Ryan LLC, Assurance top state’s ‘Best Places to Work’
Forty Chicago-area companies were honored by The Daily Herald Business Ledger Thursday as the Best Places to Work in Illinois 2011.
The companies were honored for their achievement in excellence and commitment to its workforce, business and the Illinois economy during a ceremony at the Meadows Club in Rolling Meadows. They were chosen following a two-part evaluation conducted by the Best Companies Group, Judging involved an evaluation of company workplace policies, practices and demographics, as well as a survey of employees to measure the workforce experience.
“The 40 companies and organizations that we will honor today make our business community one of the most dynamic in the country,” said Jim Elsener, Daily Herald Business Ledger Manager of Business Development.
The more than 170 people who attended the event heard from Paul LaSchiazza, president of AT&T Illinois, who spoke about the company’s commitment to innovation and social responsibility. LaSchizza spoke of the three key factors that make a company great: the ability to do many different jobs without leaving the company; recognizing the importance of a diverse workforce; and have the ability to work with products, services and platforms that change the way people work, live and play.
“It’s a source of great pride, but it is also a humbling responsibility,” LaSchizza said. “You have to love what you do, and you are all undeniably proud of your organizations”
Of the 16 large-sized employers honor, Ryan LLC of Chicago was named the top Best Place to Work. Ryan was recognized for its energized, challenging, rewarding, and flexible work environment that respects the need for life balance. The company measures performance on results achieved, not hours worked, so employees can work where and when they are most efficient and effective with no set office hours.
Ryan formally recognizes employee tenure at its annual firm meeting, calling out those employees who have reached milestone tenures of 5, 10, and 15 years and awarding them with crystal, personalized desk “trophies.”
“We are very proud to be a workplace freedom program,” said Ryan Principal Jim Kranjc. “It’s really no hours, no schedules, no rules ... just right.”
Of the 24 small- to mid-sized employers honored, Assurance of Schaumburg was named the top company, Assurance, one of the largest, independent insurance brokerages in the United States, was recognized for its corporate culture that provides an enjoyable working atmosphere that cultivates camaraderie among its employees. Employees are shown appreciation openly and frequently, and they make a deliberate effort to support a balance between work and personal lives.
The Daily Herald Business Ledger has promoted the Best Places to Work program since 2006. Presenting sponsors of the event were Associated Bank, AT&T, and B Gunther & Company. Marketing partners are the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago, Best Companies Group, the Illinois State Council Society for Human Resource Management, Workforce Boards of Metropolitan Chicago, and Leaderboard Tournament Systems.
Profiles of all Best Places to Work in Illinois winners will be featured in the June 27 issue of the Daily Herald Business Ledger.