The list of positive comments are seemingly endless.
Phrases like "I work with great people," "My voice matters" and "I get the support and encouragement to do the best job possible" fill the surveys submitted by metro Atlanta employees for the AJC's 2016 Top Workplaces project.
The results not only show why many area workers love their jobs, but also that they want to share their thoughts about their bosses, co-workers, benefits and successes.
More companies and employees participated in this year’s survey than in 2015.
In 2016, 275 companies that employ 113,001 people in metro Atlanta were surveyed, and 59,744 employees in those companies responded. That’s up from 244 companies that employ 112,170 people in metro Atlanta surveyed in 2015 and 49,957 employee responses.
“It is personally and professionally rewarding to be part of such an innovative company that is transforming how our customers run their businesses,” an employee at Salesforce, the 2016 top large workplace, wrote in the survey. “… It is a pleasure to work for a company that is having such a profound impact on the fundamental ideas of the responsibilities for companies to the communities they serve and their employees. Salesforce is loaded with smart people who continually challenge the status quo and collaborate to find the best solutions.”
Top Workplaces in Atlanta 2016
Some companies, including past winners Virtual Properties Realty, eVestment and Woodward Academy, continue to rank among the top five.
“(The) administration truly believes in the school’s mission. They respect the role I play in helping the school achieve its goals, and the kids are really great,” wrote an employee at Woodward Academy, the No. 2 large company this year.
The Top Workplaces project found that 69 percent of the metro area employees who returned surveys reported that “I believe this company is going in the right direction” was most critical to how they rate their workplaces. That phrase finished at 69 percent to lead a group of 20 statements that workers were asked about their company.
“We can focus on creating an environment for people to do the best work of their lives and help a fast-growing company continue to innovate and deliver services, and products, and relationships with their customers,” said Warren Wick, senior vice president, enterprise sales for Salesforce.
Keith Hicks wants all his employees to take pride in their company.
As CEO of Baker Audio Visual, the 2016 top small workplace, he constantly emphasizes what he calls the “bedrock” of the company: “Do the right thing.”
“If we make a mistake, no matter how costly, we will step up and make it right,” Hicks said. “We then take that experience and use it to make a stronger company, going forward. I think that demonstrates to our employees the value that we place in the work that we do. We want everyone to take pride in this company and value our clients.”
