When compared to the rest of the nation, New Jersey’s workforce seems to be more content. When presented with the statement ‘I have not considered searching for a better job in the past month,’ 60.8% of employees in the Garden State answered positively versus 58.7% in the rest of the country. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
For employers and employees alike, the pandemic sparked a time of significant reflection. While management assessed what was working well and what needed improvement, staff evaluated everything from job fulfillment to work-life balance.
Many workers discovered that their career path was no longer ideal, resulting in what was dubbed The Great Resignation, with 50.5 million people quitting their jobs in 2022, according to the Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey.
Those employees seem to have found what they were seeking, according to results from Energage’s Top Workplaces survey, which showed that, overall, workers are happier than they were the previous year.
“Everything for 2023 is more positive than it was in 2022, except for, interestingly, confidence in the leader, which actually went down slightly,” explained Bob Helbig, media partnerships director of Pennsylvania-based employee engagement platform Energage.
When presented with the statement, “I have the flexibility I need to balance my work and personal life,” 76.7% of survey takers answered positively last year. This year, that figure rose 2.6% points to 79.3%.
“One of the great things about the pandemic is that companies were forced to assess that and ask those questions,” Helbig said. “I think you’re probably seeing a reflection of that. Companies are doing a better job asking, listening and responding. The Great Resignation is a very real thing we started seeing in the latter half of 2021. More people were saying that they were looking for work elsewhere and people followed through on that.”
Companies that participate in the Top Workplaces survey receive the results, which enables them to understand the health of their business from their employees’ perspective as the findings validate achievements, reveal problem areas and set a foundation for new goals. Photo courtesy of Getty Images
The increased positive sentiment reflected by survey findings proves that “employees have either done a better job of responding to the needs of people or people have left and settled in somewhere where they’re a better fit,” Helbig added.
Will Garden State employees stay put or are they on the lookout for new positions? When compared to the rest of the nation, New Jersey’s workforce seems to be more content. When presented with the statement “I have not considered searching for a better job in the past month,” 60.8% of employees in New Jersey answered positively versus 58.7% in the rest of the country.
Information Fosters Prosperity
To find out which small, mid-size, and large companies have done an outstanding job meeting the needs of their associates, Energage reached out to New Jersey-based employers with 50 or more employees and surveyed staff members to establish the state’s Top Workplaces. Public and private companies, nonprofit organizations and government entities were eligible. This is the fifth year of the initiative, which is run in partnership with NJ.com and Jersey’s Best.
The 24-question survey focuses on topics that are consistently at the forefront of employees’ minds, including faith in leadership, finding meaningfulness in one’s work, feeling appreciated and strength of communication.
Companies that participate in the Top Workplaces survey receive the results, which enables them to understand the health of their business from their employees’ perspective as the findings validate achievements, reveal problem areas and set a foundation for new goals, Helbig explained.
‘Employees want to work at companies recognized as leaders that operate by a strong set of values,’ said Bob Helbig, media partnerships director of Pennsylvania-based employee engagement platform Energage.
Additionally, earning a coveted spot on the Top Workplaces list encourages pride within the organization as it’s “something to celebrate and it offers credit to employers for creating something special,” Helbig said. Appearing on the list also helps businesses attract and retain top talent.
“Employees want to work at companies recognized as leaders that operate by a strong set of values,” Helbig said.
Companies that rose to the top and distinguished themselves shared some key traits. Take a look at the highest-ranking businesses and the attributes employees appreciate most.
Making A Positive Impact on Communities
Investment management firm Charles Schwab (large, No.1) secured the top spot in the large company category. James Kostulias, managing director and Schwab’s Jersey City Business Council leader, said it’s “an enormous honor for Schwab to be recognized as a top workplace in all of New Jersey.”
“At Schwab, we are committed to demonstrating our values and heritage as a company that is invested in the success of our clients, employees and communities,” Kostulias said. “In New Jersey and across the country, we’re investing our resources where we can make the most difference in areas that align with our business. Our responsibility as a corporate citizen goes beyond the value we provide by serving clients, so we conduct our business in ways that make a positive impact on our employees and the communities where we live and work. We are so gratified that part of our corporate culture is being recognized in the great state of New Jersey.”
