Southington, Conn. – COCC has once again landed among the Top Workplaces in Connecticut according to feedback from employees. COCC ranked second among large businesses with more than 500 employees, moving up one place from third last year. The company also received a special distinction as having the top managers in the survey. This year’s distinction marks the tenth consecutive year COCC has appeared on the list. COCC is among only six 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 10 consecutive years. The awards for Top Workplaces were announced Thursday, September 24 via a live webinar.
The Top Workplace Awards, sponsored regionally by the Hartford Courant, is 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.
“It is always an honor to be recognized as a Top Workplace,” said Richard A. Leone, Chief Executive Officer at COCC. “Knowing that this award is based on employee feedback is a testament to our company, our culture, and our passion and teamwork that is on display every day to foster such a strong environment.”
COCC strives to support its employees in innovative and constructive ways designed to ensure a fulfilled and engaged workforce. In the Spring of 2020, COCC partnered with Central Connecticut State University to form a graduate-level program designed specifically for COCC employees called Corporate Leadership Development. In its inaugural class, 14 employees are currently enrolled in the program, taking graduate level courses in business acumen, leadership and culture, and educational advancement. This new program bolsters a talent development training catalog that grew to more than 100 offerings in 2020 despite an entirely remote schedule of courses.
Throughout the pandemic, COCC has focused on employee well-being and culture while maintaining a primarily remote workforce. Moving 96 percent of the company to a remote status in March, the company shifted its training and benefits to suit this new environment. This included launching the MoveSpring app to bring the company together through walking competitions as well as a subscription to the Calm app to support mental health during a stressful time. The company also gave each employee a $500 stipend to outfit their home offices when pressed into a longer-term work from home situation.
“Employee safety and well-being are among our top priorities,” Mr. Leone commented. “We believe that an engaged and fulfilled team will deliver the results we need to help our clients succeed. Having a culture that appreciates and celebrates its employees is critical to our overall success as a company.”
