Two Hartford businesses listed in Journal Sentinel's Top 100 Workplaces!  Congratulations to API Healthcare and 1st Bank Financial Center!!

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http://www.jsonline.com/business/93958619.html

 

No workplace is perfect, but ones that listen come close

The perfect workplace cannot possibly exist, simply because each of us is different.

You may want on-site child care; I'd rather get a raise. I may prefer flexible hours; you want to be home by 6 every night.

But a company that talks to its workers about their jobs, their needs, their lives - and, more importantly, a company that listens - is by all accounts more likely to provide a satisfying workplace and to have a productive and loyal workforce.

No one suggests that companies treat their employees well for purely altruistic reasons, although many great companies seem to get that way by truly caring about their workers. A 2002 study by Manpower Inc., the Milwaukee-based staffing company, points out that there is a direct correlation between employee loyalty and customer loyalty - which in turn leads to higher profits.

During the most turbulent economic stretch in generations, we set out to identify some of the companies and organizations in southeast Wisconsin that consider it an obligation, or at least smart business, to give their employees a fair shake and a fulfilling work experience.

To do this, we invited workers to nominate their employers, and we enlisted the help of workplace consulting firm WorkplaceDynamics to survey tens of thousands of workers in the region.

The result is a fascinating and diverse list of organizations, large and small, that are finding creative and exciting ways to engage and retain employees.

The ultimate goal of this process, and this special section, is to highlight some of the best practices that others may want to consider adopting.

As with workplaces, no workplace survey can possibly be perfect. But the methodology employed by WorkplaceDynamics is solid, and our hope is that we can make this an ongoing celebration of the organizations in the region that - by their own workers' declarations - are giving their workforces the respect, help and fulfillment they deserve.

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http://jsonline.topworkplaces.com/index.php/company/api-healthcare-corporation_milwaukee

API Healthcare Corporation

Number of employees in region: 283

Employee surveys completed: 264

Workplace Strengths

Website: www.apihealthcare.com
Careers: Click Here

About API Healthcare Corporation

API Healthcare is the leading provider of human capital management solutions to the healthcare industry, including time and attendance, staffing and scheduling, patient classification, payroll, human resource, recruiting, and business analytics solutions. Founded in 1982, API Healthcare has more than 1,000 installations in North America and Europe, with clients ranging in size from 500 associates to more than 35,000 associates API Healthcare offers a strategic suite of solutions that streamline the management and administration of employee information, from pre-hire to retirement. With labor costs as much as 60 percent of a healthcare organization?s budget, our solutions enable hospitals to impact their bottom line without jeopardizing quality of care. Hospitals are empowered to fully optimize their entire workforce to better meet their patient needs by ensuring the right healthcare worker, with the right qualifications is scheduled at the right time.

What the employees say:

I love my job because...

I have a great team that works well with each other and for each other. I work in a very positive atmosphere. I feel the executives empower you to do your very best.

 

What makes you feel appreciated at this organization?

Receiving feedback on a regular basis from my manager. A lot of organizations do not have that structure in place which leads to frustration and high turn around.

 

What formal training have you found most valuable?

When a new product is introduced, making sure everyone is on board and knows what it is and can do. DEMO's show us, and training is available when you ask for it.

 

What makes you feel appreciated at this organization?

There is a positive energy here and although the organization's goals sometimes present challenges, the leadership truly appreciates EVERYONE'S efforts and work.

 

What formal training have you found most valuable?

API Healthcare brought UWWC instructors onsite for personalized training with a variety of classes that benefited my career and at no cost to the employee.

 

I love my job because...

I love my job because I can make a difference. My education and experience have given me skills that can be used and appreciated by the company.

 

I love my job because...

I work with dedicated folks who go above and beyond. I am respected for my contributions and abilities and am not tightly managed.

 

What makes you feel appreciated at this organization?

My manager accepts input from all of our team members and considers us when making important decisions related to my department.

 

I love my job because...

I feel I am appreciated for what I do. We have a great team that works together and I appreciate this very much.

 

I love my job because...

Working environment is relaxed, easy to work with, other workers are respective of you, you feel appreciated.

 

What do you find most motivational about working for this organization?

Everyone has a very strong work ethic. All understand the goals and are all pulling on the oars together.

 

What impresses you most about senior management's understanding of what is happening in this organization?

Strong background in related companies, understand the market, understand customer relationships.

 

I love my job because...