Charles Schwab Foundation partners with organizations such as Boys & Girls Clubs of America and DonorsChoose to teach youth critical money management skills.
A Schwab employee who completed the survey noted, “I am able to make an impact on others’ lives, which is very rewarding, and it provides me with a sense of belonging coming to a place where I feel welcomed every day.”
Putting Employees First
Payroll processing company Primepoint ranked third in the small company category, which is the largest of the three categories, and is celebrating its second year on the list.
Victor Scire, vice president of marketing, explained that Primepoint’s management team has created a company culture where the company’s employees come first.
“Success in their careers, work-life balance, and personal fulfillment are a priority,” Scire said. “Primepoint is a family business at its core. Being named a 2022 and 2023 Top Workplace in both New Jersey and Philadelphia, as a result of an independent survey of Primepoint employees, lets us know that the company’s efforts to support its employees are working. Primepoint has had significant growth in recent years, and that growth is accelerating, all as a result of the employees and their high level of engagement. Of course, the company plans to continue and enhance our family culture no matter how much more the company grows.”
Primepoint employees appreciate the company’s close-knit feel. One anonymous respondent stated, “The people are absolutely wonderful. Every single person that I interact with is very nice, and the leaders are the kindest people that I have ever met. My supervisors and team are all such amazing people.”
Manasquan Bank (midsize, #2) is another employer enjoying multiple years on the list. Claiming second place in the medium-sized company category, the bank is celebrating its fourth consecutive year as a Top Workplace.
“We are incredibly proud that Manasquan Bank has, once again, been named as one of the Top Workplaces in the Garden State,” said James S. Vaccaro, chair, president and CEO of Manasquan Bank. “This recognition highlights our unwavering commitment to creating a most positive workplace environment — a culture that is focused on equipping all of our colleagues with a toolbox that promotes success both inside and outside of the workplace.”
That commitment to ensuring employees have what they need to thrive hasn’t gone unnoticed.
“I am proud to be part of the Manasquan team,” an anonymous survey responder noted. “It is a company that is well respected in the business community and within the banking industry. In all my years in banking I have never worked for a company that has been as caring to its customers and employees as Manasquan Bank.”
Staffing solutions company Robert Half (midsize, #1) also is at the top of the list for the fourth consecutive year in the midsize company category.
“Achieving this recognition as a Top Workplace in New Jersey is a true testament of our culture, values and our incredible employees,” explained Christine Rowe, district president for Robert Half. “At Robert Half, we believe in providing a positive and inclusive work environment where our employees feel engaged and supported so they can thrive.”
Robert Half employees value the collaborative approach.
“My team is amazing and everyone is willing to pitch in and help to make sure the job gets done,” said an anonymous respondent. “Everyone is willing to put in the work while also helping anyone who needs it.”
Building From the Inside Out
Commercial construction company DPR Construction (midsize, #3) is founded on the motto: “We Exist to Build Great Things,” including great relationships, great projects, great teams and a great company, Amir Nekoumand, business unit leader, New Jersey, explained.
“As an employee-owned organization we rely on the contributions of the whole,” Nekoumand said. “Our team members are an amazing group who challenge the status quo and are changing the construction industry, while moving the organization ever forward. It is an honor to be part of their team and what DPR has built here in New Jersey.”
Nekoumand added that “DPR is honored to be recognized as one of the Top Workplaces in the state.”
Employees recognize and appreciate the DPR difference.
“There (is) a plethora of opportunities for personal and professional growth through the one-on-one monthly meeting with a coach, detailed core competencies for every role and access to a toolbox for every piece of information I could need for my role,” stated a survey respondent.
Distinction Creates Opportunity
Companies named to the Top Workplaces list enjoy not only the knowledge that their employees are fulfilled in their roles but also a moment in the spotlight as their achievements are recognized by NJ.com, The Star-Ledger, Jersey’s Best and beyond.
The Top Workplaces logo on company materials and websites helps spread the word about successful work environments. Customers and business partners will take notice. That awareness can help create new business opportunities, too, Helbig noted.
In the wake of The Great Resignation, New Jersey-based employers have listened to their employees in an effort to retain top talent. Those organizations that not only asked for feedback but also implemented changes to improve and enhance conditions were recognized by their employees who nominated them to the Top Workplaces list in 2023.
