将虚拟现实融入工作场所：最佳用例和挑战
世界各地的组织发现，越来越倾向于采用开放式办公室文化，并利用可以重新发明协作并简化分散业务运营的新时代消息传递工具。虚拟现实等智能技术正在从个人生活转向工作场所。这些技术不仅改变了我们的会面和协作方式，而且还改变了我们工作的物理环境。
戴尔的一项名为“未来劳动力全球研究”的劳动力研究显示，员工，特别是千禧一代，希望在不久的将来能够在智能办公室工作，因为许多员工都认为他们当前的办公室不够智能。Universum是一家位于新加坡的雇主品牌研究公司，另外一项研究表明，新加坡有49％的Z代人认为VR将彻底改变工作。虚拟现实就是这样一种技术，通过帮助吸引最优秀的人才并提高工作效率，可以帮助提高工作场所的智能性。
能够将员工传送到千里之外办公室外部世界的纯粹想法可能有助于提高员工的工作效率，同时降低他们的压力水平。这是在世界正在谈论SpaceVR的时候 - 一个创建虚拟太空旅游的平台，它将成为世界上第一个进入太空的虚拟现实相机卫星。感谢在虚拟，增强和现在混合现实空间中取得的技术进步。来自微软，三星和Oculus等公司的耳机让世界变得更加有趣。
虚拟现实在游戏和娱乐行业引发了风暴，它具有改变通信和协作的能力，使坐在不同位置的员工能够在一个虚拟会议室中聚集在一起。
虽然该技术在游戏和娱乐行业引发了风暴，但虚拟现实的真正力量在于它们如何改变通信和协作，从而使位于不连续位置的员工能够在一个虚拟会议室中聚集在一起。总部设在新加坡的全球专业招聘团队Hays董事总经理林恩·罗德说：“虚拟现实创造的可能性数量令人震惊。一旦我们开始探索它可以实施的多种方式，它就可以对工作世界产生重大影响“。一种技术是增强现实，它带来了许多应用领域，如培训。所以是微软正在支持的混合现实。
让工作场所真正聪明
今天的劳动力将未来的工作场所定义为不再是“遏制”的场所，而是他们可以见面，学习和分享经验以及合作创意的地方。工作场所基础设施已经成为留住聪明员工的关键原因之一，领导者绝对不应忽视这一点。在工作空间的VR方面，远程办公和远程呈现对专业人士非常有用，因为它可以灵活地在任何地方工作，无需从A点到B点进行虚拟会议，节省了时间和金钱。VR的使用扩展到公司的所有部门 - 从人力资源到进行培训，到可以使用VR模拟器进行设计和测试的工程师和设计师。
Gartner表示，虽然VR需要时间才能在企业中充分实现，但越来越多的解决方案提供商专注于虚拟工作场所，并且这一领域的创新正在快速增长。像微软和思科这样的公司已经推出了产品，现在Oculus通过他们的Oculus for Business，Oculus Desktop和Facebook Spaces计划与他们的母公司Facebook一起投入了大量资金。
“为了让虚拟工作场所真正实现，需要发生许多技术，流程和文化变革，但具有前瞻性的组织应该追踪这一领域正在取得的进展，”Gartner说。
“当涉及到企业或工作场所时，我们仍然处于使用旧的传统产品的阶段，这些产品具有非常糟糕的体验和用户界面。但是我可以看到企业在员工经验，福利，学习和培训方面花费大量资金的变化，人力资源技术创业公司Leena AI首席产品官Sarthak Saini说。
虚拟现实的使用案例
根据最近与戴尔合作的TEDx班加罗尔沙龙解释，VR初创公司Merxius表示，目前VR有无数的应用。它被广泛用于工程，制造和医疗保健领域的培训。因此，在实际执行VR之前，医生正在VR中测试复杂的外科手术。对于设计人员而言，首先在VR上完成的设计可以让客户在实施之前了解设置。在教育方面，太阳能系统只是作为教科书中的图片存在，但是使用VR可以获得触觉和感觉，体验它的大小，就像你实际上在那里一样。
“最新的VR技术可以帮助员工更加切合实际地预期工作和责任。这减少了调整和转换到角色的时间，使它们更有效率，并为日常工作增添了乐趣，“戴尔印度客户解决方案集团总经理Indrajit Belgundi说。如今，企业已采用这些技术帮助员工在工作中获得更多投入和积极性。品牌已经发现了游戏化移动应用或产品的好处，提高了用户参与度和品牌忠诚度。
例如，客户服务培训要求教师员工如何影响，保留和理解客户要求，以及使用问候语，肢体语言，适当的语调和处理客户投诉的最佳方式。如果学习是假设的话，这些技能组合很难磨练。然而，借助虚拟现实，雇主能够模拟现实生活中的情况，Indrajit补充道。
“在学习和培训方面，我看到了虚拟现实的巨大空间。在制造业，制药公司或消费品公司，员工需要信息触手可及，虚拟现实可能具有很大的用途，“赛尼说。让我们举一个例子，假设销售员工去客户展示产品。现在，他们可以借助虚拟现实展示实时产品，而不是展示长PPT或演示视频。Saini认为，在某种程度上，它减少了销售周期。虚拟现实在培训新加入者时非常有用，而不是讲座，他们可以使用VR查看产品的详细信息。此外，通过在培训新员工期间使用VR，您还可以帮助他们对他们将要执行的工作有更加现实的期望。这减少了调整和转换到角色的时间，从长远来看，它们的工作效率更高。此外，它很有趣。
已经有很多工具可以帮助企业与自由职业者甚至远距离的员工合作。管理人员倾向于满足于Skype或Slack的对话，并认为他们使实时协作尽可能真实。但是，当VR也进入这个等式时，以前不可避免的时间浪费会大幅减少，Saini总结道。
为工作场所提供VR
尽管围绕这些技术进行了大量炒作和投资，但VR市场仍然处于起步阶段，即便在那些推动创新的市场中也不稳定。为了采用VR，企业需要创造一种工作场所文化，将新技术的使用视为达到目的的最终目的 - 最终改善公司并促进员工个人成功。
正如戴尔技术公司的REALIZE 2030：人机合作伙伴关系的下一个时代所概述的那样，据估计，2030年将存在的85％的工作尚未发明，他们所需要的技能尚未确定。 。Indrajit认为，“为了取得成功，人们将需要使用VR等新技术进行学习，这使得获取新知识的能力比知识本身更有价值。”
价格和内容将定义VR在工作场所的成熟度。从工作场所培训的角度来看，创建VR内容的成本和难度是关键参数。组织需要对VR进行大量投资才能使其在办公室成为现实。与任何其他连接技术一样，VR也带来了网络安全挑战，感受专家。
挑战将是有趣的 - 看看未来工作文化和奖励与奖励模式将如何变化。Indrajit总结道：“当我们创新并采用新技术时，我们应该问问自己为什么要这样做，以及它对我们的员工，客户和更大的社会会产生什么影响。”
以上为AI翻译，内容仅供参考。
原文链接：Plugging Virtual Reality into workplace: Top use cases and challenges
工作场所
2018年11月02日
工作场所
Envoy筹集4300万美元打造数字化办公室
文/Jon Russell
办公室可能看起来不像是一个迫切需要破坏的区域，但Envoy——一家硅谷公司为此筹集了4300万美元。
这家公司用5年的时间，用一种简单的基于ipad的方式将签到簿数字化，并通过一个简单的扫描条形码的自动化系统向办公室交付转移。在这两种情况下，警报都是直接发送到使用应用程序收集商品的人或访问者。
这个概念很简单：没有笔和纸，没有电话或提示，一切都是数字化的。
结果是办公室工作人员的生活更轻松，前台工作人员的工作效率也更高，他们有更多时间从事重要项目
这一新的B系列资本使Envoy迄今筹集了5950万美元。该轮由Menlo Ventures牵头，现有支持者Initialized Capital和Andreessen Horowitz的参与。Envoy上一轮是2015年1500万美元的A系列，其种子投资者包括Marc Benioff以及Initialized Capital合伙人Gary Tan和Alexis Ohanian。
自第一笔150万美元的种子交易以来，Envoy显然已经扩大。首席执行官兼创始人Larry Gadea在19岁加入谷歌后在谷歌工作了4年，后来为Twitter工作。迄今为止，已有超过3200万名访客注册，Gadea尤其感到自豪的是，该公司每天1万家公司中的80%——其中包括Yelp、Mailchimp和乐天(Rakuten)等知名公司——都位于硅谷之外。他正确地断言，这证明这个问题不仅仅是硅谷/第一世界的问题，就像硅谷衍生出的许多想法一样。
“增长绝对是疯狂的。这是一款非常受欢迎的产品……人们看到它，使用它，然后把它带回公司，”Gadea解释说，她从加拿大的高中就加入了谷歌。“我们的多数交易都是通过境内交易完成的。”
有机增长是一个良好的开端，但4300万美元是很大一笔钱，它将被用于进一步推动事情，并扩大目前约100人的Envoy团队。您可以从公司获得更多新的办公室数字化，因为它的最终目标是使整个办公室变得更加智能。这可能包括会议室预订和其他小件产品，当放在一起时，Gadea希望工人可以专注于他们的工作，而不是不必要的管理员。就像特使与前台工作人员一样。
