When it comes to having a winning company culture, Evans Manufacturing (asi/52840) – the highest-ranking large company on this year’s list – is getting things right. It’s a result of the conscious cultivation of a workplace environment that’s all about trust, teamwork and respect.

“Those three words capture the spirt and essence of not only what Evans is, but who Evans is,” says Ron Williams, chief marketing officer.

Employees agree.

Dawn Imus, customer service lead, says there’s a strong sense of being part of a “work family,”  whether one is in an office position or in a warehouse role. “Evans employees all work as a great team, with the same work ethic, to get the job done and treat our customers with the utmost respect,” Imus says.

“The number-one reason people love working here is the family-oriented atmosphere,” states Thu Tran, credit and collections manager. “Every employee has a name and isn’t just a headcount number.”

As with every company, COVID-19 created complications for Evans’ working arrangements, but the Garden Grove, CA-based supplier has certainly adapted. Stefani Shubin, special projects manager, shares that flexible work hours and a hybrid model that allows for in-office and remote work (where positions allow) have been welcomed boons during the ongoing pandemic. “Managers are flexible to accommodate employees,” says Shubin. “We appreciate this.”

To ensure success in a hybrid model, Evans has been proactive about amply supporting employees and ensuring they feel connected to their teammates.

“The number-one reason people love working here is the family-oriented atmosphere. Every employee has a name and isn’t just a headcount number.” Thu Tran, Evans Manufacturing

“We’ve created functions and gatherings, using appropriate protocols for safety, to do what we can to continue to build a sense of community and belonging to the Evans family,” says Williams. “Meals, raffles – just fun things to break up the workday and bring a smile to a face.”

Good communication about safety protocols has enabled employees to feel safe when on-site, as have enhancements like installing shields in the lunchroom and adding stations in several locations for workers to check temperatures.

It’s all part of the culture of sincere caring, which many employees say is the top benefit of working at Evans, along with the fact that the company recognizes success/hard work and compensates workers properly.

Williams cites how employees really appreciate the quality and character of their teammates. “Being aligned with others,” he says, “really turns a ‘job’ into something far greater; it results in pride and personal accomplishments.”

Companies that want to create a similar culture of camaraderie, productivity and employee loyalty would do well to hire employees who have the character, values and work ethic to match such a culture. To attract such workers, do right by them. “Be flexible and be open,” says Shubin. “Pay employees what they’re worth.”

The approach is garnering results for Evans.

“We always aim to hire the right person for the right seat, and treat that person with respect,” says Williams. “Don’t micromanage and acknowledge victories and successes. Following such practices creates cohesion, strength and stability in a workforce.”