Here are top winners among midsize companies with 150 to 499 employees.
A subsidiary of New York-based Loews Corp., Boardwalk Pipelines is a privately held midstream company focused on natural gas and natural gas liquids. It was formed in 2005 after Loews acquired Texas Gas Transmission in 2003 and Gulf South Pipeline in 2004
The Houston-based company owns and operates more than 14,000 miles of pipelines and storage assets across 13 states. The firm provides transportation and storage services to producers and end-users who need natural gas for power generation, home heating or petrochemical feed stocks.
More than 250 of the company’s 1,215 employees work in Houston. In surveys, workers said they are encouraged to take on new challenges.
“Boardwalk Pipeline has a positive culture, open-door policy and good work/life balance,” wrote one employee..
No. 3: G&A Partners
Houston-based G&A Partners is an human resources outsourcing firm that helps companies take care of their employees across several states. G&A manages back-office administrative functions by giving companies access to a team of human resources, benefits and payroll experts.
Founded in 1995, G&A Partners was named to the Inc. 5000 ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing companies for the 18th time in August. Of the company’s nearly 625 employees nationwide, 236 are in Houston.
In addition to a yearly bonus program, benefits include a choice of a Sam’s Club or Costco membership and a monthly gym membership reimbursement. Employee engagement events such as karaoke nights, school supply drives and fundraising programs are mostly planned by employees.
“The atmosphere is welcoming and open. We are encouraged to do our best work and share potential improvements in processes,” stated on employee.
No. 4: Central Bank
Central Bank’s roots trace back to 1956 with the founding of Montrose National Bank of Houston, making it the longest-serving independent bank in Houston, according to the company.
With 163 employees, the bank offers a range of business, personal and online banking services. The bank makes lending decisions locally and boasts a “dedication to small-town service in the nation’s fourth-largest city.”
The bank serves customers online and from four branches in Houston: its headquarters on Clay Road and Beltway 8 in west Houston, Post Oak Place near the Galleria, the Heights at 1550 W. 18th and Lower Heights at 2799 Katy Freeway, which replaced the Midtown Branch. It also has a factoring subsidiary with locations in Houston, Austin and El Paso.
Regular employee feedback survey and listening sessions resulted in changes such as a hybrid work environment for positions that can work off-site, a leadership development program and a Fun Club that hosts events and provides employees appreciation gifts.
No. 5: O’Donnell/Snider Construction
Houston-based general contractor O’Donnell/Snider Construction employs almost 160 people specializing in projects across four divisions: corporate interiors, capital improvements, health care/research and new construction.
Founded in 1991 by Randy O’Donnell and Trey Snider, the 10-time Top Workplaces winner recently celebrated its move to a new full floor office at 1900 W. Loop South in the Galleria area. The company prides itself on delivering projects on time and on budget.
For one recent project, the firm hosted a “topping out” celebration for the Houston Zoo’s new five-story headquarters building signaling the building reached its final height. Other festivities include an annual spring crawfish boil.
In surveys, employees expressed appreciation for training and mentoring opportunities they receive.
“I am constantly put in position to learn: to better round out my skills, fill gaps in knowledge that I have not acquired,” wrote one employee. “I have never felt more supported by an employer.”
Read More: Top Workplaces midsize companies provide support and encouragement