Standouts

Linda Galipeau, Randstad USA

Basis: Motivates employees. Keeps them informed. Rewards good work with prizes.

Employee comment: "She has the ability to recognize trends within the marketplace and position Randstad as a leader."

(Midsize)

Mike Pitcher, LeasePlan USA

Basis: Gets to know employees personally. Demonstrates concern for everyone.

Employee comment: "He interacts with all levels of employees, keeping us informed about financial performance, goals and expectations and motivating us to want to be the best we can be."

(Small)

Robert G. Gross, Revenue Analytics

Basis: Inspires employees. Gets them excited about work.

Employee comment: "He is very knowledgeable and truly cares about the people at RA."

DIRECTION

Virtual Properties Realty

Basis: Gearing up to take advantage of anticipated increase in home buying.

Employee comment: "The company appears fluid, making changes when necessary to allow agents to better serve their clients in this ever-changing real estate environment."

MANAGERS

Woodward Academy

Basis: Willing to listen. Allow workers to implement their worthy ideas.

Employee comment: "They have trust in us and give us the freedom to experiment and try new things."

NEW IDEAS

22squared

Basis: Ideas are encouraged by celebrating those that are implemented and congratulating their source.

Employee comment: "They realize and tell us that good ideas can come from anyone."

DOERS

Power Home Remodeling Group

Basis: The structure, with departments responsible for every aspect of the job, gives workers a clear vision for how to perform tasks.

Employee comment: "They push me to be the best I can be. No room for complacency and mediocrity."

MEANINGFULNESS

Hire Dynamics

Basis: Leadership cares about workers, allows them to lend efforts to community groups.

Employee comment: "You truly do have a voice and you are not just another number on the board, like at other large businesses."

ETHICS

J. Smith Lanier & Co.

Basis: Operates under high principles to maintain company's reputation in the marketplace.

Employee comment: "This company has always stood for the highest values and ethical treatment of clients and vendors."

CLUED-IN SENIOR MANAGEMENT

Larson-Juhl Inc.

Basis: Leadership understands what is going on in the company.

Employee comment: "Our senior managers have completely reorganized within the past year to put the needs of Larson-Juhl first."

COMMUNICATION

eVestment Alliance

Basis: Employees feel informed when they are kept apprised of important decisions.

Employee comment: "Team meetings are held with senior management, where everything is laid out with the reasons and objectives. Then they take any questions."

APPRECIATION

Cobb Pediatric Therapy Services

Basis: Employees feel recognition from management for effort and achievement.

Employee comment: N/A.

WORK/LIFE FLEXIBILITY

Travelport

Basis: Telecommuting and adjustable work schedules are allowed.

Employee comment: "I really enjoy the flexible working hours, being in a city with the worst traffic."

TRAINING

Holy Innocents’ Episcopal School

Basis: Formal training in the form of continuing education is encouraged and workers are sent to conferences and summer workshops.

Employee comment: "The school guided me and helped me financially to earn another degree in education."

BENEFITS

Alston & Bird LLP

Basis: Top-notch insurance coverage, plus favorable maternity leave, child care and flexible time off.

Employee comment: "Not only do we have great health insurance, but also great employees in our benefits department who help us understand medical forms and work as intermediaries with the insurance company."