NEHRA Conference Focuses on Best Practices for Becoming an Employer of Choice in a Down Economy

The third program of the Northeast Human Resource Association (NEHRA) 2008-2009 was held yesterday in Danvers, Massachusetts, where hundreds of employers in the surrounding areas took a day out of their busy schedules to learn more about Becoming an Employer of Choice- Best Practices that Drive Bottom Line Results.
One would expect the environment to be a reflection of the pressures and negative stresses of the economic climate, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the mood to be just the opposite. Sure, most HR and benefits attendees felt tired and overburdened, understaffed and without the resources they need to meet their goals- but a new wave of optimism and hope flowed through the workshops as presenters encouraged attendees to see the opportunities that lie within these challenges.
Keynote speaker, Russell J. Campanello, Senior VP of HR at Phase Forward, emphasized HR’s critical role by referring to Jack and Suzy Welch’s point that HR matters enormously in good times… and it defines you in the bad. And while it’s still crucial to treat departing employees with respect and empathy, it is also time to begin strategizing ways to maintain engagement among the surviving workforce who are expected to do more with less. These challenges are great, but so are the opportunities to re-engage your culture, and rebound as a stronger organization both inside and out.
The day featured well-received presentations about becoming an employer of choice in a down economy, keeping employees engaged, maximizing the productivity and development of your workforce, and an emerging trend; aligning your internal and external branding initiatives to create a more transparent, sustainable culture. After all, as social networking continues to grow, so does employee power to voice opinions about their organization- both good and bad. This provides your partners, prospects and customers with a front row seat to your corporate culture.
As the conference came to a close, confidence grew among attendees who seemed eager to return work the next morning armed with new tools and techniques to begin influencing a stronger, more employee-centered culture. This is good news to all the HR professionals who have been waiting for the opportunity to drive real organizational change through what continues to be their most valuable resource- their people.

eni Ranks #6 Among Top 20 Best Companies in New York State

eni was recently recognized as one of the Best Companies to Work for in New York State for 2009. This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize and honor the best places of employment in New York, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce and businesses. The Best Companies to Work for in New York list is made up of 40 companies split into two groups: 20 small/medium-sized companies (15-249 employees) and 20 large-sized companies (250 or more employees). An awards ceremony was held in the state capital this past Thursday, April 23rd to honor the companies who made the list, and announce the official rankings. eni placed 6th on the list of the Best Companies to Work for in New York in the small/medium-size category. eni client’s POMCO and The Raymond Corporation also made this year’s list.




Survey results indicated that eni employees have a great satisfaction for the generous benefit program Founder and CEO, Gene Raymondi offers his staff, which includes four weeks of paid time off from the immediate date-of-hire, tuition reimbursement, child care stipends, competitive health benefits as well as comprehensive wellness and work/life programs. The benefit that received the greatest appreciation among employees was for the additional opportunities given throughout the year, including team competitions and projects, ‘fun events’ such as a box at the B-Mets game or Dover Downs race, Polar Bear picnics, Rock Band and Wii Fit game nights, and weekend wine tours. The most impressive program offered is eni’s incentive travel opportunities; where the entire company travels to exotic locations like Cancun, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and more. Employees and their family members also have 24/7 access to their own unique virtual concierge service that allows them to delegate personal tasks to their own Personal Assistant to coordinate, research or plan; allowing eni employees to make smart, informed decisions with less time and effort.




Raymondi believes a generous benefit offering is a vital part of a successful business strategy. For over 25 years, he has used this philosophy to maximize the productivity and culture of his company.

“We’re definitely a work hard, play hard kind of company. I learned many years ago that you are able to engage your employees at a much higher level if you find new and creative ways to show your appreciation for not only the work they perform, but also for the people they are.”

-eni Founder and CEO, Gene Raymondi

Click here to download the official list of NYS Best Companies to Work For.

To learn more about how eni’s work/life benefit services can help engage your corporate culture, or for more ideas or information on how you can achieve Best Company status, visit eniweb.com, call 1.800.364.4748 or email us at eniSolutions@eniweb.com