Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­

It’s often easy to put a finger on exactly why someone likes their job, and if there’s more than one thing to like, that says something good about the workplace. But what does it say if there are almost too many reasons to list?

Employees at CMR Risk & Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­ Services Inc. in San Diego, California, came up with long lists of reasons why they like working there on nominating forms to vote for their firm in Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­ Journal’s annual 2024 Best Agencies to Work For survey. CMR Risk took home Silver — Best Agency West.

“Our agency stands out as the best place to work because of its commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and innovative work environment,” one employee wrote. “We prioritize employee well-being through comprehensive benefit systems, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for continuous professional development. The collaborative atmosphere here encourages every team member to contribute their unique strengths, knowing their voices are valued and their efforts recognized.”

The employee also said leaders there are “deeply invested” in the success of employees, and they promote “a culture of transparency, trust, and mutual respect.”

The firm has 55 employees and reports annual revenues of $14.85 million. Its specialties include construction, real estate, nonprofits, surety, complex workers’ compensation and employee benefits.

Employees didn’t hold back on giving reasons why their firm is a great place to work.

“CMR Risk & Å˽ðÁ«´«Ã½Ó³»­ Services stands out as one of the best agencies to work for due to its strong commitment to employee development, supportive work environment, and emphasis on work-life balance,” an employee wrote. “At CMR, employees are not just valued team members but are seen as integral to the company’s success. The agency fosters a culture of continuous learning and growth, offering ample opportunities for professional development through training programs, certifications, and mentorship.”

The leadership employs an array of metrics to measure how employees feel about the firm, including a quarterly Employee Net Promoter Score (a survey asking employees to rate how highly they’d recommend someone to work there), and a Trailing Twelve Month Turnover (a measurement of employee retention).

Those are just some of several methods the firm’s leaders use to get a handle on employee satisfaction, according to CEO Travis Pearson, who’s been in the insurance business for 30 years.

“The working experience is a huge thing for us,” Pearson said. “Our bottom line and our top line are the result of the quality of our people. If we focus on being able to recruit and retain the best people by creating a desirable place to work, the top line and bottom line just follow suit.”

Based on the variety of comments from employees, it makes sense that the firm’s leaders have numerous ways to measure how their employees feel.

“CMR delivers. We have two new office spaces, great technology, great leadership and company wide communication,” wrote another employee.

“Fun events, training, and lots of community/charity involvement. Leaders keep us in the loop with finances, goals and issues.”

There was one common theme among the nominations: Employees feel appreciated and connected to management.

“CMR cares for not only the employee completing the job but the employee as a whole. Everyone from our CEO to our admin support team is very appreciative, easy going and open/willing to have a conversation,” an employee wrote.

“CMR also ensures the employee is taken care of from a health standpoint, work/life balance and mentally, offering a wide benefits package as well as trainings to help employees be better,” they said.