisch: We utilize annual employee surveys to learn what our teammates value and to be informed if there are areas of concern. We take these suggestions and research if they are feasible for Baisch to offer and implement offerings based on that research.
AIA: Bonusly – This is a rewards and recognition platform that we would recommend to other organizations to use. It is utilized throughout our organization to recognize all of the hard work, dedication and support we have.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
ThedaCare: We have many services and resources for employees, as well as organizations, to augment their health and wellness. Benefit offerings can be found at thedacare.org and by searching “ThedaCare at Work” (https://thedacare.org/services/thedacare-at-work/ ).
Baisch: Baisch also offers Volunteer Time Off. We have seen an increase in use of these hours each year. It has also bolstered our team spirit as we often volunteer in groups, which has been a lot of fun!
The Fox Cities Chamber’s Employee Friendly Workplace certification program strives to engage, educate, and encourage the adoption of more employee friendly workplace practices and policies by all Fox Cities employers in order to enhance work/life integration and successfully attract and retain the best employees in the region.
The Chamber currently has 20 Fox Cities employers who are certified as employee friendly:
- US Venture, Inc.
- ThedaCare
- Jewelers Mutual
- ESOP Partners
- Ornua Ingredients North America (OINA)
- Baisch Engineering
- Appvion
- CMD Corporation
- The Boldt Company
- Ducommun
- Weidert Group
- Miron Construction
- Hoffman Planning, Design, & Construction Inc.
- Capital Credit Union
- RGL Logistics
- Werner Electric Supply
- Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
- Community Foundation
- AIA Corporation
- Sure-Dry, LLC
Fox Cities companies interested in applying for Employee Friendly Workplace certification can visit the Chamber’s web site for additional information. https://foxcitieschamber.com/employee-friendly-workplace/
About Fox Cities Chamber
Founded in 1874, the Fox Cities Chamber is a nonprofit membership organization that unites the regional business community for greater economic impact. Serving Outagamie, Calumet, and northern Winnebago Counties, the Fox Cities Chamber is the second largest Chamber in the state.
Our organization proudly captures the energy of one of Wisconsin’s most dynamic regions and transforms it into innovative programs and services to champion employers, economic development, and quality of life. The Fox Cities Chamber is celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2024. For more information, visit https://foxcitieschamber.com/chamber-150th-anniversary/ .