“我们以前台和登录而闻名，但我认为它真的很有趣，我们的未来在哪里，办公室的其余部分就是如此破碎，”他解释道。“我们可以追求很多低调的成果。”
Gadea在宣布新一轮的Envoy博客文章中解释了一点：
虽然我们通过基于iPad的自动登录帮助现代化超过10,000个游说，并开始为邮件收发室的混乱带来一些订单，但工作场所的其余部分基本上没有受到影响：人们正在丢失他们的钥匙/徽章（并被锁定离开他们的办公室！），会议室是预留的，但没人住，灯/暖气在下班后留下，有各种各样的不合时宜的东西报告，等等。产品在哪里修理所有这些东西？并将它们统一起来。
Envoy最终的愿景是建立一种“办公操作系统”平台，让其他公司可以依靠。Gadea将这种潜在的影响比作Nest的智能产品对家庭的影响，Nest的智能产品从恒温器开始。
Gadea仍在为该平台命名，他并没有确切说明该平台可能包含哪些功能。当然，现在基金又增加了4300万美元，人们对前台可能(首先)是一个温和的提议的期望已经提高了。
以上为AI翻译，内容仅供参考。
原文链接：Envoy raises $43 million to digitize your office
工作场所
2018年10月29日
工作场所
未来的工作场所是数字化的一项新的全球研究揭示了数字化工作场所的优势和潜力。
惠普公司(Hewlett Packard Enterprise)阿鲁巴(Aruba)的一项最新全球研究显示，在数字化工作场所工作的员工不仅工作效率更高，而且更有积极性，工作满意度更高，整体幸福感更强。
这项名为“数字化革命”的研究揭示了数字化工作场所的潜力，揭示了更多由数字化驱动的工作场所所带来的商业和人类利益，以及技术不那么先进的公司如何面临落后于竞争、无法吸引顶尖人才的风险。
报告还指出，公司必须保持警惕，因为更多精通数字技术的员工将使企业在数据和信息安全方面面临更大的风险。
以下是该研究的一些主要发现，该研究以信息图表的形式涵盖了来自15个国家的7000名员工，下文将提供更多细节。
除了生产力之外，数字工具还能释放人类利益
“数字革命者” - 被认定为在全新的技术广泛使用的全功能数字化工作场所工作的员工 - 工作满意度提高51％，比起“数字落后者”——那些工作场所技术的获取较少的人，他们有43％更有可能对于自己的工作与生活平衡持积极态度 。
革命员工也表示他们有工作动力的可能性高出56％，并且赞扬公司愿景的可能性高出83％。
数字化工作也支持专业发展
近三分之二(65%)的革命者表示，他们通过使用数字技术看到了专业发展和增长，相比之下，只有31%的落后者如此。
在数字化的工作环境中，72%的革命者认为他们有更强的能力去接受新的工作技能，而落后的58%。
量化数字技术带来的生产力增长
近四分之三（73％）的数字革命者报告对其生产力产生了积极影响，70％的人认为数字技术带来了更好的协作，而落后者只有55％。
数字技术和自动化的不断进步为更好的工作场所体验铺平了道路
虽然自动化可以被视为对工作安全的威胁，但我们的研究发现，人们对自动化有着广泛的热情。
超过七成(71%)的受访者表示，他们欢迎在未来5-10年内有一个完全自动化的工作场所，让组织能够构建更智能、更有效的工作环境。
Herman Miller工作场所战略，设计和管理总监约瑟夫·怀特说：“无论是哪个行业，我们都看到了以人为中心的地方，因为企业正在努力满足人们对工作方式的快速变化的期望。”
“这取决于将科技进步(包括家具)与认知科学相结合，帮助人们以新的方式参与工作。这不仅意味着个人获得独特的、优质的体验，也意味着组织有机会吸引和留住最优秀的人才。”
德勤战略与运营董事总经理弗朗西斯科•阿科巴(Francisco Acoba)补充道:“‘工作场所’一词的本质正在发生变化，因为企业开始意识到，有效的空间是以体验为中心的，必须适应跨越几代人的工作风格和性格类型。”
“这引领了新的进程，IT解决方案、建筑系统和家具与人类和谐互动，创造了这样的空间。无论您的企业的具体情况如何，当空间成为用户体验的积极参与者时，它从根本上受益。毕竟，在空间感到舒适的员工能完成任务。那些不这样做的人最终会转向一个更有吸引力的选择。”
新兴风险
该研究还发现，员工对新技术充满热情，并希望雇主能够提供更多。
在整个亚太地区，几乎所有受访者（98％）都认为通过更多地使用技术可以改善他们的工作场所，而70％的受访者表示，如果没有实施新技术，他们的公司将落后于竞争对手。
超过三分之二（67％）的人认为，由于技术的进步，传统办公室将会过时。
亚太地区约75％的受访者表示他们的公司在过去一年中投资了数字工作场所工具，并且对新一代技术的兴趣正在增长，包括自动控制温度和照明的智能建筑工具（14％），语音激活和无线AV技术（16％），以及定制企业移动应用程序（11％）。
大多数受访者认为数字技术将带来更高效（63％），更具协作性（53％）和更具吸引力（52％）的工作环境。
虽然数字化工作场所的好处是广泛的，但该研究还表明，网络安全对雇主来说是一个挑战。
尽管员工报告的网络安全意识水平较高（56％经常或每天都考虑安全性），但他们也承认公司数据和设备承担更多风险，73％的人承认存在风险行为，如共享密码和设备。
在过去的12个月中，四分之一（25％）的员工已经连接到可能不安全的开放式Wi-Fi。五分之一（20％）的受访者表示他们在多个应用程序和帐户中使用相同的密码，并且几乎同样多的人（17％）承认写下密码以便记住密码。
前进的道路
这些调查结果表明，企业必须适应新的数字化工作场所技术的优势，同时将安全风险降至最低。Aruba建议组织采取以下措施：
采用数字化工作场所战略
IT部门需要与业务经理，最终用户和其他利益相关方合作，为他们的数字化工作场所演变制定路线图。这包括超越既定技术，部署新工具，如智能传感器和定制移动应用程序，这些应用程序将创建日益个性化的工作场所体验。
构建协作式数字工作空间
公司需要考虑数字化工作场所如何扩展到总部以外，以支持远程工作人员，合作伙伴和客户。IT领导者需要计划并投资于无国界的工作环境。
从头开始整合安全性
公司必须将安全性作为设计的一个组成部分来构建数字化工作场所，同时考虑到人为错误以及不良行为者的角色。为了实现能够适应变化和未知因素的最佳安全性，IT必须关注网络，云计算，AI和机器学习等新兴技术。
注：以上内容由AI翻译，观点仅供参考。
阅读完整的报告：Digital Revolutionaries unlock the potential of the Digital Workplace
原文链接：Infographic: The future workplace is digital
工作场所
2018年09月11日
工作场所
2018年50个最佳工作场所一览 The 50 Best Workplaces for Giving Back in 2018
By FORTUNE EDITORS February 9, 2018
现今，员工对企业的要求越来越多，而不再仅限于对薪水和身份的需求 - 他们希望自己的工作有正面的影响。但是现在的企业慈善捐款往往只是公关活动。但对于以下这些公司来说，并非如此，这些公司所做的超越了他们的使命，他们捐出现金，贡献专业知识以及大量志愿时间。“财富”合作伙伴Great Place to Work，梳理了成千上万的员工调查，通过员工评选出了在变革创新方面做的最好的企业，汇集出了以下50家美国公司名单。
Increasingly, employees are asking for more from companies than just a paycheck and an ID badge—they want to know their work has a positive impact. But corporate philanthropic contributions these days often seem like little more than PR campaigns. Not so at these companies, which truly go above and beyond in their mission to give back—donating cash, expertise, and lots (and lots) of volunteer hours. Fortune partner Great Place to Work combed through hundreds of thousands of employee surveys to compile the following list of the U.S. companies that workers say are doing the best job at making a difference.
