October 14, 2024 – Fayetteville, AR – Zweig Group, the leading provider of consulting and research services for the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry, is excited to announce the release of its latest report: “A Guide for Success: Insights from 2024’s Top 10 Best Firms to Work For.” This comprehensive report sheds light on the key strategies that set apart the top 10 firms in the 2024 Best Firms to Work For Award program, offering valuable insights for other firms aiming to elevate their employee experience.
The report highlights the standout practices in the areas of culture, compensation, benefits, recruitment and retention, professional development, and performance management and recognition, drawing from the unique data behind the success of these top-performing firms. The top 10 firms have been recognized for creating exceptional workplace environments through a composite score that combines both employee and corporate surveys.
“At Zweig Group, one of the most common questions we receive is how firms can improve the employee experience,” says Chad Clinehens, CEO of Zweig Group. “This report not only provides data-driven insights but also highlights the best practices used by some of the most successful AEC firms. It’s a vital tool for any firm looking to benchmark itself against the industry’s leaders and make informed decisions to enhance their workplace culture.”
Key Findings from the Report:
- Culture: Top firms handle leadership transitions transparently, fostering organizational trust and alignment. Moreover, top firms share their data more frequently than average firms—56% of top firms share data monthly, compared to only 19% of regular firms.
- Compensation: Innovative compensation strategies help attract and retain the best talent, ensuring the success and growth of these firms. Notably, the median bonus payout at top firms is nearly double that of average organizations, offering a strong incentive for employees to perform at their best.
- Benefits: The report identifies the benefits that matter most to employees, such as tuition reimbursement programs and healthcare plans that support well-being and boost business performance. On average, about 35% of top firms that have received the 'Best Firms to Work For' award provide tuition reimbursement to their employees, while less than 10% of average firms offer this benefit.
Each section of the report is supplemented with expert perspectives from “The Zweig Letter,” the AEC’s weekly resource for business management advice, adding valuable commentary and actionable ideas from leading voices in the AEC industry.
The Best Firms to Work For Award Program
Zweig Group’s Best Firms to Work For Award is a prestigious recognition that honors the top AEC firms across the U.S. and Canada based on their workplace practices, employee benefits, and employee retention rates. Firms are ranked based on a composite score derived from both corporate and employee surveys, providing a holistic view of the organizational climate within the industry. With over 2.3 million data points collected, this program offers unparalleled insight into the employee experience at AEC firms, helping us understand what drives employee satisfaction and engagement across the sector.
While this report outlines the positive trends and strategies of these top firms, it emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Each organization is unique, and the practices that work for one may not work for all. This report is an opportunity for firms to reflect on their own workplace practices and identify areas for growth and improvement.
To learn more and download “A Guide for Success: Insights from 2024’s Top 10 Best Firms to Work For,” click here.
