Longfellow & Clients Honored as Best Places to Work in Boston

“It’s not a hobby,” one of Longfellow Benefits’ founding principals, Craig Cerretani, has been known to say of the work we do. No words could be more true.

Those who have worked with us understand the passion we infuse into our work and how closely we hold our client relationships. The Longfellow culture inspires us to achieve more everyday, constantly raising the bar and striving for great new heights.

Given the challenges associated with our work, particularly the personal nature of employee benefits but also the technical requirements and need to be constantly accessible, keeping associates stimulated and engaged is no small task. But during our twelve years in business Longfellow has continually demonstrated a commitment to provide associates with the environment, resources, and inspiration we require to perform at our absolute best. And the associates, in turn, are equally as committed to the success and future of our organization.

Longfellow understands that great benefits, a robust wellness program, and a healthy work/life balance are indispensable to recruiting and retaining top talent. But what is key—and something that Longfellow impresses upon associates—is that intangible benefits, such as professional development and mentoring, are equally as important. The firm encourages associates to grow in areas that both interest them and benefit their clients and invests in partnerships and technologies that free up staff time for professional growth. This is what has made Longfellow a repeat winner of the Boston Business Journal’s “Best Places to Work in Boston” award six years in a row, 2006 – 2011.

Each year the BBJ selects 75 companies out of approximately 320 submissions for the award. The 75 finalists are selected based upon the results of anonymous employee surveys and are broken down into three categories by size, with 25 honorees in each category. At an awards breakfast, the top ten in each category are announced.* Longfellow ranked eighth in the “Small Group” category in 2011.

The fact that employees contribute the primary selection criteria is what makes winning this award such an honor.

“Over the last 11 years we've created a great culture by hiring the best people and letting them flourish,” says Joe Gray, our managing principal. “But now we're taking it a step further by building out infrastructure to support our employees in their roles, providing clear career paths and growth opportunities, and taking steps to ensure our organization continues to grow and thrive well into the future.”

And we are in great company! Several of our clients were also among the top 25 winners in their respective categories, including Carbonite (www.carbonite.com), Ipswitch Inc. (www.ipswitch.com), and Winter, Wyman (www.winterwyman.com).

What makes these organizations great places to work?

Peter Lamson, SVP at Carbonite, says it is about cultivating a culture that employees are proud of and excited about. “It is encouraging to see that our commitment to our greatest asset–our people–is being celebrated through our second consecutive Best Places to Work award and through our place among Boston’s midsized businesses.”

Bob Boudreau, CEO of Winter, Wyman, believes first and foremost it is about adhering to the Golden Rule. “We strive to treat our employees, clients, candidates and vendors in ways we wish to be treated ourselves. It’s about kindness—we make every effort to be kind to the people we work and interact with.”

Winter, Wyman is also committed to giving back to the community. Says Boudreau, “We strongly believe that more you give, the more you get. Giving is a huge part of what we do and it just feels right. These practices have been part of Winter, Wyman since its inception, starting with our founder, and we are proud of the way they have become ingrained in our culture. I am honored to be part of such a great company.”

We, too, are proud to be listed among the likes of these great companies and are fortunate to be one of their preferred business partners. Clearly, above all, treating employees fairly and with respect is key, and we are pleased to work with organizations who share these same ideals.

*To read the BBJ Best Places to Work 2011 article click here.
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/news/2011/05/03/bbj-announces-best-places-to-work.html