Children First is Officially a Best Place to Work

Children First has been recognized as one of the top 30 employers in Sarasota-Manatee in the “Best Places to Work” competition. Hosted by independent firm Best Companies Group and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the competition identifies and recognizes the area’s top employers who demonstrate workplace excellence and are known for retaining and recruiting the best and brightest employees.

In order to qualify, the agency of 187 staff members was asked to complete a confidential Employee Engagement & Satisfaction Survey. Worth 75% of the overall score, this process was crucial to securing a place on the list and required at least a 40% response rate to qualify. Dedicated project managers also completed a questionnaire regarding company policies, practices, and demographics. 

Best Companies Group evaluated the selection and ranking of entries, analyzing participating companies in eight areas: leadership and planning; corporate culture and communications; role satisfaction; work environment; relationships with supervisors; training, development and resources; pay and benefits; and, overall engagement.

Companies representing thousands of local employees all vied to make the list. With the second highest number of employees of the companies who were named, and one of only five nonprofits, Children First was selected for its mission-driven approach to employment.

“From our newest employees to those with over 30 years of experience, our staff is what truly makes us great. Every employee has the opportunity to be extraordinarily successful and feel a tremendous sense of gratification as a part of the Children First family. Since 1961, we have celebrated our staff and now, together, we celebrate what makes our agency a best place to work!” says CEO Philip Tavill.