HARTFORD, Conn. (April 1, 2024) – Bradley, Foster & Sargent has been named among the “Best Places to Work in Connecticut” for 2024 by the Hartford Business Journal. This is the second consecutive year the firm has earned this distinction.
This year’s winners were chosen following a two-part assessment by third-party research firm Workforce Research Group. The results were based partially on a survey of the employer, accounting for 20% of the final score, as well as an employee questionnaire, which accounted for 80% of the outcome.
“Having a team that is engaged and thriving is critical to the success of our firm,” said Galan Daukas, BFS president and CEO. “Our people work hard to assure that our clients are getting the best results on their investments and they deserve to be treated well. This recognition gives us confidence that we are providing the benefits, opportunities and accommodations that create a culture of excellence and belonging.”
In recognizing the firm, HBJ highlighted a number of BFS policies and programs, including immediate healthcare benefit eligibility for full-time employees, 100% employer-paid life insurance and full pay for maternity leave. HBJ also noted that half of leadership positions at the firm are held by women.
HBJ acknowledged, as well, that the firm had shifted its staff to 80% remote or hybrid, from 5% pre-pandemic, and that it is paying for employees’ home office furniture and equipment.
“In this crazy post-pandemic time, we are now realizing the permanence of the changes we were forced to make during the public health crisis, in many instances, just to survive,” said Peter Burke, president of the Workforce Research Group, in the article announcing the winners. “This shift continues to present huge labor force challenges. But, the Best Places to Work have addressed them all, keeping their employees interested, engaged and balanced.”
HBJ also recognized the importance of fun and relaxation to BFS’s workplace culture, calling attention to team-building activities including holiday parties, picnics and sports outings, as well as boat cruises and getaways to celebrate the firm’s growth.