2007 Best Companies To Work For (Courtesy of Utah Business Website)
Why They Love Their Jobs
by Jacob Moon and Jamie Huish Stum

Go to work, punch the time clock, start working, eat lunch, work again, punch out, go home. Repeat every day. That’s exactly the drudgery that workers employed at Utah’s Best Companies to Work For avoid. Whether it’s foosball in the break room or yoga classes in the workplace, these companies offer uplifting environments for their employees.

The businesses distinguished as the Utah Business 2007 Best Companies to Work For succeed by offering perks beyond competitive salaries and comprehensive health benefits. They consider their employees’ satisfaction a key component to their business success and encourage personal growth in a variety of ways, including offering paid tuition and time for community service.

Each of the companies featured underwent a rigorous survey process administered by South Jordan-based Allegiance Inc. A representative from each company described their benefits and policies, and a percentage of employees from the company responded to a survey covering all aspects of these areas. Responses were scored, and the top 12 companies, three from each of four size categories, as well as five outstanding achievement categories, are featured in the following pages.

Futura Industries

As a mainstay of the Best Companies to Work for program, Futura Industries has found that creating a great environment encourages the team to realize great accomplishment. For the aluminum extrusion company, the great environment means a strong focus on the family.

            Although the company has been well known among potential employees for flexibility, the most recent addition to the family-friendly atmosphere is a medical clinic open to immediate family members of employees. The physician is onsite two days a week, along with a pediatrician once a week and a medical assistant five days a week to take blood, conduct tests and answer questions. Continuing this healthy track, Futura also provides reimbursement for gym memberships and free fruit in the office daily.

            Futura goes to great lengths to build a culture among its 260 employees to show that each one matters. From personal thank you notes to annual birthday cards, all employees receive notice that they are appreciated. One survey respondent said it best: “Our CEO, Sue Johnson, knows everyone’s name who works here, and she knows at least something about their personal life. She asks because she cares, and she follows up with you to see how things are going. That says a lot about our company and upper management. I don’t feel like I ‘work’ for Futura; I feel like I am ‘a part’ of Futura.”

Survey Highlights

•           Scholarships for education for employees and immediate family members.

•           Financial assistance program available to employees at any time.

•           “Waste Stopper” program awards great ideas with everything from cash to expense-paid vacations.