Click here to read more about the list, and find out more about how the ranking is compiled here.
1. Salesforce
Courtesy of Salesforce
Employees say:
“Salesforce really cares about giving back to the community. You get additional time off specifically for volunteering, and my manager strongly encourages me to take it, and takes her time herself. I feel like I can trust executives to ‘put their money where their mouth is’ when they make commitments. For example, Marc Benioff himself personally supports a variety of causes, as well as advocating for them publicly.”
“Salesforce’s dedication to Volunteer Time Off and other philanthropic initiatives is unlike anything I’ve experienced or even heard about at other companies. It is an important part of our culture from top to bottom.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Francisco
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 27,070
Total Philanthropic Donations: $177,200,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
2. Bank of America
Courtesy of Bank of America
Employees say:
“Our volunteer efforts are second-to-none. We are encouraged to engage in our community as a way to make our city better. This means discussions about economic mobility, race relations, hunger and literacy, and any other issue that we feel personally inspired to support. Each employee is given two hours a week to volunteer to help spark that process.”
“The company is constantly looking for ways to contribute to the community. Recently we had a book drive and donated over 450 books to a local community outreach center.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Charlotte, N.C.
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 200,000
Total Philanthropic Donations: $176,173,927
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
3. Cisco
Courtesy of Cisco
Employees say:
“The community service program is outstanding, whether donating funds or time. Five work days annually for giving back to the community is generous. I love reading the stories of how employees have chosen to use their time around the world. The matching gift program is extremely generous, and the funds provided for volunteer hours is so beneficial.”
“I love the unique week of time off we get to volunteer in the community.That shows that Cisco is committed to being a part of the community and makes me proud to work here.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Jose, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 72,063
Total Philanthropic Donations: $309,400,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
4. Merck
Courtesy of Merck
Employees say:
“Volunteering with community programs (individually or as part of a group) is both encouraged and supported with financial gift programs to these organizations and time away from work to support the community (for instance the United Way Day of Action). To me, this shows that “Merck gives back” is not just a slogan, but a way of doing business and being a good neighbor and citizen in the local community.”
“It’s great that they encourage you to volunteer during work hours. Volunteering gives you the personal satisfaction of knowing that you’re helping out while making you feeling more fulfilled. It makes you a more well-rounded person.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Kenilworth, N.J.
Industry: Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Worldwide employees: 69,000
Total Philanthropic Donations: $910,600,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
5. Nvidia
Photograph by Joshua A. Wise
Employees say:
“Nvidia is committed to supporting our community and making it a better place to live. Several years ago we opted out of holiday parties and instead spent that money and hundreds/thousands of employee hours to invest in refreshing schools nearby with facelifts, new equipment, sod, murals, new paint. It brings Nvidian’s together for a common good, benefits schools in dire need of an upgrade and is a great team building activity. That is just one example.”
“Instead of spending money on a Christmas holiday party, we volunteer and help out the local community in our yearly event called Project Inspire. We team up to tackle things like improving local high school classrooms or enhancing playgrounds.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Santa Clara, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 10,771
Total Philanthropic Donations: $8,320,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
6. Deloitte
Courtesy of Deloitte
Employees say:
“Deloitte is committed to its communities in which it does work—especially looking for opportunities to support underprivileged members of the community. Not only do we set aside Impact Day, but we also actively support individuals pursue their passions with local charities.”
“Deloitte invests in being a good member of its community, wherever we are. Impact Day, a day of service, is an amazing keystone event, but community service also is supported and encouraged throughout the year.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: New York City
Industry: Professional Services
Worldwide employees: 87,091
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
7. Intuit
Courtesy of Intuit
Employees say:
“There is a sense of community. Whether it is to answer the call of urgent help needed by a local non-profit or to help one of our own, the company is full of great people who rally together to help. For example, an organization that helps homeless teens had their pantry robbed. One of the Intuit employees found out and started an immediate food drive and everyone started contributing. That’s just one example.”
“I’m very proud that one of our values is “We Care and Give Back,” this is a genuine value, from the special weeks of service Intuit holds to the fact that we have up to 32 hours a year we can spend on volunteer activities to serve our community.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Mountain View, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 8,223
Total Philanthropic Donations: $49,554,024
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
8. AbbVie
Courtesy of Abbvie
Employees say:
“AbbVie lets employees participate in events that benefit the community: Helping a local school set up its renovated library; assisting with cleanup a nearby state park; many other things too. ”
“AbbVie goes above and beyond to give back to the communities in which its employees work and live, and encourages employees to participate by volunteering (allowing time off to do so). ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: North Chicago
Industry: Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Worldwide employees: 27,910
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
9. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Courtesy of Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Employees say:
“In terms of non-profit philanthropic organizations, the fact that we focus on impact investing sets us apart to some degree. Every dollar that we invest with our partners is scrutinized to ensure that it is directly impacting a root cause of inequity. That makes it easy to see the line between one’s work and the benefit it provides. This feeling that you are providing genuine value to the world community is intensely satisfying.”
“We have 3:1 matching gifts for employee charitable donations including a new program to honor employee anniversary milestones at 5, 10, 15, 20, etc. years by giving $5,000+ for employees to donate. ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Seattle
Worldwide employees: 1,531
Total Philanthropic Donations: 9,522,950
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
10. Autodesk
Courtesy of Autodesk
Employees say:
“The way this company cares about the community, I’ve never been involved with another company that gives so much back. They offer so many ways for employees to be involved with volunteering, matching donations, even donating money to match volunteer hours. ”
“The Autodesk Foundation is unique in my experience, and engages with the community in ways that benefits the community and is consistent with Autodesk’s core strategies—it’s a model for how corporations can and should add value to the community.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Rafael, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 8,794
Total Philanthropic Donations: $20,900,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
11. Dixon Schwabl
Courtesy of Dixon Schwabl
Employees say:
“As someone new to the company, I love seeing how compassionate everyone is. I have yet to come across someone working here that isn’t involved with helping others in our community. I love that, it is so beautiful. I have also seen people band together to help one another during personal strife, without any hesitations. The people here, starting from the very top, are amazing! I am so glad that I am here and a part of this wonderful group of people. ”
“Each year we are given one free day of PTO to volunteer in the community. They also organize group volunteer opportunities based on people’s interests quarterly. This has allowed me to get involved in organizations I wouldn’t have had a chance to.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Victor, N.Y.
Industry: Advertising & Marketing
U.S. employees: 120
Total Philanthropic Donations: $1,600,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
12. NuStar Energy
Courtesy of NuStar
Employees say:
“Nustar also cares about the community and being able to help others, this is very genuine as it comes from the top. They also participate and donate to help others less fortunate. This is an amazing company to work for. ”
“The emphasis on giving back to the community is what drew me to NuStar in the first place. There are several opportunities for many different causes at any given time. There is something for everyone!”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Antonio, Texas
Industry: Transportation
Worldwide employees: 1,684
Total Philanthropic Donations: $9,030,223
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
13. Cadence
Courtesy of Cadence
Employees say:
“Many of us like to volunteer for community services, and the company recently expanded the volunteer time-off program and corporate matching of donations.”
