United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut works “intentionally” to acknowledge and show interest in their staff.
In the last few years the non-profit that serves 56 townships has ramped up educational opportunities for staff, health care benefits and and compensation in the effort to be employee friendly, leaders of the agency say.
“We’ve invested in the staff so they feel invested in the community,” said president and CEO Eric Harrison who has been at the helm for 2.5 years. “We are a valued workplace.”
Their reach is one-third of Connecticut and includes the urban centers of Hartford, New Britain, East Hartford. The agency has been chosen as a 2025 Hartford Courant Top Workplace.
The agency’s mission, per its slogan is, “Together, we are United to End Poverty.”
The agency has 42 employees, three of whom made the 40 under 40 list, Harrison said.
He said they’re a “mission driven organization” so employees have to feel invested working with the community. The workforce includes various directors who work with those in the trenches toward child literacy, workforce development, housing and eradicating homelessness.
Harrison said they also provide funding for rapid response bills, help fund homeless shelter providers and organize healthcare events.
“It’s incredibly meaningful ” Harrison said of the work .”My career has been service driven and it’s rewarding.”
Human Resource Director Helen Bergin said the employment engagement survey has been a valuable tool the organization uses used to measure employee satisfaction, morale and engagement levels.
“The feedback assists in shaping our strategies to attract and retain top talent,” Bergin wrote in an email.
She said the agency provides affordable choices for health and well-being benefits, maintaining flexible work arrangements, and investing in professional development opportunities for staff.
“My professional philosophy about employee feedback is that feedback is a gift,” Bergin said.
“When the organization receives feedback, it gives us an opportunity to increase job satisfaction and productivity, and build a positive culture.”
Bergin said some of the results of employee feedback in recent years include a 21 percent increase in employee loyalty, a 21 percent increase in satisfaction with pay and benefits, and a 14 percent increase in professional development opportunities.
