“The companies on the 2012 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma list are outstanding examples of the strong bond that exists between Oklahoma employers and their employees,” said okcBIZ Publisher Bill Bleakley. “The bond arises out of a special commitment to the quality of the work environment and to the quality of their products and services. These companies not only have the fundamental qualities required for a best place to work, but also demonstrate workplace innovations and programs unique to each company.”

A third-party surveyor, Best Companies Group, collected data from the businesses that entered the competition and distributed surveys to determine which companies had the best practices.

“What makes the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma designation so special is the fact that the employees are the ones whose input put them on the list,” said Peter Burke, president of Best Companies Group. “If you want to know if it's a great place work, ask the employees, and that's what we did. Many companies applied, but a select few had high enough employee-engagement scores to make the list. You can have the best benefits package in the world and still be a lousy place to work. The companies that made the list truly understand what it takes to create workplace cultures where employees love to go to work.”

According to their surveys, the group found that more than 79 percent of the top companies make an effort to recruit and retain employees who are aging or disabled and who represent various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. More than 90 percent offer a performance bonus or incentive program, and almost 80 percent allow employees paid time off for community service activities and volunteer work. Almost all offer on-site fitness and wellness programs.

The June 28 gala, which was held at Skirvin Hilton Hotel, was unlike most awards ceremonies, as it was more of a celebration than just your run-of-the-mill ceremony.

“I attend many Best Places to Work events around the country, but the event in OKC has an energy in the room unlike any other,” Burke said. “It's great to see that companies appreciate and celebrate their great achievement. I had so much fun.”

Capital One Auto Finance

Photo by Shannon Cornman

Bleakley says the program was initiated to recognize those companies that help build the economy by being the state's outstanding employers.

“Through this competition and recognition program, okcBIZ and its partners strive to promote and encourage quality workplaces, and provide models and benchmarks for all Oklahoma companies to seek excellence in the workplace,” he said.

The organizations that partnered with okcBIZ to honor the Best Places to Work in Oklahoma include Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, OKHR State Council, Greater Oklahoma City Chamber and The State Chamber.

The 2012 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma in the large category – having 250 or more employees – are:

1. Capital One Auto Finance

2. Cancer Treatment Centers of America

3. Edward Jones

4. Encompass Home Health

5. Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma

6. INSURICA 

7. Eide Bailly LLP

8. First United Bank

9. Cox Communications

10. Cintas Corporation

11. Paycom Payroll LLC

12. Chaparral Energy

The 2012 Best Places to Work in Oklahoma in the small- to medium-size category – having fewer than 250 employees – are:

1. GableGotwals

2. HoganTaylor LLP

3. QuiBids

4. CFR

5. Tri County Technology Center

6. Ideal Homes of Norman LP

7. InterWorks Inc.

8. Oklahoma City Indian Clinic

9. Coppermark Bank

10. Wallace Engineering

11. Vox Printing

12. Oklahoma State University Foundation

13. Republic Bank & Trust

14. Public Strategies Inc.

15. Mid-Continent Casualty Company

16. C² Technologies Inc.

17. Great Plains Technology Center

18. Maschino, Hudelson & Associates