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6 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 1 9 SMALL EMPLOYER (15 - 49 U.S. EMPLOYEES) SMALL EMPLOYER (15 - 49 U.S. EMPLOYEES) Planson International World travel, relaxed dress code A s a global IT solutions provider, the work that Planson International employees perform on a daily ba- sis can be complex and time-consuming. However, employees consistently say they find their work to be extremely rewarding, beyond their paychecks, due to the fact that their work often directly results in aiding humanitar- ian efforts through- out the world. Past examples include purchasing, deliv- ering and install- ing 45,339 com- puters in schools throughout the Philippines and sending thousands of tablets to the Congo for elections. Planson is commit- ted to continually ensuring it is creating the best workplace possible. This year, initiatives included allowing employees to help redesign PTO and holiday offer- ings, promoting paid time off to volunteer, purchasing sit/stand workstations and allowing employees to work remotely from other countries for several weeks in a row to be with their families. Planson also offers generous bonuses, telework- ing/flex schedules, a holiday bonus, and various fun activities throughout the year, including raffles for prizes that include a trip to Italy. Overall, employees have tons of flexibility, including setting their own work schedules, choosing how and when to use their holiday PTO, and the ability to dress casually — even in shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops. Fun get- togethers include happy hours, laser- tag, bowling, golf- tournaments, trivia contests and canoe racing. All employ- ees are recognized for their contributions. Occasionally, partners or vendors provide the company with perks like ski tickets and trips. Prizes are awarded by a draw- ing so all employees have a chance of winning. The nature of the company's work allows many employees to travel to various places throughout the world as part of the job. This can include different locations in the U.S. as well as Denmark, Rome, Switzerland and various countries in Africa. Planson provides a generous HRA contribution of $2,200 every year. The employee only pays the first $600 of deductible expenses. Once the deductible is reached, Planson also pays the first $200 of coinsurance. Planson offers up to a 4% match for its retirement plan options. And the company makes true-up payments each year to the employees' accounts, even after an employee has left the company. Planson International 363 Penny Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260 Top local executive: Carolyn Justice, CEO Number of Maine employees: 32 Web site: www.plansonintl.com # 1 Planson International's 2018 trick-or-treat event, when all employees' children came in to trick-or-treat and decorate pumpkins. SFX America 100% paid health insurance and steady raises S FX's mission is to provide an em- ployee-friendly environment in which goal-oriented individuals thrive. That's helped grow the company, which provides digital print/insert and fulfillment services, from fewer than 10 employees at its founding eight years ago, to over 40 today. SFX values talents, skills and abilities and seeks to foster an open, cooperative and dynamic envi- ronment in which all excel. Employees are encouraged to bring ideas and challenges to any level of management. While doing this, they enjoy fun events throughout the year. Employees receive 100% paid health insurance and steady raises. Direct comments say it all: • "With fair pay, good management and a good work environment, it's easily a place where people feel good about working." • "They treat you like a person, not a number. Family-oriented, great work atmosphere, trips, outings, lunches, bonuses and overtime." Supervisors are fair and more than willing to roll up their sleeves to help out. Cross-training programs, a bonus program and a culture of overall support for employees going through a difficult time help produce a n a t m o s p h e r e where they can thrive. SFX brings in an Occupational Therapist each year to demonstrate and practice stretching exercises to prevent injuries at work and home. Multiple em- ployee events include BBQs on the patio. Karaoke is a favorite at the annual holi- day event. Employees can receive free, confidential financial planning services through SFX's 401(k) investment advisor during work hours. The company holds quarterly workshops on market trends and other financial subjects. Employees with 10 years of service receive an en- graved watch selected specifically for that individual. Every five years thereafter, employees receive a length of service bonus. Multiple onsite and offsite events throughout the year include The Escape Room, Sea Dogs baseball, bowling, ice cream and food trucks and monthly pizza parties. The annual holiday party wel- comes employees and their guests at a local restaurant. Employees receive SFX logo wear throughout the year, such as polo shirts, jackets, hats and vests. They're provided with OSHA rated headphones for hearing protection while also allow- ing them to listen to their favorite music while working. An onsite fitness center is provided at no cost. There's also an onsite shower, basketball court, and jogging/ walking paths around the facility. SFX America 2301 Congress St., Portland, ME 04102 Top local executive: Ryan Jackson, CEO Number of Maine employees: 40 Web site: www.sfxamerica.com # 2 A moment on the stage at SFX's Best Places Celebration at the Music Hall!