These days, culture is much more than a buzzword, and experts have the numbers to prove it.
Years ago, as millennials began to shake up the workforce with a desire to collaborate and connect around a set of core values, plenty of companies scrambled to roll out fresh perks, like beer-stocked breakroom fridges and a boost in vacation days to create an environment built for more than the 9-to-5 daily grind.
But the businesses that have gone above and beyond perks to build a culture where employees feel respected, valued, and invested in their work, are starting to see their efforts pay off.
According to a recent Gallup report only 35 percent of the American workforce reported feeling enthusiastic and committed to their work and workplace, but businesses with engaged employees saw better results across key performance outcomes, including a 10 percent increase in customer loyalty, a 23 percent boost in profitability, and a 14 percent increase in productivity, over businesses with a less engaged team.
So what are the keys to a thriving workplace culture and how are top shops incorporating them to cultivate businesses where employees are proud to work? Respondents to Ratchet+Wrench’s second annual Best Workplaces query shared shining examples of shops across the country making impressive investments in training, community involvement, employee benefits, and professional development.
This year’s winners, Long Arm Mechanics, Foreign Affairs Auto, and Aspen Auto Clinic, have made it their mission to create companies where culture runs deep and success is built around support for their all-star teams.
Click on to meet this year's winners:
Under 10 Employees: Long Arm Mechanics in Garden City, Idaho
10-25 Employees: Foreign Affairs Auto in West Palm Beach, Fla.
26+ Employees: Aspen Auto Clinic in Colorado
