Companies selected as Best Places to Work in the North Bay were analyzed by the editorial staff of the Business Journal on the basis of several criteria, including the employer application, the survey ratings by employees, the number of responses, size of the company, the breakdown of responses from management and non-management as well as written comments by employees.
15--50 employees
51--100 employees
101--250 employees
251--500 employees
501--1,000 employees
More than 1,000 employees
How the winners were chosen
Photos
PDF of Best Places to Work special Section
In all, 75 winners emerged from Sonoma, Marin and Napa counties.
Winners are grouped by size so that employee scores are comparable.
Nominations for Best Places to Work in the North Bay were sought starting in March. Anyone within a company can nominate their business by completing a simple form. A minimum of 15 employees was required.
Nominated companies were then contacted by the Business Journal and invited to submit a company application and to ask employees to complete an online survey.
The survey was set up through Survey Monkey, a widely used online polling service. Companies had four weeks in June and July to complete the application and survey, for which a minimum number of responses was required, depending on company size.
After an analysis of the employer application and online responses, the winners were selected and announced Aug. 14. Winners were honored at a reception Sept. 18.---Brad Bollinger, PublisherBest Places to Work – Employee Survey
Employees in the 2013 Best Places to Work survey were asked the following questions in an anonymous online survey.Please rate the following statements on a scale of 1-5
1 = Never -- Strongly disagree
2 = Sometimes -- Disagree
3 = Regularly -- I neither agree nor disagree
4 = Frequently -- Agree
5 = Always -- Strongly agreeCredibility
Management keeps me informed about important issues and changes.
Actions are taken consistent with the vision and promises of the company.
Communications are open and accessible and suggestions are taken seriously. Respect
Management involves people in decisions that affect their jobs or work environment.
I am offered training and development to further myself professionally.
Individuals' differences and personal lives are acknowledged and respected.
I understand the company's plans for future success. Fairness
There is a fair system for hiring, promotions and assignment of projects.
Employees are rewarded equally for their work.
My pay rate and benefits compensation are fair for my position in my industry.
A process exists for complaints/suggestions to be addressed without retaliation. Pride
I take pride in my individual contribution to the company.
I take pride in the work produced by my team/work group.
I take pride in my company's products/services and standing in the community.
The workplace culture encourages innovation and contribution.
I would like to be working at this organization one year from today. Camaraderie
I feel I am able to be myself at work.
There is a socially friendly and welcoming atmosphere in the office.
My immediate coworkers consistently go the extra mile to achieve great results.
I experience a sense of "family" or "team" with my co-workers. Additional questions
What makes your company great?
What could be done to improve the workplace at your company?
How has your company dealt with the challenging business environment?
