Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott (ERAU) has been named one of the “Top 125 Companies in Arizona to Work For,” based on results of a statewide survey sponsored by the Arizona Commerce Authority and Republic Media, which partnered with Best Companies Group (BCG) and BestCompaniesAZ.
It is the sixth year the survey has been conducted, said Heather Kivatinos, regional executive with the USA TODAY NETWORK. She indicated that identifying the top companies had become even more competitive this year, so the number of organizations honored was increased from 100 in previous years to 125 in 2018.
Only three of the top companies named are from communities outside the Greater Phoenix area or Tucson. Those communities are Prescott, with ERAU; Flagstaff with Lowell Observatory; and Yuma with the Navy Federal Credit Union.
The description of ERAU said it was an educational institution with 432 employees in Arizona. The citation also said, “ERAU demonstrates appreciation for employees with a generous time-off package, fitness onsite, a four-day work week in the summer, discounts to services and businesses, a massage therapist, free tuition for employees and their families. Every year the university gives service awards and service excellence banquets.”
“We believe the key to success is to bring the very best faculty and staff together,” said ERAU Chancellor Frank Ayers. “We support them in a way that respects their abilities and talents, and create a campus culture that places our students’ success at the top. We call this the ‘Embry-Riddle Family.’ It explains why our colleagues are so committed to the success of our students, to each other and to this great university.”
Survey data were collected by experienced researchers in a three-step process:
- A confidential 76-question Employee Engagement and Satisfaction Survey was used to evaluate employees’ workplace experiences and the company culture.
- The employer was asked to provide specific information about the company’s benefit packages and policies, practices and other general information about the organization.
- The combined data were then evaluated by experts from the BCG. That analysis involved looking at the strengths and challenges within each company. BCG experts then made the final decision about who should be on the final list of the top 125 companies in Arizona.
Peter B. Burke, president and co-founder of BCG, said being among the top employers in the region is yet another way of attracting talented people into a company’s workforce.
Sandra Watson, president of the Arizona Commerce Authority, commented about the recognition given Arizona firms, “The top companies are job-creators, risk-takers and entrepreneurs who are building amazing companies and a culture of innovation that is competing on a global scale.”
The complete multipage report was published as a supplement to the Arizona Republic and distributed statewide in early June. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN
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