2018 When Work Works Winners Leverage Workplace Flexibility Yielding Positive Results

 SHRM Honors 97 Organizations for Effective Workplace Practices 

Workplace learning, customized workflex, mentorship, a positive work culture, and employee-based innovation are just a few of the exciting workforce trends becoming a reality for employees of the 2018 When Work Works (WWW) Award winners.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) recently announced the 97 winners of the award. Recipients represent 35 states and Washington, D.C.

“Each of the 2018 When Work Works Award winners tells a different story about how it created a dynamic, positive and effective workplace culture,” said Johnny C. Taylor, Jr., SHRM-SCP, president and CEO of SHRM. “But there are common themes among all winners’ practices. They are committed to workplace flexibility, mentoring and training employees, and having at the heart of their organizations an appreciation of the value of individual workers.”

The WWW award honors these organizations that have created effective workplaces grounded in evidence-based components outlined in the SHRM's Effective Workplace Index. The components directly link a flexible, positive workplace culture with positive returns on employer investment, such as increased retention, productivity, and a more engaged workforce. The Effective Workplace Index is based on SHRM’s National Study of the Changing Workforce (NSCW). The six components of an effective workplace include Autonomy; Work-Life fit; Supervisor Support for Work Success; Satisfaction with Wages, Benefits and Opportunities for Advancement; Job Challenges and Learning Opportunities, and a Culture of Respect, Trust and Belonging.

This year we are shining a light – or “Flex Lights” – on each winning workplace’s notable offerings and accomplishments. Here are some of the Flex-Lights from a few of this year’s winners:

• Worldwide101, New York, N.Y. - Working virtually and employee autonomy
• Center for Information Warfare Training (Navy’s Credentials Program), Pensacola, Fla. – Workflex customization and workplace learning
• The Autumn Group, Windham, N.H. - Half day Fridays
• Take Flight Learning, Marlton, N.J. - Diversity and workflex customization
• iHire, LLC, Frederick, Md. - Unlimited PTO and recognition/celebrations
• NPC Research, Portland, ME - Family friendly workplace
• Harvest Group, Rogers, Ark.– Promotion of five core values
• Corner Alliance, Inc., Washington, D.C. – ‘Employees are the greatest asset’ and a culture of trust
• Purple Ink LLC, Carmel, Ind. - Flexibility = nearly 100% retention
• Isthmus Engineering, Inc., St. Paul, Minn. – Workflex customization at every turn
• Alexander & Company CPAS PSC, Owensboro, KY - Traditional Workflex that Works
• TowerPinkster, Kalamazoo, Mich. - “Culture Advisory Action Team” and “Work-life Balance Program”
• Henry & Horne, LLP, Tempe, Ariz. - Employee Autonomy, workplace learning and workflex customization
• BDO USA, LLP, Tampa, Fla. worksite - “Flex Leads” and “BDO Parents”
• Fortune Title Agency Inc., Roseland, N.J. - “Fortune Family” and unique teambuilding events
• N2 Publishing, Wilmington, N.C. – Culture of respect and trust and on-call pediatricians
• Mahoney, Ulbrich, Christiansen & Russ P.A., St. Paul, Minn. - Generous workplace learning and employee-centered culture
• Cross, Gunter, Witherspoon & Galchus, P.C., Little Rock, Ark. - Flexible work schedules and professional development support
• Cobec Consulting, Inc., Washington, D.C. - “Months of Awesomeness” and ‘work feeling like home’
• Oklahoma Public School Resource Center, Inc., Oklahoma City, Okla. – Unique teambuilding and professional development
• Ben’s Bells Project, Tucson, Ariz. - “Kind Colleagues” and “Kind Notes”

These organizations understand that workplace flexibility helps build great cultures and contributes to the success of employees and business.

Selection for the WWW award is a two-step process, including an evaluation of employers’ flexibility programs and practices and a confidential employee survey on the key ingredients of an effective and flexible workplace. Also considered are employees’ real-life experiences at their worksites. Applicants are measured against the norms from SHRM’s National Study of Employers and the NSCW.

To learn more about the awards, visit an interactive map that lists winning organizations by state and a list of winners by name. Also see Trends Emerging from 2018 When Work Works Award Winners.