Southington, Conn. – COCC has been named the #1 Top Workplace in Connecticut in the large company division. The Top Workplaces for 2023 were announced Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at a live, in-person event at the Hartford Marriott Downtown.
The Top Workplace Awards, sponsored regionally by the Hartford Courant, are held annually. Honorees are selected based on the results of an employee survey and culture assessment with questions regarding leadership, company direction, management, fulfillment, employee engagement, work/life balance, and more. This year, COCC saw top scores in the areas of unique benefits, personal motivation, manager support, and recommending COCC to others. COCC also earned a special award for excellence in communications, having ranked highest among surveyed companies for the statement: “I feel informed about important decisions at COCC.”
This is COCC’s second time overall earning the top spot, and the company’s first time at #1 in the large company division, which recognizes businesses with more than 500 employees. In addition, COCC is among only a handful of companies that have made the Top 10 list every year since the program’s inception in 2010, and the only large company to appear on the list for 13 consecutive years.
“Over the past thirteen years, the Top Workplace survey has continued to be an important feedback tool for us,” said Richard A. Leone, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer & President at COCC. “We take the data from this survey very seriously, bringing it back to our leaders and employees and allowing it to form our priorities for the year ahead.”
Last year, when COCC received feedback that employees were looking for more variety in their benefits, COCC responded by introducing a new lifestyle spending account program. Through this new benefit, employees receive funds that they can use toward whatever they choose – including gym memberships, home office equipment, meal kits, childcare, student loans, and more. This inclusive format ensures that no matter their personal priorities, COCC employees can use the funds toward something that works for them.
COCC’s focus on inclusivity and belonging informs numerous other initiatives as well. New this summer, COCC employees can now take one wellness day per quarter to relax, recharge, and engage in activities that benefit their mental health and wellbeing. Two new employee resource groups are being introduced to provide support and networking for employees over 50 years of age and employees who are working parents and caregivers. Employees who work remotely can now join happy hours, cooking and painting classes, and networking events that are optimized for their unique needs as full-time remote employees. And local employees continue to enjoy onsite perks such as snacks, free food days, holiday events, and chair massages. All of these events and activities are in addition to COCC’s robust training and development program, paid time off options, and flexible work environment.
“There is truly something for everyone at COCC,” said Mr. Leone. “Being a top workplace is so important to us because it empowers our employees to bring their best selves to work every day – and that is great for our business.”
