Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1417511
20 B E S T P L A C E S TO W O R K 2 0 2 1 MEDIUM EMPLOYER (50 - 249 U.S. EMPLOYEES) JMG Family atmosphere and virtual 'Doctor On Demand' J MG's mission is to identify students who face barriers to education, and to guide each one on to a successful path toward continued education, a mean- ingful career and productive adulthood. JMG recognizes and celebrates em- ployees' personal and professional accomplishments w i t h a l l s t a f f through social m e d i a , e m a i l s and through vir- tual regional and statewide events. The company fosters a family- like atmosphere, celebrating wed- dings and births. When things are hard, the company also takes care of those who are struggling with emergency funds, gift cards and get-well baskets and by planting trees in memory of loved ones. JMG has a great compensation plan and gives generously to its employees. That includes a performance-based bo- nus system. During the height of the pandemic, it provided every employee with a one-time $2,500 stipend to ease the extra expenses and financial strains. It also provided a $100 Hannaford gift card. This was in addition to regu- lar bonuses. During annual training retreats, family-friendly accommodations are offered to new parents. A Diver- sity and Inclu- sion Committee is part of the or- ganization's DNA and includes investment in resources, training and curriculum. Two paid personal days are provided annually to honor cultural or religious events not recognized as state or fed- eral holidays. JMG also provides accommodations to disabled workers, such as flexible work hours, remote work, and sit/stand office equipment. The organization is often a second career to teachers after retirement, and it fosters close relation- ships with military recruiters who are guest speakers. JMG also participates in career fairs. A comprehensive benefits program includes a traditional PPO Plan with a $1,500 deductible as well as a high deductible health care plan, with a $3,000 deductible. Benefits offer ex- cellent wellness coverage, including reimbursement for gym memberships, nutritional counseling, weight loss programs (including online) and a free smoking-cessation program. For the fourth year in a row, JMG passed on no increases to employee health insurance; instead, all increased costs were absorbed by the company. A partnership with Smith RX provides eligible employees with a patient as- sistance program for high-cost medica- tions. Health benefits offer a virtual "Doctor On Demand" program. JMG contributes up to $500 per year to retirement plans — whether em- ployees contribute or not. In addition, JMG contributes a match percentage based on employee contribution and length of service. Wings for Children and Families 'Wingsaversary day' and office gift bags T here's no better way to describe the work culture at Wings for Children and Families than by asking staff. Here are some highlighted responses: "Wings encourages a very positive, friendly and fun work environment." "Wings allows their employees to 'do the work' and trusts us to man- age our scheduled needs and clients." "Our benefits package is more than generous. I feel that I can grow here at Wings." "Never have I ever worked for an agency where I have felt so valued. I'm not just a person filling a seat." Others cite added bonuses like "Wing- saversary day" — a paid day off — rec- ognition and staff days, flexibility dur- ing the pandemic, working-from-home, self-care days. Employees also value the resources and training the agency provides so they can get ahead. They cited as a wonder- ful surprise the "Welcome back to the office" gift bags, for employees returning from a stint working from home. There was also additional pay for every hour worked for a period of time during the pandemic, plus a stipend was given to staff during the pandemic to help offset additional costs due to work- ing from home. I n g e n e r a l , the agency lets employees leave early the day be- fore major holidays and also offers ad- ditional paid time off on top of 12 paid holidays. When the agency does well financially, it gives all employees quarterly bonuses. Wings uses a health management organization with a Health Savings Ac- count, to which the agency contributes $1,652 in a policy year to help with copays and deductibles. The plan provides reim- bursement for gym memberships up to $150 per year. An Employee Assistance Program is provided free. And employees can use telehealth to meet with their providers. A wellness committee run by staff brainstorms activities, along with educational resources and ideas. Career development is valued here. That's provided through certifications, business education workshops and/ or conferences, along with leadership courses, professional conferences, in- house specialists for in-house trainings, peer-to-peer sharing, and even help with student loans deferred and/or forgiven. Staff parties and events are always a blast, with gift swaps, door decorating, dessert contests and even impromptu mini staff-parades. JMG 65 Stone St. Augusta, ME 04330 jmg.org Top local executive: Craig Larrabee, President & CEO Number of Maine employees: 151 Wings for Children and Families 900 Hammond St., Suite 915 Bangor, ME 04401 wingsinc.org Top local executive: Trish Niedorowski, Executive Director Number of Maine employees: 59 # 1 # 2 Group photo at Portland High School announcing JMG as the TD Beach to Beacon Race Beneficiary for 2020. Fun and Games at the Best Place to Work