With their employer’s permission, employees were surveyed by Energage, an employee-research and consulting company. Nominees for New Jersey’s Top Workplace honors were limited to companies with 50 or more employees that spanned from northern New Jersey through the southern New Jersey shore. Public and private companies, nonprofit organizations, and government workplaces were eligible.
The following 83 companies were named to New Jersey’s Top Workplaces list as nominated by their employees and evaluated by Energage, based on questionnaires answered by their employees. They’re broken down by size and ranking.
LARGE COMPANIES (500 EMPLOYEES OR MORE)
1. Charles Schwab
Headquarters: Westlake, Texas
NJ Locations: Millburn, Morristown, Paramus
Industry: Investment management
Founded: 1973
Employees: 713
2. Marotta Controls
Headquarters: Montville
Industry: Aerospace/defense
Founded: 1943
Employees: 518
3. Prominent Properties Sotheby’s International Realty
Headquarters: Ridgewood
Industry: Agents/brokers
Founded: 2008
Employees: 828
4. CACI
Headquarters: Reston, Va.
NJ Location: Florham Park
Industry: National security, expertise and technology
Founded: 1962
Employees: 535
5. CompoSecure LLC
Headquarters: Somerset
Industry: Secure payment products
Founded: 2000
Employees: 875
6. Luke’s University Health Network
Headquarters: Bethlehem, Pa.
NJ Location: Moorestown
Industry: Hospital and health systems
Founded: 1872
Employees: 916
7. Lithia Motors Inc.
Headquarters: Medford, Ore.
NJ Location: Bloomfield
Industry: Auto dealership
Founded: 1946
Employees: 1,531
8. Opex
Headquarters: Moorestown
Industry: Machinery
Founded: 1975
Employees: 803
9. YMCA of Greater Monmouth County
Headquarters: Shrewsbury
Industry: Human services
Founded: 1874
Employees: 670
10. Inspira Health
Headquarters: Mullica Hill
Industry: Hospital and health systems
Founded: 2012
Employees: 6,730
11. MTF Biologics
Headquarters: Edison
Industry: Biotechnology
Founded: 1987
Employees: 662
12. MJH Life Sciences
Headquarters: Cranbury
Industry: Publishing
Founded: 1999
Employees: 551
MIDSIZE COMPANIES (150 TO 499 EMPLOYEES)
1. Robert Half
Headquarters: Menlo Park, Calif.
NJ Location: Woodbridge
Industry: Staffing and recruiting
Founded: 1948
Employees: 221
2. Manasquan Bank
Headquarters: Wall
Industry: Banking
Founded: 1874
Employees: 224
3. DPR Construction
Headquarters: Redwood City, Calif.
NJ Location: Edison
Industry: Commercial construction services
Founded: 1990
Employees: 160
4. Atlantic Physical Therapy
Headquarters: Sea Girt
Industry: Health care physical therapy
Founded: 2001
Employees: 215
5. Russo Development
Headquarters: Carlstadt
Industry: Development
Founded: 1969
Employees: 165
6. SNOW Partners
Headquarters: Montville
Industry: Hospitality
Founded: 2012
Employees: 209
7. Earle Companies
Headquarters: Wall
Industry: Heavy construction
Founded: 1968
Employees: 357
8. STORIS Inc.
Headquarters: Mount Arlington
Industry: Enterprise software
Founded: 1989
Employees: 151
9. Mandelbaum Barrett PC
Headquarters: Roseland
Industry: Law
Founded: 1930
Employees: 167
10. CGI
Headquarters: Fairfax, Va.
NJ Location: New Brunswick
Industry: IT Consulting
Founded: 1976
Employees: 165
11. Savvas Learning Co.
Headquarters: Paramus
Industry: K-12 education learning solutions provider
Founded: 2019
Employees: 162
12. A3 Technology Co.
Headquarters: Egg Harbor City
Industry: Information technology
Founded: 2001
Employees: 159
13. Panda Restaurant Group
Headquarters: Rosemead, Calif.
