Ingredients for a Best Place to Work: When you sell a product category like awards, it’s safe to say recognition is baked in. But at Crystal D (asi/47759), the company tries to ensure that its employees feel the same special “wow” factor coming to work that their clients do upon receiving their product – whether it’s peer-led recognition initiatives that allow for public shout-outs at the company’s annual “Wow Day” celebration or the buddies program for new employees to connect with more experienced ones for a familiar face during meetings.

Crystal D’s (asi/47759) annual Wow Day recognizes employee achievements with a widespread company celebration, held last year at the Mall of America.

“I think there’s a difference between fitting in and having a sense of belonging, and I think people choose to stick around because they feel like they really belong,” says Natalie Albers, marketing communications manager. “We’re lucky that we’re in the business of celebration, but I think having that constant reminder makes coming to work feel less like work and even more like a calling.”

Top Benefits & Perks: Crystal D has a comprehensive benefits package and frequent employee engagement events, from community outreach to an intensely competitive game of musical chairs at the annual holiday party. The supplier also has a thoughtful approach to time off. One policy that’s proved particularly meaningful to the company’s “Memory Makers” is its fall school send-off: PTO to see the kiddos in their life off for the first day of school each year. “It’s how we honor your families,” says Internal Marketing Manager Audra Lehnert, “and what your roles are outside of here.”

Parting Tip: “Foster recognition that is self-led, not top-down,” Albers says. “Recognition at Crystal D is mostly peer-to-peer, with leaders, of course, participating, but not driving the culture. Recognition is just what we do; it’s infused in our everyday.”

If Crystal D Were a Movie, It Would Be The Incredibles. “Everyone has different strengths,” Albers says. “Trust, communication and teamwork are essential. We’re quirky and funny – but very serious when it counts.”