Jersey’s Top Employers Buck National Job Satisfaction Trend
While employee satisfaction plummets nationwide, nearly 100 New Jersey companies are proving exceptional workplace cultures still exist. Two major workplace recognition programs have recently highlighted organizations that continue to excel at creating positive environments despite challenging economic conditions and shifting employee expectations.
NJBIZ announced its 2024 Best Places to Work rankings at a September 26 celebration at the Event Center at iPlay America in Freehold, recognizing nearly 140 companies across three size categories. According to NJBIZ, the rankings were determined through employee surveys conducted by Best Companies Group, with eligibility requiring a physical presence in New Jersey.
Top Organizations Across Categories
In the small company category (15-49 employees), Theorem claimed the top spot, followed by SKC & Co. CPAs LLC and Exigent Technologies LLC. For medium-sized organizations (50-249 employees), Reliant Vision Group Inc. ranked first, with Intac FuturePlan and WilkinGuttenplan rounding out the top three.
Among large employers (250+ employees), Wealth Enhancement Group secured the number one position, followed by Alston Construction and CentralReach. The event drew approximately 700 attendees celebrating workplace excellence across the state.
Separately, NJ.com reported that a record 98 companies were named to Energage’s Top Workplaces list this year, up from 83 in 2023. The recognition program surveyed more than 50,000 employees at 138 participating organizations, with nearly half responding to questions about leadership, benefits, feeling appreciated, and workplace communication.
Big empty room, but not for long at Best Places to work in NJ @NJBIZ pic.twitter.com/LGnhN4q2hi
— Jessica (@JessPerry_NJ) September 26, 2024
Bucking National Trends
These top-performing organizations are swimming against the current of growing workplace dissatisfaction. Bob Helbig, media partnerships director of Energage, noted that employee enthusiasm has declined nationwide, with Gallup’s research showing job satisfaction scores plunging to their lowest point since early 2020.
“Working in the post-COVID environment, the economy has remained pretty strong, and hiring has remained pretty strong, and in that environment, companies are challenged to retain and attract great employees,” Helbig explained. “Top Workplaces know how to do that. They are better equipped to have better cultures, to show appreciation, to create a people-first culture.”
The survey found particular challenges in New Jersey regarding compensation satisfaction, with employee contentment with benefits packages down 8.3% year over year, compared to 6.3% nationwide. Organizations that addressed these concerns effectively scored higher in the rankings.
What Sets Top Employers Apart
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, which ranked third among large companies in the Top Workplaces list, received praise from employees for giving back “so much to their employees and community.” President George Goldhoff attributed the recognition to “the unwavering dedication of our team members, who provide superior service to our guests each and every day.”
Employee appreciation emerged as another key differentiator. Survey responses showed that feeling genuinely appreciated scored 2.4% lower year over year in New Jersey and was 2.1% below the national average. However, top-ranked companies like St. Luke’s University Health Network excelled in this area.
“There are 20,000 reasons we are a Top Workplace. This award is a result of, and for, our employees… all 20,000 strong and growing,” said Evan Ochs, senior vice president of Human Resources at St. Luke’s, which ranked fourth in the midsize company category.
Leadership Makes the Difference
Strong leadership proved crucial for top-performing workplaces. Eastern Christian School, which ranked first among midsize employers, received high marks from employees who reported feeling “valued and supported” with “a positive work environment that is strongly influenced by a supportive administration.”
Similarly, 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy, ranked second in the small company category, earned praise for its “well-represented core values.” Co-owner Chuck Bachi said the recognition proves the company is “accomplishing our mission to raise the standard for health care and workplace experience.”
With 35 newcomers joining the Top Workplaces list this year, including organizations like DraftKings, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, and Valley Health System, New Jersey continues to showcase companies that prioritize employee satisfaction despite broader economic challenges and shifting workplace expectations.
As these recognition programs highlight, organizations that focus on competitive compensation, meaningful appreciation, and strong leadership are better positioned to attract and retain talent in today’s competitive labor market—setting themselves apart as employers of choice in the Garden State.