NJ Location: Union
Industry: Restaurant
Founded: 1973
Employees: 174
14. Hatteras
Headquarters: Tinton Falls
Industry: Printing
Founded: 1983
Employees: 252
15. Madison Area YMCA
Headquarters: Madison
Industry: Nonprofit
Founded: 1873
Employees: 330
16. Nuance
Headquarters: Burlington, Mass.
NJ Location: Iselin
Industry: Software and technology
Founded: 1992
Employees: 165
17. Greystar
Headquarters: Charleston, S.C.
NJ Location: Secaucus
Industry: Real estate
Founded: 1993
Employees: 224
18. GPI/Greenman-Pedersen
Headquarters: Babylon, N.Y.
NJ Location: Morris Plains
Industry: Construction
Founded: 1966
Employees: 212
19. HMP Global
Headquarters: Malvern, Pa.
NJ Location: East Windsor
Industry: Continuing medical education events
and medical publishing
Founded: 1985
Employees: 168
20. Morgan Properties
Headquarters: King of Prussia, Pa.
NJ Location: Florham Park
Industry: Property management
Founded: 1985
Employees: 184
21. Millennium Systems International
Headquarters: Parsippany-Troy Hills
Industry: Mass market apps/software
Founded: 1987
Employees: 192
22. M S International Inc.
Headquarters: Orange, Calif.
NJ Location: Edison
Industry: Wholesaler flooring/countertop products
Founded: 1975
Employees: 315
23. Freedom Mortgage
Headquarters: Boca Raton, Fla.
NJ Location: Marlton
Industry: Mortgage lending
Founded: 1990
Employees: 460
24. Graybar
Headquarters: Clayton, Mo.
NJ Location: Edison
Industry: Electrical distribution equipment
Founded: 1869
Employees: 170
25. The Gramon Family of Schools
Hadquarters: Fairfield
Industry: Special education services
Founded: 1939
Employees: 325
SMALL COMPANIES (50 TO 149 EMPLOYEES)
- FinTech Consulting LLC (d.b.a. Ap Task)
Headquarters: Iselin
Industry: Staffing
Founded: 2010
Employees: 53
2. 3 Dimensional Physical Therapy
Headquarters: Shamong
Industry: Physical therapy
Founded: 2011
Employees: 103
3. Primepoint
Headquarters: Westampton
Industry: Payroll
Founded: 2000
Employees: 65
4. Staffing Alternatives
Headquarters: North Brunswick
Industry: Temporary Staffing services
Founded: 1994
Employees: 127
5. Madison Trust Company/Broad Financial
Headquarters: Montvale
Industry: Self-directed IRAs
Founded: 2004
Employees: 63
6. Index Engines
Headquarters: Holmdel
Industry: Enterprise software
Founded: 2004
Employees: 50
7. Primary Financial
Headquarters: Edison
Industry: Life insurance, annuities and retirement investment
Founded: 2013
Employees: 70
8. Turpin Realtors
Headquarters: Far Hills
Industry: Real estate
Founded: 1960
Employees: 130
9. Premier Consulting & Integration (PCI)
Headquarters: Red Bank
Industry: Financial management consulting services, implementation & audit support
Founded: 2009
Employees: 91
10. Families & Community Together (FACT)
Headquarters: Mountainside
Industry: Human and social services
Founded: 2000
Employees: 93
11. Carl’s Fencing, Decking & Home Improvements
Headquarters: Toms River
Industry: Fencing, decking, home improvements, and remodeling
Founded: 2006
Employees: 90
12. All American Ford in Old Bridge
Headquarters: Old Bridge
Industry: Auto dealership
Founded: 2009
Employees: 119
13. Fairway Independent Mortgage Corp.
Headquarters: Madison, Wis.
NJ Location: Rockaway
Industry: Mortgage lending
Founded: 1996
Employees: 53
14. Automated Control Concepts
Headquarters: Neptune
Industry: Control and information products, services and solutions to manufacturing and utility companies.
