We’ve Been Named a Top Workplace – and Here’s Why

By Carie Sommer

Earlier this spring, we were excited to announce that our company made USA TODAY’s 2025 Top Workplaces list. This designation is a significant milestone for us, and it’s all thanks to the wonderful culture we’ve built together. The award symbolizes our commitment to creating an atmosphere where employees feel valued, engaged, and supported in their professional and personal lives. And that’s something to celebrate!

Why This Matters

Receiving this designation goes beyond just winning an award. It affirms what we’ve always believed: our people are the heart and soul of our company. It also highlights our commitment to creating a positive and engaging work environment. What’s additionally significant? This accolade was based solely on employee feedback.

How We Achieved Top Workplaces Status

Last summer, our staff participated in an employee engagement survey – issued by the Pennsylvania-based research company Energage – to capture their honest sentiments about their experiences working here. The survey captured insights into important factors such as leadership, communication, work-life-balance, and opportunities for growth. Rankings are tied to the results of the survey, with the highest-rated organizations earning a spot on the roster.

Energage conducts Top Workplaces surveys throughout 65 markets, partnering with media partners across the country – among them, The Boston Globe, The Denver Post, and the Chicago Tribune. Additionally, Energage collaborates with USA Today for the national Top Workplaces USA program.

In total, Energage has surveyed over 2 million employees from more than 8,000 organizations. The USA TODAY Top Workplaces awards are available for organizations with 150 or more U.S. employees. To qualify, organizations must achieve a response rate to the Workplace Survey of 35% or higher. (We had about an 80% rate, and, in addition to the USA TODAY recognition, we’re proud to have also received two Culture Excellence Awards last fall and a recently awarded 2025 Top Workplaces for Engineering award!)

What Our Staff Said

Our staff had some wonderful things to say about Ayres. One employee expressed their love for working with great people who are committed not only to our clients but also to each other. They feel that their contributions are respected and welcomed, and they appreciate working with colleagues who are both committed and excellent at what they do. Additionally, they enjoy the freedom to pursue their passions outside of work and the variety of projects they get to work on. It’s incredibly rewarding to hear such positive feedback from our employees. At Ayres, we strive to create an environment where staff feel valued and supported, and our Human Resources team greatly appreciates hearing that our efforts are making a meaningful impact.

What This Means Moving Forward

We’re thrilled with our achievement, but this does not mean our journey is over. Achieving the status of a Top Workplace is not a one-time recognition – it’s a continuous pledge. We remain dedicated to listening, learning, and evolving to ensure our company remains a vibrant environment where our employees feel engaged, empowered, and excited about what their future holds with us.

The Impact of Our Top Workplaces Designation

This award not only validates our vibrant internal culture but also enhances our external reputation. We’re hoping our designation will help us attract the best talent in the industry, strengthen relationships with our valued clients and partners, and remind our devoted employees that they’re part of a pretty special organization. Becoming a top workplace is an achievement that belongs to all of us. Our people shape our dynamic culture and make Ayres a place where people want to be. We extend our gratitude to our staff for making this possible. Here’s to building an even brighter future together. Join us in shaping the future. Explore career opportunities at Ayres and become part of our award-winning team. Visit Ayres.Careers to learn more.