Every organization wants to be that one where all the best talent wants to work. It means attracting the best people. 
Plus, this moniker also helps build a company’s brand reputation among its audience. Each year, there are many local and national competitions and surveys where the best companies are picked in a certain area or industry. 
What are the criteria for such an honor? Many companies want to know so they can jump into the spotlight.

Employees and managers are likely to agree on some of the factors, but others are tied to their function within the organization. Grace Place to Work did research to find out the primary factors that determine this title and found that employees are focused on the types of relationships they have at work and the overall experience more than the benefits and programs. They want to trust who they work for and have pride in what they do.

On the other hand, the same survey found that managers believe a great place to work gives them the tools and fortitude to achieve organizational objectives alongside employees who give their personal best. There is also a feeling of family and teamwork as well as a culture of trust.

For companies like RevContent, which was recently noted as A Best Company to Work For in Tampa Bay, Florida, the work environment is a critical attribute for everyone. Sharon Lyon, Director of Operations explained, “The remarkable culture Revcontent has created goes far beyond arcade games, beer cart, and team building events; employees here feel empowered to succeed and contribute to the growth of the company as a whole. The dedicated, passionate people I get to work with every day are not only brilliant, but also inspiring. Each day I know I will learn something new that will help me grow in both my personal life and professional career.”

Other research points out further attributes that are becoming increasingly important to talent and management:

• Ownership in the company
• Safe, comfortable, and attractive working environments
• Space and time for rest and relaxation during workday
• Health and wellness benefits
• Two-way performance reviews
• Greater accountability
• Ongoing learning and room for professional and personal development
• Emphasis on work-life balance with flextime, remote worker opportunities, and greater time-off
• Social responsibility

These attributes are all tied to the idea that work is a two-way street rather than just the employee’s duty. The best places to work provide the tools and culture that recognize and appreciate talent as human beings and as integral components in the organization’s success. That means treating them better results in greater productivity.

Another source says that culture is at the core of any best company. In using the example of Google, one researcher noted, “At Google … culture is the idea of being ‘Googley’: No matter where in the world, employees, or ‘Googlers’ as they are called, work. They universally understand that to be ‘Googley’ is to be unique, true to yourself, collaborative, and comfortable being around people that may be smarter than you. Creating ‘one workplace culture’ also extends to setting individual goals, toward which every member strives to achieve.”

In looking for ways to attract the top talent, more organizations need to be aware of the criteria that define a best company so they can look closely at themselves and determine how their culture and current HR practices are achieving these factors.