Founded: 1983
Employees: 53
15. DLA, LLC
Headquarters: Fairfield
Industry: Auditing and accounting services
Founded: 2001
Employees: 55
16. Experic
Headquarters: Cranbury
Industry: Specializes in advanced manufacturing, packaging, and labeling
Founded: 2015
Employees: 67
17. Iris Software Inc.
Headquarters: Edison
Industry: IT Services
Founded: 1996
Employees: 60
18. Princeton Child Development Institute
Headquarters: Princeton
Industry: Autism Intervention
Founded: 1970
Employees: 85
19. Euroimmun US
Headquarters: Mountain Lakes
Industry: Diagnostics
Founded: 2004
Employees: 87
20. All American Subaru in Old Bridge
Headquarters: Old Bridge
Industry: Auto dealerships
Founded: 2009
Employees: 59
21. Delco Development
Headquarters: Willingboro
Industry: Development
Founded: 1970
Employees: 125
22. Eastern Christian School
Headquarters: North Haledon
Industry: Education (K-12)
Founded: 1892
Employees: 142
23. Insurance Office of America
Headquarters: Longwood, Fla.
NJ Location: Florham Park
Industry: Insurance agents and brokers
Founded: 1988
Employees: 56
24. Ocean Partnership for Children
Headquarters: Toms River
Industry: Human and social services
Founded: 2005
Employees: 120
25. Advanced Digital Data Inc.
Headquarters: Flanders
Industry: Computer Software
Founded: 1973
Employees: 113
26. PLM Fleet, LLC (aka PLM Trailer Leasing Inc.)
Headquarters: Newark
Industry: Refrigerated trailer leasing
Founded: 1971
Employees: 82
27. Viking Pest Control
Headquarters: Basking Ridge
Industry: Full-service pest control company
Founded: 1980
Employees: 132
28. Woodmont Properties
Headquarters: Fairfield
Industry: Integrated development, construction and management
Founded: 1963
Employees: 135
29. Naik Group
Headquarters: Edison
Industry: Heavy construction and civil engineering
Founded: 1997
Employees: 50
30. KPM Exceptional LLC
Headquarters: Landing
Industry: Commercial outdoor power equipment and snow and ice management
Founded: 1957
Employees: 52
31. Duane Morris
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pa.
NJ Location: Newark
Industry: Law
Founded: 1904
Employees: 55
32. EDA Contractors
Headquarters: Bensalem, Pa.
NJ Location: Elizabeth
Industry: Multidisciplined exterior envelope contractor
Founded: 1999
Employees: 80
33. SmartSites
Headquarters: Paramus
Industry: Advertising and marketing
Founded: 2011
Employees: 58
34. Capitol Lighting
Headquarters: Boca Raton, Fla.
NJ Location: East Hanover
Industry: Lighting
Founded: 1924
Employees: 61
35. LS Technologies, LLC
Headquarters: Fairfax, Va.
NJ Location: Atlantic City
Industry: Federal contractor
Founded: 2000
Employees: 78
36. CRP Industries
Headquarters: Cranbury
Industry: Motor vehicles, components and parts
Founded: 1954
Employees: 90
37. United Rentals Inc.
Headquarters: Stamford, Conn.
NJ Location: Wall
Industry: Rental and leasing
Founded: 1997
Employees: 120
38. Princetel Inc.
Headquarters: Hamilton
Industry: Fiber optic rotary joint products
Founded: 2000
Employees: 87
39. Penn Interactive
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pa.
NJ Location: Cherry Hill
Industry: Online gaming and casino
Founded: 2015
Employees: 126
40. Turnberry
Headquarters: Blue Bell, Pa.
NJ Location: Skillman
Industry: Management and IT consulting
Founded: 2001
Employees: 68
41. Tech-Keys
Headquarters: Howell
Industry: Managed IT service provider
Founded: 2009
Employees: 80
42. Global Transport Logistics
Headquarters: Glen Rock
Industry: Distribution, logistics and Freight
Founded: 1995
Employees: 123
43. CBIZ
Headquarters: Independence, Ohio
NJ Location: Ewing
Industry: Business Services
Founded: 1996
Employees: 71
44. NeurAbilities Healthcare
Headquarters: Voorhees
Industry: Healthcare
Founded: 2005
Employees: 96
45. InspiriTec Inc.
Headquarters: Philadelphia, Pa.
NJ Location: Newark
Industry: Contact center and IT help desk services
Founded: 2000
Employees: 80
46. Allied Fire & Safety Equipment
Headquarters: Neptune
Industry: Fire and life safety
Founded: 1970
Employees: 50