Employee Engagement & Well-Being: Celebrating Hawaii’s Organizations That Put Their People First
Last week at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, Hawaii Business Magazine celebrated organizations that prove employee engagement and well-being aren’t just buzzwords—they’re the core of a successful business. The Best Places to Work Awards highlighted companies that ensure employees are not simply a number, but the driving force behind every decision. With Systemcenter proudly sponsoring this event, we witnessed firsthand how putting people at the forefront can transform workplaces and drive innovation.
Prioritizing People: The Heart of Organizational Success
Putting employees first requires deliberate, practical action. Organizations can prioritize their people by:
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Creating an Employee-Centric Culture: Regularly seek and act on employee feedback, maintain transparency, and consistently recognize employee contributions.
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Implementing Thoughtful Workspace Design: Develop environments that support creativity, collaboration, and employee comfort, thereby enhancing productivity and satisfaction.
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Leading with Empathy: Foster leadership that actively listens, supports, and empowers employees, creating a culture of genuine trust and engagement.
Hawaii Business Magazine provided local organizations the opportunity to opt in to anonymous surveys filled out by their employees. These surveys established a meaningful baseline by assessing key areas such as job satisfaction, confidence in leadership, clarity in role expectations, respect, and the overall commitment of organizations to quality and service. This method gives every employee an equal voice, highlighting strengths and pinpointing areas for growth. The organizations recognized at the Best Places to Work Awards are exemplifying these values and setting the standard for workplace excellence in Hawaii. By focusing on factors such as meaningful work, supportive leadership, clear expectations, and quality-driven service, these companies have built workplaces where employees thrive, setting a benchmark for others to follow.
Celebrating Leadership That Champions Well-Being & Inclusivity
Organizations that excel in employee engagement understand that when people feel valued, they perform at their best. At the awards, we had the honor of having our president, Stephan Edwards, present the award for Best Places to Work for Women. Companies like Hawaii Public Health Institute, G70, and Lendlease Island Palms Communities were recognized not just for operational success but for their unwavering commitment to making every employee feel respected and integral. These organizations embed a culture and infrastructure that empower women at every level. Their approach is clear: create a culture where every individual’s voice is heard, where leadership is accessible, and where the work environment nurtures growth, collaboration, and inclusivity.
The Impact of Thoughtful Workspace Design
43%
of the Best Places to Work Award Recipients are Previous Systemcenter Clients
Many of the award-winning organizations are previous clients of ours, and their success stories highlight the profound impact of smart workspace design. When employees step into an environment that is comfortable, flexible, and inspiring, it sends a clear message: your well-being matters. Well-designed workspaces aren’t just about aesthetics- it’s a catalyst for engagement and productivity.
These design choices are not merely decorative; they are intentional investments in the employee experience, creating areas for collaboration, relaxation, and focus.
Workspace Design in Action: Featured Client Projects
A Vision for the Future
Hawaii Business Magazine’s Best Places to Work Awards is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action. It’s a reminder to us that true success lies in the well-being of the people who drive it. As you reflect on the insights shared by these exceptional organizations, consider how you can transform your own workplace. Whether it’s through innovative workspace design, a renewed focus on employee engagement, or leadership that genuinely cares, the path to excellence begins with putting people first.
Let’s continue to create workspaces where every individual can thrive.
