- Above is a snapshot, from the Baltimore Business Journal BPTW survey, of how eQ's position on putting employees first stacks up against other organizations in Baltimore.
A stocked liquor cabinet is not the crowning achievement that makes eQ, or any company, a best place to work. And, even though the Baltimore Business Journal used this as a theme for the nominees this year – however grateful we are for being recognized – it is not our beer selection that makes our culture kick ass (we know the BBJ knows this, too).
So, to use BBJ’s words, what exactly is it “beyond the beer fridge” that promises a best place to work?
Is it the pay? The benefits? Vacation days? What about flexible hours?
Although many would like you to believe it is as simple as a competitive set of perks, the truth is – it isn’t.
There is no Ikea manual of instructions and pictures for building a best place to work … and if there is, don’t waste your time or money on it.
Becoming an organization with an exceptional culture and environment is not just about the workplace tangibles like pay and benefits. What it’s all about is the strategic alignment of your employees behind your vision. When your whole team is inspired and unified by the work they do, when they’re passionate about making a difference and changing the lives of the people they help, then you’ve set off on the right track to creating a powerful culture.
The reason I can say with confidence that eQ has an outstanding culture is not because of the awards we have won recognizing us for being a best place to work (even though they are exciting to have), but because we have a clear and passionate vision. We know exactly where we want the organization to go and we hire people who we know are behind our vision all the way. The people at eQ know they’re having a profound impact on the lives of others, and that is a major contributor to our dynamic culture.
In order to make your culture an enviable one, you need to give your people purpose in addition to perks. A good dental plan will only get you so far.
The list of instructions you need to be following to create an engaging and powerful culture is not a list from a self-help book, it’s your own personal list for achieving your vision, and doing so as a team. The biggest payoff is not the award itself, it is the intangible benefit of knowing you have arrived, of knowing you are a best place to work, without anyone telling you or handing you a plaque. When you become a best place to work you’ll see it, you’ll experience it, you’ll feel it.
Sure, an organization like ours can help you along your path to a vibrant culture, even books can help you get there, but ultimately the decision to empower your people and your culture is in your hands. Are you ready to put your people first?