It is challenging and interesting at the same time. It keeps me on my toes, and keeps me thinking.

 

I love my job because...

If you are willing to put forth the extra effort to succeed in this company you will.

 

What do you find most motivational about working for this organization?

The general working conditions, make it a great place. Friendly and helpful people.

 

I love my job because...

I'm appreciated. Because I love what I do. I look forward to coming to work everyday.

 

I love my job because...

I am challenged everyday to learn something new and I never do the same thing twice.

 

How does this organization help you to learn and grow?

They provide resources to learn, in house training and seminars are available.

 

What does the leader of this organization do well?

Lead by example, develop a culture of integrity and empower people

 

What does your manager do well?

He is patient, and does a great job at listening and strategizing.

 

Interesting facts

Over 1 million healthcare workers across the country are licensed to use API Healthcare?s solutions. API Healthcare grew by 27% in 2009, both in revenue and we added 14% to the staff. In 2000, we had 150 associates on staff. Today we have over 350 associates and have never had a layoff or downsizing due to a business decline. API Healthcare?s corporate headquarters is less than 5 years old and features a game room as well as a stunning mural of Wisconsin?s beautiful four seasons. Ping pong and foosball are the competition of choice over lunch and after hours! Our first holiday parties were held in conference rooms at our office. Today we fill up the Chandelier Ballroom in Hartford with associates and guests. Our first user group meeting featured a handful of clients who stayed at the Super 8 in Hartford and met at the Mineshaft. Today, over 300 clients stay at the Hyatt and meet at the hotel and Midwest Center in downtown Milwaukee.

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http://jsonline.topworkplaces.com/index.php/company/first-bank-financial-centre_milwaukee

First Bank Financial Centre

 

Number of employees in region: 156

Employee surveys completed: 134

Workplace Strengths

Website: www.fbfcwi.com
Careers: www.fbfcwi.com/careers.aspx

About First Bank Financial Centre

First Bank Financial Centre (FBFC) is a locally-owned, community bank that has been in business for more than 150 years. FBFC currently has seven retail bank branches in Waukesha and Washington counties, in addition to one loan office in Sun Prairie and one loan office in Menomonee Falls.

Our financial offerings include personal banking products, business banking products, and investment services. As part of our commitment to small businesses, FBFC was Wisconsin's number one community bank SBA lender in 2009. FBFC practices prudent, local lending and local deposit generation, while providing each customer the highest level of personal service.

We believe it's our privilege and responsibility to support the health of our communities. In 2009, FBFC donated more than $172,000 to the communities we serve, taking great pride in keeping local economies vibrant and strong. The most impressive charitable gift our Bank provides is the volunteerism of our employees. 100% of senior and branch management have been involved in volunteer activities during the last year. Even more telling, almost 75% of all other employees generously volunteered their time during the past year.

FBFC encourages employee development and advancement, and offers an exceptional and supportive work environment. Additionally, employees enjoy competitive compensation and a valuable benefits program. First Bank Financial Centre considers all employees leaders. As a result, input and feedback are not only welcomed, but strongly encouraged at all levels.

What the employees say:

How does this organization help you balance your work and personal life?

They walk the talk, in that they care about you and your family situations.

 

What aspects of your benefits package do you find most valuable?

We get lots of discounts for local businesses which I use often. I also have never had a job that offered paid holidays and PTO, so that is a nice change for me.

 

I love my job because...

It gives me the flexibility to balance my home life and work full time. I also know that there will always be opportunities for advancement.

 

I love my job because...

Great culture, positive reinforcement, they appreciate performance and honesty. They actually listen to the employees.

 

I love my job because...

Every morning I want to go work here. This job is the best challenging and rewarding job I have ever had.

 

What formal training have you found most valuable?

 

Interesting facts

· FBFC increased market share in each community we serve during 2009.

· Our Bank was recognized as Oconomowoc's 2009 Business of the Year for our employee philosophy, business growth and performance, and community contributions.

· FBFC was the number one community bank SBA lender in Wisconsin during 2009.

· Monthly leadership forums are held with our bank's president/CEO and randomly-selected employees to discuss ways to improve service delivery and our working environment.

· Decisions are made locally by bank employees who live and work in the communities we serve.

· FBFC offers a robust wellness program that appeals to a diverse audience through various monthly events.

· Products and services from local businesses are promoted through our Employee Discounts and Services program.