“Cadence’s desire to help the community and allow employees to take additional time off to support their local charities demonstrates the company’s desire to give back and allow for good work/life balance. ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Jose, Calif.
Industry: Electronics
Worldwide employees: 7,126
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
14. VMware
Courtesy of VMware
Employees say:
“Aside from its ability to adapt and continually make industry changing contributions, this place is so philanthropic and conscious of society and the Earth. I have never felt so much inspiration to give back to my community or to adjust my lifestyle to be less of a strain on the Earth. And the best part is the company rewards you for doing so. I give this credit to our leader, Pat Gelsinger, who truly lives the values he speaks.”
“VMWare gives so much back to the community. I’ve been here 4 months and have already done Habitat for Humanity during work hours and at new hire training we did a charity event assisting the homeless in the Bay Area.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Palo Alto, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 21,098
Total Philanthropic Donations: $7,456,480
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
15. Patagonia
Courtesy of Patagonia
Employees say:
“Placing value on the environment and humanity above company profits—using the least harmful factories, using the least harmful methods to obtain raw materials for products, endorsing and supporting eco-friendly people & organizations, being a platform for positive social change through communications and rallying on the website and in interviews with the press, encouraging employees to enjoy time in nature and with each other during the workday, providing employees with opportunities to come together to work on community efforts as part of their workday, etc., etc.—carrying out all of these practices and ending up as an extremely successful company creates a very rare and positive example for the world, and it also creates a feeling of pride in me to be working for such a company.”
“Environmental activism in every store, opportunities to be involved with grassroots environmental groups. Great support in planning fun and creative events for the community.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Ventura, Calif.
Industry: Retail
Worldwide employees: 2,120
Total Philanthropic Donations: $10,900,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
16. Ultimate Software
Courtesy of Ultimate Software
Employees say:
“Ultimate also gives back to the community on a regular basis, and invites all employees to join, by giving us paid time off for community service outside our standard PTO. We also have various community service groups that are open to anyone in the company, for a variety of causes.”
“We do so many charity events, for example at a recent conference we raised money for a hospice care facility that cared for a former employee who recently passed and as a team building activity we all built 100 bikes for Kids in Distress.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Weston, Fla.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 3,792
Total Philanthropic Donations: $2,244,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
17. Genentech
Courtesy of Genentech
Employees say:
“Genentech Gives Back is not just a banner but a philosophy to take time to give back locally to our community. I really look forward to the time dedicated to give back to my community and know that this attitude prevails from coast to coast within our Genentech family.”
“I love how much Genentech cares about giving back to the community. This is one of the reasons why I am so proud to work here. I know that giving back to the community locally as well as globally is one of the values that Genentech keeps at heart.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: South San Francisco
Industry: Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
U.S. employees: 15,064
Offers PTO for Volunteering: No
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
18. Roche Diagnostics
Courtesy of Roche
Employees say:
“We are encouraged to attend events such as the Keep Indianapolis Beautiful event and the Roche Open (proceeds go to charity) even though they occur during working hours.”
“Roche continually looks for ways to enrich its employees’ lives and positively impact the community. Volunteer opportunities abound and Roche’s strategic giving is impressive. ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Indianapolis, Ind.
Industry: Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Worldwide employees: 94,000
Total Philanthropic Donations: $8,000,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
19. Texas Health Resources
Courtesy of Texas Health Resources
Employees say:
“One of the reasons Texas Health Resources is a great place to work is because our employees not only care for one another but they also care about the surrounding community. A unique example of this would be the THR Associates Campaign as well as the Employee Community Giving Campaign. Every year THR employees are given the opportunity to participate in the Associates Campaign; which helps fund select programs throughout the THR System. Additionally, employees can donate to local North Texas nonprofit organizations that share THR’s Mission, Vision, and Values during the Employee Community Giving Campaign. ”
“THR is a community focused organization, not just when it comes to healthcare, but about serving the community overall. We have FREE shred day and time off to volunteer with any organization we choose and I can’t say enough about that! ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Arlington, Texas
Industry: Health Care
U.S. employees: 21,686
Total Philanthropic Donations: $871,602,176
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
20. Elevation Church
Courtesy of Elevation Church
Employees say:
“This organization encourages growth and community with staff gatherings and events to commemorate significant milestones in our church. I have never worked for an organization that cares so much about the wellbeing of their employees and their families like this organization does.”
“I love that what we do changes people’s lives and we keep that in front of ourselves constantly. We talk about stories of life change in department meetings, at all-staff meetings and we’re encouraged to share them with any volunteer teams we lead.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Matthews, N.C.
Worldwide employees: 5
Total Philanthropic Donations: $5,657,422
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
21. Kronos
Courtesy of Kronos Incorporated
Employees say:
“Kronos truly cares about giving back to the community. They often sponsor work days at local schools, encourage local volunteering and donate to charities.”
“Kronos invests in the community. I love it that the company sponsors it and makes it happen; the company isn’t just giving people a ‘volunteer day’ each year and leaving it to us to figure out how to spend that day.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Lowell, Mass.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 5,274
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
22. Stryker
Courtesy of Stryker
Employees say:
“Stryker is committed to the community and giving back to a number of organizations. It is great to see the highest level of management volunteering in the community, donating both time and money. I also think the work we do with Operation Smile is amazing and life changing for the patients as well as the volunteers.”
“We are encouraged to contribute to making healthcare better as well as making our community better and serving those around us, and we do it as teams and as individuals and certainly more than two days per year in the majority of peoples’ cases!”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Kalamazoo, Mich.
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Worldwide employees: 28,933
Total Philanthropic Donations: $38,900,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
23. Veterans United Home Loans
Courtesy of Veteran United Home Loans
Employees say:
“The company gives constantly. Much of the focus is on the community and culture here. We have numerous fun events, groups, and opportunities to get involved on a personal level. I am in a Dad’s group and a Bible study every week. I ride with a group of about 100 folks in the MS150 in the fall. Pretty awesome stuff!”
“How we give back—we give back to the community through volunteer hours to large donations like no other company I have encountered. We also give back to our employees with an outstanding culture of recognition and fun. It truly is unique. ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Columbia, Mo.
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
U.S. employees: 2,419
Total Philanthropic Donations: $9,571,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: No
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
24. Workday
Courtesy of Workday
Employees say:
“Community involvement—there have been numerous times when out and about while wearing a Workday t-shirt that I have been approached about some of the volunteer work I or other workmates have been involved—just random people thanking us…makes you feel good and when they ask about what Workday does it surprises them that a tech company gives back so much ”
“Workday offers so many opportunities to volunteer and help the community. I’ve always wanted to do some of these things but always made an excuse. Workday gives you the avenue to do this and encourages it. Working here has made me a better person. ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Pleasanton, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 7060
Total Philanthropic Donations: 3424426
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
25. American Transmission Company
Courtesy of ATC
Employees say:
“ATC supports the community. We are given 15 personal days which can be used for sick OR for volunteering! I’ve been here only 2 months and I’ve already participated in one day of volunteering with my team, and have been invited to participate in another. My manager discussed with me before I started that because my children’s school is a 503(c) organization, I can use that time to volunteer for their school. And as if that wasn’t good enough, you can roll those days over if you don’t use them.”
“I very much enjoy the volunteer activities that are encouraged. I feel great personally after volunteering. And I very much appreciate the shared experience it allows me to have with the people that I spend most of my time with 5+ days a week.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Waukesha, Wis.
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
U.S. employees: 659
Total Philanthropic Donations: $737,305
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
26. Voya Financial
Courtesy of Voya Financial
Employees say:
“There is a big emphasis on helping the community as well as our customers. There is month-long giving campaign each year to encourage employees to donate to charities, paid time off is given to participant in volunteer activities, and a big part of our annual review is based on how we have improved the lives of our customers.”
