The Village for Families & Children has been named a Top Workplace by The Hartford Courant for the second year in a row. The awards are based on anonymous employee surveys and this year the evaluations included questions about how the organization responded to and evolved during the pandemic.
“We’re honored to receive this award which recognizes the culture we’ve built and sustained at The Village,” said Village President & CEO Galo Rodriguez. “The pandemic has put us all to the test and made it even more important to show staff members – many of whom are frontline workers – that they’re appreciated, and that their feedback is valued. Collaboration and communication between employees during the pandemic have helped us innovate and continue to provide high-quality services to our clients.”
Fewer than 60 organizations and businesses in all of Connecticut earned the Top Workplace distinction. About one-third of those are in same category as The Village, midsize (150-499 employees). As part of the award, the agency was also honored for its company culture and ranked in the top 25% in categories of company direction and open-mindedness.
The survey also examined how employees felt their organization works together toward a common cause, as well as the company’s values, encouragement of new ideas and learning and development opportunities. With the award, The Village was recognized as being a top workplace in its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DE&I) efforts.
This year, staff from nearly 900 employers across Hartford, Middlesex, Tolland, New London, and Windham counties were among those surveyed. The 2021 award marks The Village’s second consecutive year as a recipient in The Courant’s program and the sixth time in the last decade. In March 2021, The Village was also one of only two non-profits in Connecticut to be awarded the first-ever National Top Workplaces Non-Profit Industry Award.
“The award is not something you win and then forget about,” said Rodriguez. “We focus on supporting our workers every day and we’re always looking for new people to join the team. The Village is a great place to work because it brings together incredible people and an inspiring mission.”