Auckland, Thursday, 19 November 2009
Do you spring out of bed in the morning, puff out your chest and look forward
to another fulfilling day at work? The JRA Best Workplaces Awards 2009 is
celebrating those organisations who make work a positive experience, with
everyone reaping the benefits.
"Having an encouraging working environment where employees are 'engaged' has
never been more important”, says John Robertson of workplace survey and analysis
specialists, JRA (NZ) Ltd, which carries out the JRA Best Workplaces Survey.
"It’s been a tough year for a lot of businesses, with greater demands being
placed on staff and management. But it's important, as the economy starts to
turn a corner, that organisations can retain skilled employees, putting them in
a strong position to rebuild business momentum."
The JRA Best Workplaces Survey offers valuable insights into the issues that
affect how engaged employees feel in their work, which in turn impacts their
organisation’s bottom line. Engaged employees are more productive, deliver
higher levels of customer service, and are less likely to be looking elsewhere
for their next job.
CEOs who are reluctant to tackle 'people issues' may be encouraged by some of
the anonymous comments captured in this year’s survey from employees working in
the 'Best Workplaces.' "My director and manager give me so much support and
have created an amazing working environment for my team. I feel constantly
encouraged and know that I have the guidance and assistance I need to succeed in
my career. This is a fantastic place to work and as an employee I feel
very valued."
Another employee said, "I feel that our senior management and supporting
staff are so awesome at their jobs! I enjoy working here, I have worked in this
industry for 5+ years and can honestly say [this organisation] is the best place
I’ve worked for hands down, and I would recommend the company to anyone looking
for a great place to work!"
Businesses are getting better at recognising the importance of engaging
employees at work and the strong connection between a great workplace and
business success, says Robertson.
"These types of comments paint a very clear picture about the impact of a
great workplace on employee attitudes and behaviour. It’s this sort of energy
and enthusiasm that really be the difference between success and failure for any
organisation in the current climate" says Robertson.
The winners of the JRA Best Workplaces Awards will be announced at a black
tie awards evening in Auckland on 26 November in Auckland.
For further information about the survey or finalists please contact:
Helena Carroll
Professional Public Relations
(09) 979 2018
021 414
780
helena.carroll@ppr.co.nz
About the survey:
The JRA Best Workplaces Survey 2009 (in
association with the New Zealand Herald) is the largest employee engagement
survey in New Zealand. Nearly 28,000 employees across New Zealand took part in
the survey across 216 organisations.
Employees rate their organisation based on 60 questions across a range of
measures, including communication, culture and values, common purpose, learning
and development, and reward and recognition. The responses are analysed and
participating organisations then ranked on their overall score.
Winners are split into four categories; small workplace (20 to 49 employees),
small to medium (50 to 149), medium to large (150-399) and large (400+
employees). An Overall Winner is chosen from the four category winners. The
winners of the JRA Best Workplaces Survey will be announced at a black tie
awards evening in Auckland on 26 November in Auckland.
www.bestworkplaces.co.nz
JRA Best Workplaces Awards 2009 – Finalists
The finalists
are the top ten organisations ranked by their overall score in each size
category (top five in the large workplace category), and are listed
alphabetically.
At the end of the evening the ‘Overall Winner’ will be selected from amongst
the category winners. And to mark the tenth year JRA has been running the
survey, a new award – the ‘Five-Year League Award’ – will be presented to 2009
finalists who have achieve that status in 5 of the past 6 consecutive years.
Small Workplace category (20-49 employees)
ADInstruments
Auckland Radiation Oncology
BIG FM
Collection House (NZ)
GS1 New
Zealand
Hyundai Motors NZ
Inspire Group
Retail Institute
Tamaki
Healthcare
Vista Entertainment Solutions
Small-Medium Workplace category (50-149 employees)
Bell
Tea & Coffee Company
British American Tobacco (NZ)
Brother
International (NZ)
Colliers International New Zealand
New World
Cambridge
New Zealand Council for Educational Research
Obex
Medical
Outward Bound Trust of New Zealand
Roche Products (New
Zealand)
Tranzqual ITO
Medium-Large Workplace category (150-399 employees)
AA
Insurance
Barkers Mens Clothing
Brookfield New World
Henderson PAK'n
SAVE
Intergen
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Mars New
Zealand
New World Te Rapa
Overland Footwear
South Taranaki District
Council
Large Workplace category (400+ employees)
AMI
Insurance
Flight Centre (NZ)
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts
Southern Cross
Medical Care Society
Vero Insurance New Zealand