· FBFC employees and their family members enjoy an annual, company-funded Summer Picnic, which includes food, beverages, door prizes, and a grand prize giveaway.

· Each December, FBFC hosts a Holiday Party for employees and their guests. The event includes food, beverages, giveaways, and entertainment.

http://www.jsonline.com/business/93958619.html

 

 

Southeastern Wisconsin's Top 100 Workplaces

Top 100 Roll Call

Top Large Workplaces
(500 employees or more)

1.    Sargento Foods

2.    Northwestern Mutual

3.    Robert W. Baird & Company Inc.

4.    MGIC Investment Corp.

5.    Johnson Controls Inc.

6.    West Bend Mutual Insurance Company

7.    Children's Hospital and Health System

8.    Marshall & Ilsley Corporation (M&I Bank)

9.    Gateway Technical College

10.  Foley & Lardner LLP

11.  Froedtert & Community Health

12.  Clement J. Zablocki V.A. Medical Center

13.  ProHealth Care

14.  Fort HealthCare

15.  La Macchia Enterprises/The Mark Travel Corp.

 Top Midsize Workplaces
(150 - 499 employees)

1.    UMB Fund Services Inc.

2.    CG Schmidt Inc.

3.    HealthReach Rehabilitation Services

4.    von Briesen & Roper s.c.

5.    R & B Wagner Inc.

6.    Milliman Inc.

7.    Douglas Dynamics LLC

8.    Accenture

9.    Derco Aerospace Inc.

10.  Godfrey & Kahn S.C.

11.  White House of Music

12.  McLane Foodservice- Milwaukee

13.  Standard Process Inc.

14.  Mortenson Construction

15.  InPro Corporation

16.  CarMax Inc.

17.  Chr. Hansen Inc.

18.  GI Associates

19.  Mayville Engineering

20.  Grunau Company Inc.

21.  Rite-Hite Corporation LLC

22.  Deloitte LLP

23.  CH2M Hill

24.  Creation Technologies

25.  Horizon Home Care & Hospice Inc.

26.  API Healthcare Corporation

27.  Baker Tilly Virchow Krause LLP

28.  Helwig Carbon Products Inc.

29.  BuySeasons Inc.

30.  Paper Machinery Corporation

31.  First Bank Financial Centre

32.  Waterstone Bank

33.  Jack Safro Motor Cars

34.  HGI Company

35.  GMR Marketing LLC

 Top Small Workplaces
(Fewer than 150 employees)

1.    Hammel, Green and Abrahamson Inc.

2.    Mortgagebot LLC

3.    Charleston Orwig Inc.

4.    Tailored Label Products

5.    Jewish Family Services

6.    Gonzalez Saggio Harlan LLP

7.    Barton Elementary School

8.    Nucor Corp.

9.    HNI Risk Services Inc.

10.  Batzner Pest Management Inc.

11.  DAAR Engineering Inc.

12.  MetLife

13.  Kolb+Co.

14.  Ogden & Company Inc.

15.  Inland Companies

16.  CSE (Caliendo-Savio Enterprises Inc.)

17.  Metal Era

18.  Standard Electric Supply Co.

19.  KBS Construction Inc.

20.  Trade Press Media Group Inc.

21.  Sentry Equipment Corp.

22.  Symmetry Corp.

23.  The Benefit Services Group Inc.

24.  Franklin Energy Services LLC

25.  ANEW Health Care Services Inc.

26.  Environmental Systems Inc.

27.  Engberg Anderson Design

28.  Kapur & Associates Inc.

29.  National Insurance Services

30.  Every Child's Place Inc.

31.  Diversified Insurance Services

32.  Sleep Wellness Institute

33.  PyraMax Bank

34.  QPS Employment Group

35.  Process Displays Inc.

36.  Bader Rutter & Associates

37.  Valassis-Milwaukee

38.  Kidney Institute of Wisconsin

39.  Vulcan Global Manufacturing Solutions Inc.

40.  Sanford-Brown College

41.  Badger Color Concentrates

42.  A. O. Smith Corporation

43.  National Technologies Inc.

44.  Lakefront Communications Grosse Pointe LLC

45.  Building Service Inc.

46.  Independent Care Health Plan

47.  Oberlin Filter Company

48.  Cramer-Krasselt

49.  Wheel & Sprocket

50.  Mortara Instrument Inc.

 

Patrice Hoeschele

Executive Director

 

office:  262.673.7009

mobile:  262.573.1927

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