By Lila Asante-Appiah, Chief Administrative Officer
Many organizations will say their employees are their greatest asset. But do they know what employees say about their workplace?
That’s what the Top Workplaces program wants you to know. The employee survey company, Energage, partners with the Detroit Free Press to determine the best places to work around the state.
It turns out the Downtown Detroit Partnership is a Michigan Top Workplace, and we couldn’t be happier.
How It Works
If you have 50 or more employees, Energage will provide your employees with a 26-question survey to gather their views on various factors, including pay and benefits, direction, leadership, meaningfulness, and appreciation. Companies are scored based on the responses they receive.
A company or organization earns recognition when its employees’ feedback exceeds national benchmarks established by Energage, based on 19 years of experience and surveys from nearly 30 million employees. Additionally, to be considered, at least 35 percent of employees in an organization must participate and complete the survey.
In the DDP’s case, we achieved a whopping 84 percent participation rate.
Where We Did Well
The DDP’s 50-member team works to execute the organization’s mission to cultivate social and economic impact in Downtown Detroit. Our leadership team is intentional about maintaining a strong and collaborative culture where employees can leverage their talents; however, we understand that it is always a work in progress. We work hard to create an inclusive environment where employees feel safe to speak up, innovate, learn, and grow both personally and professionally.
Top stats shared from Energage
95%
of DDP employees believe their manager cares about their concerns.
85%
of DDP employees feel respected, supported, and enabled to grow.
The fact that this recognition is a direct result of what our employees say makes it especially gratifying.
According to Energage CEO Eric Rubino, earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, mainly because it comes authentically from their employees. “That’s something to be proud of,” he says. “In today’s market, leaders must ensure employees have a voice and are heard. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Constant Improvement is Key
In an article in the Detroit Free Press Top Workplaces supplement, Energage’s Bob Helbig outlines emerging trends in employee benefits. In it, he cites work by Bucketlist, a Vancouver-based employee recognition company. These five trends reflect the changing nature of our workplace and the evolving needs and attitudes of our employees.
Hybrid and remote work are here to stay.
For many, if not most, professions, hybrid and remote work are part of the flexibility employees require. “Remote and hybrid roles attract 60 percent of job applications but account for just 20 percent of postings.” The conclusion? “Companies are not offering what employees are seeking.” DDP offers a hybrid work schedule to support the importance of the work/life balance.
Recognize your employees.
According to Bucketlist data, employees who feel recognized are 73 percent less likely to experience burnout. At the DDP, we strive to ensure recognitions are visible, timely and meaningful.
Be Mindful of Your Employees’ Well-Being and Mental Health
Times are hard. Programs that support mental health and well-being are critical to a company’s success. Companies should pay particular attention to younger generations and front-line workers, who are most likely to experience stress and burnout. DDP prioritizes benefit offerings like the employee assistance program that enables team members to prioritize their mental health.
Professional Growth is More than Small Talk
At the DDP, managers develop individual professional development plans designed around skills-building and employee goals. Helbig says investing in people signifies loyalty and long-term performance. DDP strongly advocates and supports professional development through regular performance discussions and an annual funding allocation to support their goals.
Never Quit the Culture
A strong culture is rooted in shared values, such as trust and purpose, and is demonstrated through respect, transparency, and recognition. Employees need to understand that strong cultures don’t just happen. They are nurtured and require attention and intention. The DDP’s values – Passion for Detroit Stewardship
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, Excellence and Expertise
Integrity – informs our culture as illustrated through the behaviors our employees embody.
Looking Ahead
In the Small Companies category, the DDP ranked 38 out of 82 winners. That means there’s more we can do to get to number one. That’s a challenge we’re eager to accept.
