Utah businesses honored by employees for creating great culture

It may seem like an elusive formula to some, but the best employers watch carefully to ascertain what creates a strong corporate culture. It can lead to employee loyalty, better productivity and ultimately more success when you ensure employees are treated well.

As the calendar year turned, a group of Beehive State businesses was honored by the local media for doing right by their employee base, despite constraints. Taking into account their approach, it’s a nod to the basics as well as some more niche elements.

Finding the tools it takes to succeed also should be applied to managing money. First Utah Bank can be a trusted partner in this pursuit, including providing merchant services to bring needed convenience to customer transactions.

Employee and customer care in sync

One place to find out what top Utah leaders are doing for workplace culture is the annual Best Companies to Work For List compiled by Utah Business magazine. From large to small, employees aren’t shy about putting out the good word for these particular companies.

For those who work at Hamlet Homes in Murray, it’s a culture that balances employees and their families with customer needs.

“I love the focus on the ‘Hamlet Family’ which includes employees and their family, our partners (ex. subcontractors), our homebuyers, and our community,” one employee writes. “They do a lot of local charity work, some of which I’ve participated in directly and it was really rewarding. The office they created is very employee-centered and provides a space to develop community within our company.”

Several companies on the list were appreciated for their view on time-off and flexibility, which has become a desired trait in a more hybridized workplace. Employees at OptConnect, a wireless company in Kaysville, cited flexible PTO and scheduling as a plus.

“Everything about working here is enjoyable,” an OptConnect employee writes. “I feel comfortable working in the office and remotely, and positive work relationships and professional demeanor extend to both areas. My manager’s top priority is my well-being, development, and ensuring I have everything I need to do my best work.”

Another trait cited by many of the Utah companies honored was recognition and appreciation for a job well done.

“ARUP always recognizes employees when they do something great,” writes one employee of this healthcare laboratory in Salt Lake City. “This company actually wants to see you grow. They are always doing something for the employees, whether that’s offering incentives, resources, guidance, or general care for the employee’s wellbeing.”

Some values are non-negotiable for employees

Another article, this time in the Salt Lake Tribune, detailed what some companies are doing right in the Beehive State. Among the values these organizations put into action, include:

Communication
Health Catalyst, based in South Jordan, was praised by employees for their leaders’ willingness to be transparent and direct in communication.

“I like knowing what is going on and the direction we are moving,” an employee at Health Catalyst told the Tribute. “I like feeling (as If I’m) a part of the bigger picture and seeing where my work fits in and contributes to our overall success.”

Asking for input
Managers at Lindon’s Bamboo HR were singled out by employees for the way they receive opinions and advice from the employee base.

“My manager asks for my input, offers me advice, but then allows me to choose what I want to do with that info,” one employee writes. “She gives me space to do my own thing, but also I know that I can reach out whenever and she will help out as soon as possible.”

A greater purpose
Employees at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area wrote they feel connected strongly to what the company does, which is provide temporary housing for families with children who are hospitalized.

“The work I do every day makes a difference in the lives of children and families who are going through a very difficult time,” wrote one employee. “I feel included by every department in decision-making and know that my voice matters.”

Merchant services and customer service

While believing in a company’s mission and being heard at work is important, it’s also clear that finding what inspires consumer confidence and provides a sense of convenience is also a plus for businesses. First Utah Bank and our partner Select Bankcard — another Utah business — can provide your customers with these sought-after attributes.

Merchant services from Select Bankcard and First Utah Bank allow you to accept electronic payments from the internet or mobile as well as at retail locations. Having a merchant account can lead to some excellent benefits for businesses, including providing customers with convenient, flexible ways to pay for your goods and services.

Accepting cards through online means also can streamline transactions for your business, allowing for better cash flow forecasting and management. There are also fewer instances of bad checks, avoiding the expenses and inconvenience that occur when a check bounces.

For location shopping, there’s also Clover Station, a system for accepting electronic payments with a fast-as-lightning processor, end-to-end encryption and data tokenization, and acceptance of chip, magstripe or contactless payment methods.

Learn more at our website about merchant services in Lehi and how they can help your business grow and scale.