“The company culture is very community and volunteer oriented. The commitment from senior management to give back to all the communities we do business in is truly amazing and gives employees a great deal of pride.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: New York City
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 6,601
Total Philanthropic Donations: $6,680,430
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
27. Crowe Horwath
Courtesy of Crowe Horwath
Employees say:
“Crowe management and employees genuinely care about one another, and this caring internal community transcends into a caring spirit for the external community. Crowe is very involved in community financial and volunteer support—possibly one of the greatest contributors to various organizations in the area!”
“I think the atmosphere of giving back to the community sets this company apart. The company goes to great lengths to make sure that each employee has the opportunity to serve their community in any way they can.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Chicago
Industry: Professional Services
U.S. employees: 3,600
Total Philanthropic Donations: $1,650,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
28. West Monroe Partners
Courtesy of West Monroe Partners
Employees say:
“The Fischer Fellowship sponsors employees for 6 weeks to 6 months to volunteer for meaningful global causes. This program supports a handful of candidates annually, and is a concrete example of West Monroe’s commitment to the people at our firm and the global community we are part of.”
“West Monroe Partners provides ample opportunities to give back to the community while rewarding those who do to gain additional PTO. This motivates the employees to be part of the community but in a meaningful way.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Chicago
Industry: Professional Services
Worldwide employees: 850
Total Philanthropic Donations: $750,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
29. Adobe Systems
Courtesy of Adobe
Employees say:
“There are almost weekly listings of ways that we can, and are encouraged, to contribute back to the community. Ranging from charitable donations to volunteer work to even organizing events of our own. I know that other companies also do this, but I have not seen it so openly on display with regular reminders not only on our intranet but also in the elevators and in weekly company emails. I feel that there is a very sincere fostering of giving back to the community.”
“They have always given back to the communities where we operate. They match employee donations up to $10,000 a year. When really bad things happen in the world, they sometimes will match employee donations 2-1. Hard to beat that.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Jose, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 17,373
Total Philanthropic Donations: $37,867,480
Offers PTO for Volunteering: No
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
30. Old Navy
Courtesy of Old Navy
Employees say:
“What makes Gap Inc. a great place to work is the emphasis it puts on community. The company strives to give to the community not just financially but also from a hands on approach. There is constantly a community volunteer or outreach program going on. If you volunteer on your own outside of work, the company will match your hours and give a donation to your non-profit for the time you volunteer, which is AMAZING!”
“The amount of community service and volunteering that we do as a brand is amazing. From a store level upward the differences we make in our communities is absolutely amazing, and something I am extremely proud of. ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Francisco
Industry: Retail
Worldwide employees: 57,115
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
31. Baird
Courtesy of Baird
Employees say:
“Baird not only encourages us to have a positive impact on the community they help facilitate. The provide time to volunteer in the community. They also provide financial resources, through the charitable giving matching program. This is important to me because we a successful company and we should be giving back in as many ways as possible. Through their commitment to community, Baird provides opportunities to every employee no matter what your role may be in the company.”
“I love the fact that we have Baird Cares Days and can use them to volunteer in the community. We also have a full week dedicated to giving back to the community. I am also very happy that we have matching contributions for our charitable gifts.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Milwaukee, Wis.
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 3,338
Total Philanthropic Donations: $4,332,147
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
32. American Express
Courtesy of American Express
Employees say:
“American Express makes a great effort to have employees feel connect to each other and to the community. We do office wide events such as family movie night as well as volunteer activities as a team/department at least once a quarter. This helps us stay a tight knit group who has more in common that just a job.”
“I really appreciate the Serve2gether program. I’ve been active in my community and I’ve applied for a grant ($500) from AXP for the last few years for Keep Taylor Beautiful. $500 is a lot of money for a small non-profit that uses 100% volunteer labor!”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: New York City
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 54,879
Total Philanthropic Donations: $36,000,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
33. Cornerstone OnDemand
Courtesy of Cornerstone OnDemand
Employees say:
“Its dedication to maintaining a strong culture is key for the organization. Even as it grows, things change, but the culture seems to remain the same, which is great! The Foundation is also something that really sticks out about the organization. How we assist others in need like disasteready.org, etc. Just recently our company matched all funds that we, as employees, contributed towards the Hurricane Disasters in Houston, etc. Really cool how we interact with the non-profit community!”
“Cornerstone consistently encourages employees to get involved in the community. I was able to participate in SPARK, a mentorship program that pairs us with students in under-served communities to educate them on the benefits staying in school.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Santa Monica, Calif.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 1,952
Total Philanthropic Donations: $150,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
34. Clif Bar & Company
Courtesy of Clif Bar & Company
Employees say:
“ Having a company that not only has values, but leverages them, celebrates them and keeps them alive in the organization is great. Clif Bar goes one step (or ten steps) further with the Aspirations. They give life to everything we do and serve as a barometer for the success and decision criteria for everything we undertake as a company. Using the aspirations has led us to not only expand our business but to also work to the greater good even without a direct gain for the company; only because it is the right thing to do for the world. For example fighting for the rights of farmers in our supply chain. It could end up costing us more, but it’s the right thing to do for those farmers and humanity as a whole. Never before have I seen a company operate with such a higher purpose.”
“There are many opportunities to get involved with things I care about. Community service projects are hosted frequently. I can also donate bars or money (matched up to $2K) to an organization of my choice. I love this! ”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Emeryville, Calif.
Industry: Manufacturing & Production
Worldwide employees: 1,111
Total Philanthropic Donations: $8,916,263
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
35. SAP America
Courtesy of SAP
Employees say:
“SAP does great things for the community and really puts an emphasis on giving back. We have lots of service opportunities internally that make us feel like we are making a difference in the world, not just within our company.”
“The company also encourages employees in supporting non-work activities. These are typically charitable or community improvement events. These make the employees feel connected to the community, supportive and proud of SAP in its participation.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Newtown Square, Pa.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 84,962
Total Philanthropic Donations: $4,350,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
36. Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta
Courtesy of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Employees say:
“As an organization, I truly believe that Children’s is mission-driven in all that we do. While I am non-clinical, I am reminded everyday of the important work that we do here. When children have nowhere else to turn, we are their advocates. When families experience the worst-case scenario, we support them. Our nurses, physicians, volunteers, and other staff all care deeply about the children we care for. It is not uncommon for our staff to volunteer their free time at the hospital, because they want to do more for our patients. Children’s may not be perfect, but it is an absolutely incredible organization that is dedicated to making children’s lives better. I am proud to work for Children’s—too many times to count, I’ve been stopped while wearing Children’s-branded clothing, always someone expressing admiration and gratitude for the work we do.”
“Children’s is filled with caregivers and volunteers whose efforts provide an overwhelmingly positive atmosphere for patients and parents in their times of greatest weakness. The difference we make in people’s lives is visible on their faces.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Atlanta
Industry: Health Care
U.S. employees: 9,090
Total Philanthropic Donations: $205,500,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
37. Capital One Financial
Courtesy of Capital One Financial
Employees say:
“The opportunity to give back to the community in volunteerism is encouraged, even during working hours. There are always several opportunities available, for varying different skill levels, including on-site opportunities. Recently I was able to sign up to assist in the build of the various components needed to construct wheel chair ramps, and I was able to do it onsite, and then go back to my desk & continue my regularly scheduled work. Where else are you able to do that?”
“I’m excited about the community efforts Capital One has in the community. I love seeing the company I work for take an interest in my city by investing resources in supporting local interests, like recycling and composting through local farms.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: McLean, Va.
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 47,148
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
38. PricewaterhouseCoopers
Courtesy of PwC
Employees say:
“PwC cares. They care for us, the team members, as well as the community at large. It feels good to see the way our leadership responds to all of the issues of the nation. This goes for our local leadership also. I look forward to coming to work each morning, so something must be going well.”
