Sun Communicators' Group Blog

Sun Named a 'Best Place to Work' this Morning! Now, what do we do with the Award?!

This morning, Sun was honored by the Boston Business Journal (BBJ) as a "Best Place to Work"

Heather Bender, from Sun HR, and I attended the awards breakfast in Boston to represent Sun and to accept our award plaque.

From the over 300 entries submitted to BBJ, 60 companies were honored as Best Places to Work.  There were 20 companies recognized in each of the three business categories (Small, Medium and Large). 

Sun ranked #17 in the large business category.

This is a very good showing especially since this was the first year that we've been submitted for this recognition.  Over 200 local Sun employees provided anonymous input toward the Sun nomination.

When Sun was recognized this morning, our flexible work environment aka: OpenWork program was noted when the award was announced.   However, I have to tell you that our OpenWork environment is causing  a slight issue with what to do with the prestigious award plaque that we received.  Afterall, given our virtual work environment, it may be a while for Sun's Boston Area employees to actually see this award.   (I did a scan of the actual award to share here!)

So, here are three ideas to get this award plaque some well deserved visibility:
(You can share your ideas via the comments section of the entry!)

IDEA 1) Put the award 'on tour'.  This worked for the Boston Red Sox after both of their World Series Championships during the past few years.   They put their 'trophy' on the road, for all to see.   I think that we need to bring this award to Sun's Burlington and Marlboro, MA locations, as well as to the Nashua, NH office and provide some designated times to see it, touch it, take pictures, etc.  I'll bring it to the Nashua office tomorrow at 11am ET!

IDEA 2) Let employees take the award home. Resurrect a recognition practice from 1st grade - surely you remember bringing home the class pet or mascot for the weekend?!   This idea would suit all of the employees who may not be in one of our offices to participate in Idea #1.  In this case, our work from home employees could bring home the award plaque to keep on their own desk for a day or two - or maybe even over the weekend (of course, everyone will have to take care of the award, clean it, polish it, etc) .  See award above on my desk today (with Grace since I'm posting to the DogBlog.)

IDEA 3)  Send the award HQ in Menlo Park, CA to show off at Sun's Executive Briefing Center (EBC).  I think that this plaque would be a good prop when our execs talk to customers about our work environment and the value of  the OpenWork program as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility efforts.   (If you haven't vistited Sun's EBC, it's definitely worth a visit!  Your Sun sales rep can plan a special visit for you.)

Maybe we should incorporate all ideas - including the ones you may have?! 

On a serious note, at the end of the month, I will be at marking my 13th year at Sun.  I am honored to have had the opportunity this morning to represent Sun at the BBJ event.  Of all of the jobs I've had during my career - I agree with all of the input to the anonymous survey that Sun definitely the best place to work!

Posted at 03:04PM Jun 10, 2008 by sandyb in Sun  |  Comments[0]