As I look back on the last fifteen years I’m amazed at all that has transpired with workplace culture, employer branding and corporate social responsibility within Arizona. In 2002, the term “employer brand” was not a common phrase in our collective vocabularies. Now, it’s a foundational element in business strategy to attract and retain the best talent.
When I joined forces with Denise Gredler in 2002 to help establish an avenue for creating and recognizing best companies, we truly believed it would have a positive impact across the local economy, our community and the Arizona workforce. Our vision took root and grew exponentially in these fifteen years.
By developing local employer award programs – 4 in total – BestCompaniesAZ has helped to elevate not only the amazing workplace cultures who are receiving these awards, but also showcase the wonderful opportunities that await: for companies to grow here and for individuals to build meaningful careers at these award-winning employers.
Since our 2003 inaugural “best list,” we’ve witnessed striking evidence that creating stronger, trust-based workplace cultures leads to positive business results. Despite the deeply hurtful Great Recession of 2008, most of the original list winners are still going strong, experiencing the financial and intangible benefits of their efforts.
Companies that win awards, whether our local programs or national ones, often become “celebrity employers” and “destination workplaces” that are almost as famous for their corporate cultures as for their products or services. And since awards involve third party due diligence on a company’s practices, winning creates trust in an employer brand and cements credibility.
Great storytelling is critical in employer branding. Winning workplace awards automatically shines a spotlight on the great organizations, providing the perfect platform to share the unique and amazing aspects of what it’s like to work there. This is something I have truly enjoyed doing over the years – sharing the stories of wonderful employers.
It’s truly exciting look back and realize how our vision came true: that better workplaces would create better lives, better communities, and more profitable businesses. What an honor it has been to be a part of this dream and witness the positive impact it has had. Wow, how far we’ve come!
About Lee Vikre
A workplace culture maven, writer, and speaker, Lee Vikre has helped numerous companies develop “best company” cultures, gaining recognition at the local and national level. Lee has been called the Jedi Master of hiring because of her exceptional recruiting abilities and friendships with people who love Star Wars. Her favorite activities involve matching people with their dream jobs at award-winning best companies.