“PwC is a great place to work because it is a company that invests in you and the community and gives you a lot of diverse opportunities to learn and grow as a professional while making a difference in solving problems.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: New York City
Industry: Professional Services
Worldwide employees: 223,000
Total Philanthropic Donations: $98,296,033
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
39. Synchrony Financial
Anthony Collins Photography
Employees say:
“Synchrony cares about the community and its employees. The company strives to promote others by encouragement and training. I know this from my own personal experience. I started in Customer Service and when the opportunity presented itself to move to Fraud, my manager worked with me to ensure I would be ready to grow. When I was selected for the position, I began to volunteer more and become more active with the community.”
“We have lot of volunteering activities, which gives us an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of many underprivileged children. I feel this unique trait makes this a great place to work.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Stamford, Conn.
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
U.S. employees: 9,488
Total Philanthropic Donations: $5,190,175
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
40. Novo Nordisk
Courtesy of Novo Nordisk
Employees say:
“The Novo Nordisk Triple Bottom Line is not something management just talks about—everyone is aware of it and is encouraged to do everything to make it happen. Most department meetings involve an activity to give back to the community. There are many opportunities to be involved in giving back.”
“I’ve never worked for a company that cared so much about giving back to the community and giving employees time off from work to do that. I’ve participated in more social giving program in the last two years here, than my 20 year career.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Plainsboro, N.J.
Industry: Biotechnology & Pharmaceuticals
Worldwide employees: 40,522
Total Philanthropic Donations: $9,000,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
41. Cooley
Courtesy of Cooley
Employees say:
“Cooley is special because they truly care about giving back to the community. The Boston office raised $33,718 for the Greater Boston Food Bank as part pf the Legal Food Frenzy competition. With the money Cooley raised, it was enough food to provide approximately 101,154 meals to people in need throughout Massachusetts. Cooley won the ‘Most Raised Overall by a Law Firm’ for a record setting third year in a row.”
“There are many opportunities to give back to the community, whether by working with Rebuilding Together, encouraging pro bono work, fundraising for families during Christmas, among many other things!”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Palo Alto, Calif.
Industry: Professional Services
Worldwide employees: 2,055
Total Philanthropic Donations: $37,420,973
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
42. Edward Jones
Courtesy of Edward Jones
Employees say:
“The company also focuses on giving back to the community, we have two major campaigns for United Way and Arts and Education but help many other organizations throughout St. Louis throughout the year. Edward Jones provides several volunteer projects that associates can help out with during the year and provides one day a year we can volunteer with any organization we want.”
“The firm has a HUGE heart and gives back to the community in so many ways: United Way, Junior Achievement, Race for the Cure, LGBT walk, AHA, St Louis Arts, etc. There are many opportunities to get engaged and you are given the time to get involved.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: St. Louis
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 44,039
Total Philanthropic Donations: $11,200,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
43. World Wide Technology
Courtesy of WWT
Employees say:
“Every employee is offered and encouraged to take an extra day of paid time off, called a ‘Day of Caring’ to give back to the community in whatever your service passion might be. It is encouraged to take this day with your team to make a stronger impact in the community. This is in addition to the matching charitable contributions from the company.”
“One of the big reasons I came to WWT was because of their commitment to community and giving back. This is something I am committed to personally and I enjoy working for a company who shares the same values.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: St. Louis
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 4,200
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
44. Ernst & Young
Courtesy of EY
Employees say:
“EY also cares about our Community and gives back. Once a month we have a denim day. We donate $5 to a Non-profit organization (different every month) and get to wear jeans to work that day to represent the organization we donated to. We also have Connect Day every year where EY employees volunteer their time for the day and give back to the community. EY also participates in 5k run/walks and we run the absolute best Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day Event every year in April.”
“It’s a broader purpose of using what we do as an organization to make the world overall a better place. I believe this purpose unites our people. One specific example is EY Connect Day when everyone spends a day volunteering as a group.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: New York City
Industry: Professional Services
Worldwide employees: 228,041
Total Philanthropic Donations: $55,598,683
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
45. SAS Institute
Courtesy of Steve Muir
Employees say:
“SAS provides us many opportunities to volunteer within the community. I was able to help with meal kits for seniors through the foodbankcenc. I really enjoyed it and can’t wait to help again! We also collect several donations throughout the year for various charities. It feels great to help our community out!”
“Our company demonstrates caring for our earth and community. I feel a sense of pride when I see my company name on exhibits at the state art and science museums. I think the education department contributes strongly toward public school curriculums.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Cary, N.C.
Industry: Information Technology
Worldwide employees: 14,136
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
46. Baptist Health South Florida
Courtesy of Baptist Health South Florida
Employees say:
“To build a cancer program, the hospital created a brand new center and moved physicians, staff, technology, and infrastructure into a place to deliver high quality care. To ensure that care was provided to all members of the community, the hospital partnered with its neighboring children’s hospitals in the community to guarantee that all children who needed treatment at our facility with proton therapy could receive it (without regard for insurance coverage and ability to pay). The hospital provided everything needed to provide multidisciplinary care (pediatric anesthesia, pediatric nurses, pediatric social worker, child life specialist) and whatever it could not provide, it worked with its partners to provide. There is no health care institution who has done so much for our most important patients, our children. This is a truly outstanding place to work.”
“There is a great focus on creating an workforce that is engaged and is able to contribute to its community. At the end of the day, our leaders care that we are able to do a good job and provide great care to our patients.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Coral Gables, Fla.
Industry: Health Care
U.S. employees: 16,210
Total Philanthropic Donations: $301,000,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: No
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
47. Prometheus Real Estate Group
Courtesy of Prometheus Real Estate
Employees say:
“We have amazing benefits, and most of the company leadership is exceptional. We truly care about our local communities and give back, and try to do things differently from the industry.”
“There is a great focus on creating an workforce that is engaged and is able to contribute to its community. At the end of the day, our leaders care that we are able to do a good job and provide great care to our patients.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Coral Gables, Fla.
Industry: Health Care
U.S. employees: 16,210
Total Philanthropic Donations: $301,000,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: No
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
47. Prometheus Real Estate Group
Courtesy of Prometheus Real Estate
Employees say:
“We have amazing benefits, and most of the company leadership is exceptional. We truly care about our local communities and give back, and try to do things differently from the industry.”
“I really enjoy working with my fellow Prometheans and enjoy what I do. With the volunteer programs such as Porch and other events, I feel a sense of satisfaction helping those in need.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: San Mateo, Calif.
Industry: Construction & Real Estate
U.S. employees: 504
Total Philanthropic Donations: $128,625
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
48. Principal
Courtesy of Principal
Employees say:
“I think Principal has an extremely inclusive environment. We have employee resource groups who are always open to new members and want more people to get involved. Principal finds a way to make an imprint in the community with United Way and the Principal Charity Classic, and many other diverse sponsored events (to mention a few).”
“Principal will give their employees Paid Time Off to volunteer with their favorite organizations throughout the year. To me, it doesn’t get much better than a company that opts to help you grow as an individual, as a family, and as a community.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Des Moines, Iowa
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
Worldwide employees: 14,690
Total Philanthropic Donations: $13,200,000
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
49. American Fidelity Assurance Company
Courtesy of American Fidelity Assurance
Employees say:
“The Oklahoma Blood Institute brings their staff to our office, five times each year, and American Fidelity allows our Colleagues paid time off to donate blood, at work. American Fidelity was recognized this year for our 100th blood drive with OBI. We have five donors who have been donating blood at American Fidelity since 1984. American Fidelity has the longest tenure of blood drives with the Oklahoma Blood Institute within our city. Five donors have donated over 100 times.”
“T-shirt days are always popular and our company incorporated a charitable donation with the activity, allowing colleagues to nominate the charities. Blood drives, food drives, and school supply drives are other great ways we help our neighbors.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Oklahoma City, Okla.
Industry: Financial Services & Insurance
U.S. employees: 1,826
Total Philanthropic Donations: $1,620,643
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: Yes
50. Hunton & Williams
Courtesy of Hunton & Williams
Employees say:
“I have only been working here for 8 months now but I think the dedication to client service and community service and the positive attitudes of everyone here makes this a fantastic place to work . It is a fun environment and people are friendly and approachable and good hearted to the core.”
