The Top Workplaces survey is now in its eighth year, and four companies have made the list for all eight years: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner REALTORS, Brandon (formerly The Brandon Agency), Creative Builders, and Total Quality Logistics.

We asked those companies to reflect on what it means to them to make the list every year and how they strive to keep their team members happy.

We received responses from three of the four companies, and here is what they said:

What is the most important thing you do for employees that keeps you on the list every year?

Angela Welch, Creative Builders: We are who we say we are. Our core values are not aspirational, they are a reflection of who we are, and our daily decisions and behaviors reflect those core values of our company – teamwork, relationships, excellence, and sustainability. When that kind of authentic culture is fostered, it trickles down throughout the entire organization. People-focused company benefits, regular company events where we gather and build relationships outside of day-to-day routines, meeting needs during personal crises, and providing opportunities for growth and development are just a few of the ways that we are showing commitment to our core values.

Stephanie Hollis, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices C. Dan Joyner REALTORS: We strive to honor C. Dan Joyner's legacy each and every day. He was known for being a caring and involved leader of our family-owned and -operated business. So, we treat our associates like family and take wonderful care of them and their clients. It's truly at the heart of our culture and is very special.

Scott Brandon, Brandon (formerly The Brandon Agency): We have truly embraced the remote and hybrid working environment. Even pre-pandemic, we already had employees across several different states and even in Bulgaria. We’ve always focused on hiring and nurturing the best people for the job —not just the people closest to our home office. We find ways to stay connected and ensure everyone feels like part of the team while honoring that every individual has unique personal needs. More importantly, I think we truly care about our team members and their families.

What feedback do you seek/receive from employees throughout the year?

Welch: One of the best ways that we receive feedback from co-workers is through our annual reviews. Every single co-worker has an opportunity to meet with at least two members of the leadership team to discuss their own goals for development as well as having the opportunity to share any concerns they may have. Although these are scheduled once a year, co-workers are always encouraged to reach out to the leadership team with any questions or concerns that they have about what we are doing, where we are going, or just share what is going on in their lives.

Hollis: We solicit feedback in many formal and informal ways. We hold monthly Agents' Council meetings, where representatives from each of our locations come together to share their feedback, make requests, and collaborate. Our offices hold bi-weekly sales meetings where they encourage feedback and open the floor for questions and suggestions. We have an awards committee, comprised of agents and team leaders, that directs the choices made for our annual awards event. In addition, we survey our entire company at least twice per year to hear what they love, and where we can offer additional support. Lastly, and most importantly, associates and employees have open access to our entire leadership team, including Danny Joyner and David Crigler. Whether it's at one of our many company gatherings or on any day of the week, we nurture an open-door environment where our associates feel heard and recognized. 

Brandon: I would say we never go a week without seeking honest feedback — whether it’s on our company intranet, in team or agency-wide meetings, 360-degree leadership reviews, or through programs like (Top Workplaces).

What does it mean to you to have made the list every year?

Welch: It has been and continues to be a GREAT honor to be named as one of SC’s Top Workplaces multiple years in a row.  We are listed among other exceptional companies in the state, and we take pride in and value this recognition. We remain committed to raising the bar for ourselves so that we continue to maintain a workplace that attracts our industry’s top talent.

Hollis: First and foremost, we are incredibly honored that our associates and employees love working here. That is something we take tremendous pride in. And to have this recognition year after year is incredibly special, as it means we are continuing to fulfill C. Dan's vision of serving the Upstate with trust, integrity, professionalism, and a smile.

Brandon: It is extremely important in that it is something that is voted on by our team. We get the good, the bad, and the ugly in terms of feedback, and we know what we need to work on to continue to improve. We are only as good as our people, and they can’t be productive if they are not happy.

What advice would you give to other companies that want to keep their employees satisfied?

Welch: Be who you say you are. Do what you say you will do. Foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to care for one another. People are the bottom line, and serving one another gets you very far. Focus on relationship building first and foremost, not a number or transaction.

Hollis: Talk with your employees and associates. Find ways to help them reach their goals, balance their needs and find success. Ask for their feedback, listen to their responses, and then adjust where and when needed. Your employees will take care of your company when they know you are taking care of them.

Brandon: Simply listen, then act. Today’s workforce spans four generations that may have wildly different expectations of their employer. We try to approach the team not with assumptions, but with open ears.