13 Utah firms win Work/Life Awards

Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Mar 22, 2006 by Deseret Morning News

Thirteen Utah companies have won the Utah Department of Workforce Services' 2006 Work/Life Awards.

In its eighth year, the program recognizes companies creating "exceptional workplaces and businesses by effectively addressing employee work/life needs."

Winners in the three award categories are:

Micro (fewer than 50 employees): Petzl America, Sewell Direct and Utah Foster Care Foundation.

Medium (50 to 500 employees): Basic Research, Futura Industries, Nicholas & Co., Redmond Inc. and Sunshine Terrace Foundation.

Large (more than 500 employees): 1-800-CONTACTS, ARUP Laboratories, Citi Cards, Mountain America Credit Union and Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Utah.

"It was so difficult to choose the winners this year, since the finalists were such an exceptional group of employers," said Lynette Rasmussen, director of the Office of Work & Family Life.

"It's great to see that these businesses are benefiting from their work/life practices, in terms of improved productivity, commitment, retention, recruitment and morale; along with declines in absenteeism, turnover, health care and training costs. These companies are leaders in Utah -- they set the example, and we're delighted to be honoring them at the Work/Life Awards celebration."

That celebration luncheon will be April 18 at the downtown Hilton in Salt Lake City. Tickets and more information are available online at jobs.utah.gov/occ/foremployers.asp or by calling 801-526-4321.