“Hunton is always willing to support employees who want to invest in the community. I felt strongly about supporting the charitable work of a non-profit, and not only did the firm match my contributions, but individual partners gave as well.”
Read Great Place to Work review here.
U.S. headquarters: Washington, D.C.
Industry: Professional Services
Worldwide employees: 1,432
Total Philanthropic Donations: $25,988,740
Offers PTO for Volunteering: Yes
Offers Employee Matching Funds: No
Methodology
Fortune‘s research partner, Great Place to Work, selects the Best Workplaces for Giving Back rankings based on feedback from 386,278 employees at Great Place to Work–Certified organizations. Employees completed Great Place to Work’s anonymous Trust Index survey, answering a detailed questionnaire that includes questions about how proud they are of their impact on the community, the difference they feel they make, and whether their work has special meaning. Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5% or less.
To select the list, Great Place to Work considers organizations’ policies regarding paid time off for volunteering and the extent to which they contribute generously to community and charitable causes through corporate donations and employee fund-matching programs. Final rankings are primarily based on employees’ own feedback on over 50 survey questions, with special emphasis on their connection to the organization’s community impact. Rankings reward organizations where not only the majority of their employees are proud of their community involvement, but these experiences are widely shared within the organization, regardless of who they are or what they do in the organization. Results take into account the complexity of the employee population and performance relative to peers.
To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and be considered for Best Workplaces lists published by Fortune, visit greatplacetowork.com.
工作场所
2018年02月10日
工作场所
数字助理已经来临，未来已来！乔治亚理工学院的计算机教授助理居然是一个机器人作者： 本·惠特福德 ben whitford
乔治亚理工学院2016年计算机科学课程的学生在学期结束时得到了一个惊喜：据透露，他们的助教之一，一个友善但心胸狭隘的年轻女性Jill Watson，是一个机器人。
学生们从来没有见过沃森，但觉得他们认识她。在这个学期里，她发了数百个询问，发布到班级的数字公告板上，提供作业提示，领导在线讨论，赢得了她快速，有益的回应。但与其他助教不同，沃森实际上是一个“聊天机器人” - 由Ashok Goel教授创建的虚拟助手，以减轻他的助手的压力。
一位学生在大曝光后说：“我惊呆了。“就在我想提名吉尔·沃森为杰出的助教，”另一个声明。
Goel的老师 - 机器人提供了世界工作场所可能的未来的一瞥。比利·梅塞尔（Bill Meisel）说，戈尔曾经帮助学生和同事们很容易地适应人力资源部门的需求，为员工提供不折不扣的，定制化的，实际上即时的支持。工作场所。
“移动设备或网站上的员工可以使用自然语言聊天机器人，这可以自动解决员工问题，而不会迫使员工通过材料来查找答案或需要专业人员的时间。”他说。
迈塞尔不只是理论。由于苹果，亚马逊，微软等科技巨头以及众多小公司的努力，机器人在工作场所的殖民化进展顺利。Forrester 在2017年报告说，有41％的企业已经在使用或开发AI工具; 预计三年后，至少有8.43亿企业用户在工作场所使用数字助理。
许多数字助理专注于消费者，有些比游戏改变者更具噱头 - 例如，Taco Bell的“Tacobot”让Slack用户通过聊天机器人订购午餐，但仍然需要人来接订单。不过，对于面向销售和服务的机器人来说，未来是光明的：到Gartner报告预测，到2020年，客户将处理85％的业务交易，而不会与人进行交互。
“数据民主”
随着技术的发展，机器人有望成为企业围绕人力资源乃至管理职能进行战略规划的一部分。ADP创新实验室高级副总裁罗伯托·马西罗（Roberto Masiero）说，这有可能成为一种民主化的力量，让员工可以无障碍地获取信息，帮助他们更聪明地工作，充分利用机会。
ADP自己的聊天机器人，它在内部使用，并且正在与合作伙伴机构的约2000名员工进行测试，可以发出提醒，提供职业提示，并为员工提供24/7全天候的人力资源信息。Masiero说：“它成为一个推动者。“它创造了以前不存在的数据民主。”
而且，ADP不仅看到了以企业为中心的数字助理的巨大潜力。微软和亚马逊都在努力将语音助手带到工作场所，希望工作人员有一天会使用Cortana或Alexa来管理他们的日历，处理待办事项列表并执行一些工作职能。
其他公司正在开发更专业的工具。Voicera最近推出了一个名叫Eva的语音操作数字助手，可以在会议中记录笔记，并根据所听到的讨论发送提醒。IBM正在利用人工智能来提高人才管理水平，并表示“未来每个员工都有自己的导师”。
机器人还可以在上手和训练中扮演重要角色。一个海军项目发现，接受数字辅导人员接受信息技术培训的新兵后来比刚接受培训的新兵有更好的表现，经过七周的培训后，他们的表现可以达到与具有三年在职经验的专家相匹敌的水平。
要对AI可能带来的失望做好准备
不过，并不是每个人都对AI技术的乌托邦的承诺感到兴奋。一个HR.com调查发现，人力资源专业人士无论是“深恶痛绝”，“不喜欢”或“89％的有关于AI通过在工作场所有所保留”。
即使前人关注人工智能潜力的前GOOGLE人力资源总监拉兹洛·博克（Laszlo Bock）也表示，由于商界人士对技术的迅速接受，他有点害怕。他说：“这是你第一次站在高位跳水的感觉：你知道你可能不会堕落，但你也有点害怕。
博克说，人工智能有很多方式可以使工作场所变得更好，并使员工“更快乐，更有效率”，现在正在领导一家名叫胡姆的创业公司，以改善工作为目标，“通过科学，机器学习和一点点爱“。但也有很多情况下，人工智能可以疏远工人，加强现有的机构偏见或妨碍人的互动，使良好的领导成为可能。
博克说：“通过让人类与人交谈，你能够深入了解你的组织。“在大多数聊天机器人中，你失去了这种洞察力和知识。”
问题的一部分是，“人工智能”这个词有些用词不当 - 即使是最复杂的数字助理，也没有什么是真正聪明的，也没有什么是自我意识的。这意味着一个机器人所表现出来的任何人类或移情终究都是空洞的。
这不一定总是一件坏事，因为从工作场所交互中去除人为因素可能会使员工更容易谈论敏感问题。例如，DARPA的计算机科学家发现，当人们认为他们正在与一个没有灵魂的聊天机器人而不是一个人工监控的系统交谈时，人们更可能向一个人工智能治疗师开放。
这导致心理学家发展Woebot，一个数字助理，检查精神健康患者的福利，并获得比人类倾向于接受的弗兰克反应。其他数字助理专门讨论报废问题，给终端病人一个安全的空间来找出他们的选择。“当人们进行这种谈话的时候，很难做出不公正的判断。所以，有些人可能会发现，聊聊这些关于他们想法的聊天机会会更容易一些，“来自”对话项目“的罗斯玛丽·劳埃德牧师，一个报废的慈善机构，告诉”新科学家“。
寻找减轻风险的方法
博克说，更大的担忧是人工智能系统容易扩大设计者和用户的有意识或无意识的偏见。Bock指出，微软在2016年推出了一个Twitter聊天机器人，它利用机器学习磨练了基于与真人相互作用的会话技巧 - 在24小时之内，Twitter用户已经训练了机器人鹦鹉种族主义的可怕看法，迫使微软取消这个插件。
这是一个极端的例子，但是所有的AI系统都依靠现实世界的数据进行训练，所以从本质上来说，这往往会加强现状。加入基于用户反馈的微调算法的特性，认知技术也容易加强机构偏见，即使它们提供了一个客观性的单调。
Bock警告说：“如果你现在所做的只是对现有数据进行培训，那么你将会建立复制已经存在的偏差的系统，并将其扩展到新的领域。“大多数组织正在采用机器学习的方法，将使问题变得更糟，而不是更好。”
IBM的高管咨询合作伙伴Dave Millner说，这样的问题可以计划和避免，但是只有管理者知道他们在做什么。不幸的是，人工智能系统的潜力与管理者对技术的理解之间存在着令人不安的差距。
HR.com的调查发现，大多数人力资源专业人士认为人工智能将在未来五年被广泛应用于其组织中，70％的受访者表示聊天机器人将成为员工获取人力资源信息的重要途径，一半以上的人表示，直接从电脑，没有人力老板的参与。
但是，只有8％的人力资源专业人员相信他们理解AI技术。Millner说，这种野心和无知的结合是危险的，因为它可以防止管理者以清醒的眼光看待AI。“有早期的采用者，这很好，”Millner说。“但是仍然有很多的无知，缺乏对它能做什么的知识和理解，更重要的是它不能做到。”
Millner说，需要的是一个更为深思熟虑的方法，从教育开始，最终实施被充分理解的系统，以避免偏见和其他潜在的隐患。“当然，这是一个风险，”他说。“但是，如果以适当的方式引入测试和试点，并不断学习，那么就可以减轻这些风险。”
长期观点：“积极正面”
博克还说，工作场所人工智能可以是一个福音，如果它负责任地处理。博克说：“从长远来看，这将是一个净利好。“但在短期/中期，这一切都取决于建立这些系统的人的价值观和观点。”
Bock说，对于决策者来说，并不是说AI最好避免。关键是要认识到潜在的奖励风险和意识。他说：“这是一个巨大的机会。“接下来的三到五年里，有一个关于如何善用这项技术的公司将会粉碎它，而且绝对会赢。有很大的好处。“
博克说，与其将工作场所的数字助理视为节省资金的技术，而不能将人力交互的需求自动化，公司应该将其视为增强人类决策的手段，并让管理人员有更多时间完成困难但重要的任务建立关系和培养员工。
他说：“基本上我是一个乐观主义者。“一点点机器学习可以帮助我们成为更好的领导者。”
本文由AI自动翻译，仅供参考。下列为英文版本。
Students in a 2016 computer science course at Georgia Tech got a surprise as the semester was wrapping up: It was revealed that one of their teaching assistants, a friendly but serious-minded young woman named Jill Watson, was a robot.
