Only 60 Connecticut companies and organizations won 2019 Top Workplaces awards from The Hartford Courant and NAFI Connecticut Inc. is one of them—for a fourth consecutive year.
“Being recognized as a Top Workplace for a fourth year in a row is very gratifying,” said Lynn Bishop, Executive Director for NAFI CT, the Farmington-based nonprofit organization that provides programming, consultation, and individualized support services to youth, families, and adults in a variety of settings across Connecticut with core services including foster care, developmental services, residential treatment, and in-home services and consultations.
“NAFI CT would like to thank all of our dedicated and talented employees for their hard work, as it is this amazing group of people that makes this agency a top workplace,” said Amy Lefebvre, the organization’s Director of Operations.
The Courant’s Full 2019 Top Workplaces Coverage is Online
“How the winners are chosen is what makes the award meaningful to anyone looking for a great job with an organization that truly values its employees,” Bishop explained. The list of winners is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by research partner Energage, LLC.
“The fact that this honor is determined solely by employee feedback is the ultimate validation for a company or organization,” Bishop said. “For NAFI CT to have earned such respect and appreciation from our employees is very special.”
As part of the Energage process, employees were asked specific comment questions based on their responses to survey statements. Here’s a sampling of questions asked of NAFI CT employees and their responses:
Why would you recommend working at NAFI Connecticut, Inc.?
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“It’s great place to work. Great people.”
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“I’ve always loved the atmosphere and the values of the agency, and the people I’ve worked with have always made my time worthwhile.”
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“Tuition reimbursement and focus on mental health.”
What about NAFI Connecticut, Inc. is motivating to you?
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“The continued legacy of values started by Dr. [Yitzhak] Bakal, [NAFI President and Founder], which senior management is committed to upholding.”
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“Seeing the growth in our clients.”
What contributes most to you wanting to stay
with NAFI Connecticut, Inc.?
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“Positive energy amongst co-workers.”
What impresses you most about the values of NAFI Connecticut, Inc.?
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“Direct feedback with positive reinforcement.”
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“ … being able to voice your ideas and concerns.”
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“Employee team building activities.”
What makes you feel appreciated at NAFI Connecticut, Inc.?
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“Mostly the support and kindness of my co-workers.”
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“Support of my supervisors.”
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“Getting noticed for your hard work and dedication.”
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“Encouraging words.”
The Hartford Courant’s Top Workplaces winners were honored Sept. 20 during an awards ceremony at the Aqua Turf Club in Southington.
See a Photo Slideshow from the Awards Event
The Courant said 686 companies were invited to take part in the Top Workplaces survey this year and 13,747 employees responded. In its how-the-list-was-chosen story, the Courant explained:
The Top Workplaces survey gathered responses to 24 factors covering seven areas, including assessments of how well employees are working together toward a common cause. Among other things, employees were asked about company values, whether new ideas are encouraged, do managers help employees learn and grow, as well as the basics, such as pay, benefits and training. They were also offered the opportunity to include additional comments about their job and employer.
“Top Workplaces is more than just recognition,” said Doug Claffey, CEO of Energage. “Our research shows organizations that earn the award attract better talent, experience lower turnover, and are better equipped to deliver bottom-line results. Their leaders prioritize and carefully craft a healthy workplace culture that supports employee engagement.”
“Becoming a Top Workplace isn’t something organizations can buy,” Claffey said. “It’s an achievement organizations have worked for and a distinction that gives them a competitive advantage. It’s a big deal.”
About NAFI CT
NAFI CT is a multi-service agency that provides programming, consultation, and individualized support services to youth, families, and adults in a variety of settings across Connecticut. Our core services include foster care, developmental services, residential treatment, and in-home services and consultations. We take a respectful and dignified approach to all care services, with the mission of empowering individuals and strengthening families. To learn more, call NAFI CT at 860.284.1177 or see the website at www.nafict.org.
About Energage, LLC
Headquartered in Exton, Pa., Energage is a leading provider of technology-based employee engagement tools that help leaders to unlock potential, inspire performance, and achieve amazing results within their organizations. The research partner behind the Top Workplaces program, Energage has surveyed more than 57,000 organizations representing well over 19 million employees in the United States.
