News Journal reporter Carlton Proctor interviews H. Britt Landrum Jr., president and CEO, on what it takes to make the list.
Question: What specifically does your company do to make it such a great place to work?
Answer: I believe it all starts with the attitude of the leadership. Our attitude is that we actually do appreciate our employees and we give them the tools, working environment and encouragement to be successful. (We) show them respect, ask their opinion, value their ideas, involve them in goal setting and decision making, recognize them for their accomplishments, communicate with them about important issues impacting the company, share financial results with them and give each one of them a share of the profits they helped us earn.
Q: You must encourage an "open door" policy when it comes to employee suggestions about how to make the workplace experience the best it can be. Explain how this interchange works.
A: During the orientation of each new employee, they are encouraged to give us their ideas. I participate in that program and encourage them to e-mail their ideas to me. We have an existing "Bright Idea" program and recognize those employees whose ideas are used.
Q: What new benefits are you considering to enhance your employees' work experience?
A: We are always interested in learning about the needs of our employees and finding new ways to meet them. These ideas may come from the employees themselves or from examining programs offered by other companies. Studying the profiles of some of our fellow "Best Small Business" winners should provide us with even more ideas.
Q: What are some of the employee favorites that elevate the work experience at your companies?
A: Latest technology. Modern equipment. Pleasant work environment. Friendly atmosphere. Recognition for performance. Bonus for meeting financial goals. Family-friendly policies.
Q: How important are the workplace experience and benefits in hiring and retention of your company's employees?
A: I consider both to be extremely important. Attracting, hiring and retaining the best employees are essential to the success of any company. I'm happy to say that our employee turnover rate is extremely low, but when we do have an opening we are able to attract some very talented candidates to consider. Reputation plays an important role in that. When your employees say good things about your company and their work experience, the word gets around.
