What Makes Them the Best?
Frequently, employee feedback propels companies onto “best places to work” lists. Employees fill out surveys about corporate culture, work/life balance, benefits, management attitudes and even in-house amenities. So it’s generally safe to assume such “best places to work” designations reflect the opinions of those who actually work there, not a corporate PR team frantically working overtime.
Citywide Recognition
Forbes Magazine included Omaha among its 2016 list of 20 Best American Cities for Young Professionals. The publication says Omaha is great for young professionals who seek quality of life and positions with large corporations. There also are jobs offered in smaller companies for young and old professionals alike. No matter what type of job you seek, it’s likely there’s a good fit somewhere nearby.
Consistent Winners
Some Greater Omaha companies appear often on “best places to work” lists. They consistently provide workplaces that appeal to employees. Rehabilitation center QLI has enjoyed multiple nods from “best place to work” surveys. Social networking giant LinkedIn enjoys similar praise, as does construction and mining company Kiewit, which won a spot on the prestigious Forbes Magazine’s 100 Best Companies to Work For list in 2014. Here are other area enterprises that garnered recognition.
Best Fast-Paced Work Environment
Google again was named by Forbes Magazine in its 2016 listings, although the company dropped down the list a bit. Its data center in Council Bluffs is still considered one of the best places to work for a fast-paced environment. One reason is Google’s onsite community center, which employees use for respite during their shifts.
Best for Vets
Werner Enterprises was listed 60th on Military Times’ 2015 Best for Vets Employers. Factors included its excellent onboarding program and its benefits for Reserve and Guard personnel called to active duty. Werner’s Operation Freedom employment program specifically targets veterans. Werner also got accolades from G.I. Jobs for being a military spouse-friendly employer.
Best Flexible Jobs
Flexible employment authority Flexjobs honored Aureus Group for best jobs in Nebraska. Based in Omaha, Aureus Group is a staffing and recruitment company that offers many part-time and telecommuting jobs. This makes it attractive to those who seek flexible work schedules.
Best Community Partner
PayPal received a Corporate Citizen of the Year award from the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce in 2014. The Chamber cited PayPal’s commitment to the community. PayPal employees routinely hold drives for food banks and are involved in other local causes on behalf of the company. A strong sense of community is part of the PayPal culture.
Best for New College Grads
The 2016 Great Place to Work Survey lists N2 Publishing among the best area companies for new college graduates. N2 is a quiet presence in Omaha that publishes neighborhood-specific magazines for affluent communities.
Best Small Company
Ervin & Smith, an advertising and public relations company, consistently ranks high in the Omaha-specific Best Places to Work in Omaha, sponsored by the Greater Omaha Chamber. Ervin & Smith’s ROWE (Results-Only Work Environment) creates a corporate culture conducive to a good work/life balance.
Best Large Company
Among Omaha-area companies with more than 200 employees, Travel and Transport appears on multiple lists, including the Chamber’s Best Places to Work in Omaha. Employee-owned Travel and Transport partners with Metropolitan Community College to offer a “Travel Academy” for those interested in travel careers. Work-from-home positions are common, and employee benefits include a stock ownership plan.
Best Creative Workplace
Firespring, a communication firm with offices in Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln, was recently designated one of the Best Workplaces by Inc. Magazine. Firespring is known to offer “unconventional” employee benefits, including a game area in the workplace, catered lunches and the chance to do charity work while still on the clock.
Best Workplace for You
Decide what benefits really matter to you when you select possible employers. While some applicants look solely at salary, it’s far smarter to consider what the company offers as a whole. Do you want a flexible work schedule? Do you want a game room for break time? Do you prefer to work for a company highly involved in the community?
This process will help you understand your wants and needs before you blindly send resumes to every employer in the area.