Discover the secrets of becoming a great place to work

• Published in: Leader to leader Vol. 2011; no. 61; pp. 17 - 22
• Main Author: Lee-Hoffmann, Patti
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: San Francisco, CA Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 01.06.2011; Wiley Periodicals Inc
• Subjects: Human resource management; Leadership; United States > US
• ISSN: 1087-8149; 1531-5355
• DOI: 10.1002/ltl.475

Becoming a great place to work requires doing far more than issuing a good paycheck. Instead, it is the natural result when a company's leaders believe in and model a particular set of employee-centric values. Great companies encourage their employees to express themselves in a variety of ways, including through art, music, and performance. Great companies build leadership from within the organization -- from top to bottom, as well as across departmental boundaries. Doing so improves employee morale, saves recruiting costs, and reinforces an organization's culture and values. Many great companies have become an integral part of the communities in which they are located. They contribute to their communities in many ways -- far beyond just providing jobs and paychecks -- and their loss would have negative and long-lasting impacts. There is an increasing trend of companies taking on the mantle of environmental consciousness. However, actual efforts on behalf of the environment often fall short of what is promised.