It’s that time of the year when we take a step back and reflect on what makes a company a truly great place to work. As we send out surveys and review feedback, we gain valuable insights into what our employees appreciate most about working at Respage—and how we can ensure we’re on track to our organizational goals.
Creating a workplace where employees thrive is about more than offering a great paycheck. A “Best Place to Work” is one where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to contribute to the company’s success. It’s about fostering a culture where people want to show up, do their best work, and grow. Based on the feedback we received from the National Apartment Association survey, here’s what it takes to build an exceptional workplace:
A Supportive and Collaborative Team
At the heart of any great company is a strong team. Employees appreciate a culture of collaboration, where colleagues are always willing to share knowledge, offer support, and celebrate wins together. A true Best Place to Work encourages teamwork, ensuring that no one feels like they’re navigating challenges alone. When employees collaborate effectively, they build stronger relationships, solve problems faster, and spark innovation.
Trust and Open Communication
A great workplace is built on trust, and trust starts with open communication. Employees should feel comfortable voicing their ideas, asking questions, and sharing concerns. When leaders listen and take action, it builds trust and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.
Clear communication also means ensuring every team member understands the company’s vision and their role in achieving it. When expectations are clear, employees feel more connected to the bigger picture and are empowered to contribute in meaningful ways.
Strong Leadership and Culture
Great workplaces don’t just happen—they are shaped by strong leadership that sets clear expectations, provides guidance, and recognizes contributions. Employees thrive when they work for managers who are knowledgeable, approachable, and invested in the growth of every team member.
Equally important is company culture. A Best Place to Work nurtures an inclusive, innovative, and employee-centric environment where people feel like they belong. When leadership prioritizes culture, it sets the tone for every level of the organization.
Flexibility
Workplace flexibility is no longer a luxury—it’s an expectation. Whether it’s working remotely or having a flexible schedule, employees appreciate the freedom to balance work and life. A company that trusts its employees to manage their time effectively fosters greater productivity and job satisfaction. While not every organization can offer remote work, we’re fortunate to do so. It’s an advantage our staff truly appreciates—but it comes with its own challenges, such as maintaining connection and knowing when to unplug. Even in a virtual environment, organizations should actively create opportunities for team engagement and encourage employees to fully disconnect after hours.
Professional Growth
Employees want to know they have a future within their company. A Best Place to Work provides opportunities for professional growth and development. Whether it’s through mentorship programs, training initiatives, or career advancement pathways, an organization should be committed to investing in its teams’ success. As a company that blends the stability of an established organization with the agility of a startup, we provide an environment where employees can innovate, take on new challenges, and grow their careers.
Recognition and Employee Value
Feeling valued is a key factor in job satisfaction. Employees want to know their hard work makes a difference. A company that regularly recognizes achievements, whether through promotions, bonuses, or simple acknowledgments, builds loyalty and motivation.
Work-Life Balance
Burnout is a real concern in today’s workforce. Companies that prioritize work-life balance—through flexible work arrangements, reasonable workloads, and mental health support—set employees up for long-term success. Employees who feel balanced in both their personal and professional lives are more productive, engaged, and committed.
A Commitment to Accountability
Accountability is key to a high-performing workplace. When everyone is held to the same standard, trust builds, and teams work together toward common goals. A great workplace isn’t just about perks; it’s about ensuring that everyone is contributing to the company’s success. When teams know that expectations apply equally to everyone, it fosters a sense of shared purpose. And when it’s clear that some are held to different standards, it can erode morale.
The Bottom Line
It’s great to be recognized as a Best Place to Work, but it’s not just about the title—it’s about the ongoing effort to create an environment where employees are engaged, valued, and set up for success. Companies that prioritize communication, culture, competitive compensation, and work-life balance not only attract top talent but also build a team that’s committed to long-term success.
At the end of the day, a great workplace isn’t just about showing up; it’s about thriving. When employees thrive, the company does too.
From the desk of Ellen Thompson, Co-founder and CEO of Respage >> Since its founding, Respage has helped over 10,000 communities attract, engage, and retain residents. Its platform assists properties in generating leads, automating leasing, and managing reputation and social media. Thompson is also the Founder of Results Repeat, a digital marketing agency that has helped hundreds of companies create a digital presence and use SEO and paid marketing to generate more business online.