The students had never met Watson, but felt they knew her. Over the course of the semester she had fielded hundreds of inquiries posted to the class’ digital bulletin board, offering homework tips, leading online discussions and winning praise for her quick, helpful responses. But unlike the other teaching assistants, Watson was actually a “chatbot” — a virtual assistant created by Professior Ashok Goel to reduce the strain on his human helpers.
“I was flabbergasted,” one student said after the big reveal. “Just when I wanted to nominate Jill Watson as an outstanding TA,” another declared.
Goel’s teacher-bot offers a glimpse of a possible future for the world’s workplaces. The same techniques Goel used to help students and colleagues could easily be adapted to the needs of a human resources division, offering unflagging, customized and virtually instant support to employees, says Bill Meisel, a consultant who has researched the rise of digital assistants in the workplace.
“A natural-language chatbot, available to employees on mobile devices or a website, could automate much of the burden of answering employee questions without forcing the employee to wade through material to find the answers or require the time of an HR professional,” he says.
Meisel isn’t just theorizing. Thanks to the efforts of tech giants like Apple, Amazon and Microsoft, along with a host of smaller companies, the robotic colonization of the workplace is well underway. Forrester reported in 2017 that 41 percent of businesses were already using or developing AI tools; three years from now at least 843 million enterprise users are expected to be using digital assistants in the workplace.
Many digital assistants focus on the consumer, and some are more gimmick than game-changer — Taco Bell’s “Tacobot,” for instance, lets Slack users order lunch via a chatbot, but still requires a human to pick up the order. Still, the future is bright for sales- and service-oriented bots: By 2020, a Gartner report predicts, customers will handle 85 percent of their dealings with businesses without interacting with a human.
‘A Democracy of Data’
As technologies evolve, bots are expected to become a bigger part of companies’ strategic planning around HR and even management functions. That has the potential to be a democratizing force by giving employees frictionless access to information and helping them to work smarter and make the most of opportunities, says Roberto Masiero, senior vice president of ADP Innovation Labs.
ADP’s own chatbots, which it uses internally and is testing with around 2,000 employees at partner organizations, can issue reminders, offer career tips and provide workers with access to HR information on a 24/7 basis. “It becomes an enabler,” Masiero says. “It creates a democracy of data that didn’t exist before.”
And it’s not just ADP that sees enormous potential for enterprise-focused digital assistants. Microsoft and Amazon are both fighting to bring voice-operated assistants into the workplace, in the hope that workers will one day use Cortana or Alexa to manage their calendars, handle to-do lists and carry out some job functions.
Other companies are developing more specialized tools. Voicera recently launched a voice-operated digital assistant called Eva that can take notes during meetings and send reminders based on the discussions it overhears. And IBM is using AI to improve talent management, saying it envisions a future in which “every employee has a personal mentor.”
Bots could also have a big role to play in onboarding and training. A Navy project found that recruits who received IT training from a digital tutor subsequently outperformed human-trained recruits, and after seven weeks of training could perform at a level that matched that of an specialist with three years of on-the-job experience.
Bracing for a Potential Belly-Flop
Still, not everyone’s excited about the promised AI-powered techno-utopia. An HR.com survey found that 89 percent of HR professionals either “detest,” “dislike” or “have some reservations” about AI adoption in the workplace.
Even former Google HR chief Laszlo Bock, who is upbeat overall about AI’s potential, says he’s a little freaked out by the business community’s rapid embrace of the technology. “It’s the feeling when you stand on top of a high dive for the first time: You know you probably won’t belly-flop, but you’re also a little terrified,” he says.
There are many ways in which AI could make the workplace better and make employees “happier and more productive,” says Bock, who is now leading a startup called Humu with a goal of improving work “through science, machine learning, and a little bit of love.” But there are also plenty of scenarios in which artificial intelligence could alienate workers, reinforce existing institutional biases or impede the human interactions that make good leadership possible.
“You gain a lot of insight into your organization by having human beings talk to people,” Bock says. “In most chatbots, you lose that insight and knowledge.”
Part of the problem is that the term “artificial intelligence” is something of a misnomer — there’s nothing truly intelligent, and certainly nothing self-aware, about even the most sophisticated digital assistants. That means any humanity or empathy manifested by a bot ultimately rings hollow.
That’s not necessarily always a bad thing, because removing the human element from workplace interactions might make it easier for employees to talk about sensitive issues. Computer scientists at DARPA, for instance, found people were more likely to open up to an AI-powered therapist when they believed they were talking to a soulless chatbot rather than to a human-supervised system.
That led psychologists to develop Woebot, a digital assistant that checks in on mental health patients’ wellbeing and that gets franker responses than humans tend to receive. Other digital assistants specialize in discussing end-of-life issues, giving terminal patients a safe space to figure out their options. “It’s hard for humans to be nonjudgmental when they’re having these kinds of conversations. So some people might find it easier to talk to a chatbot about their thoughts,” the Rev. Rosemary Lloyd from The Conversation Project, an end-of-life charity, told New Scientist.
Finding Ways to Mitigate Risks
A bigger concern, Bock says, is that AI systems are prone to amplifying the conscious or unconscious biases of their designers and users. Bock notes that Microsoft launched a Twitter chatbot in 2016 that used machine learning to hone its conversational skills based on interactions with real people — and within 24 hours Twitter users had trained the bot to parrot horrendously racist views, forcing Microsoft to pull the plug.
That’s an extreme example, but all AI systems rely on real-world data for their training and so by their nature tend to reinforce the status quo. Add in features that fine-tune algorithms based on user feedback and it’s all too easy for cognitive technologies to reinforce institutional biases, even as they offer a veneer of objectivity.
“If all you’re doing is training on existing data, you’ll build systems that replicate the bias that already exists, and expand it into new arenas,” Bock warns. “The approach most organizations are taking to applying machine learning today will make problems of bias worse, not better.”
Such problems can be planned for and avoided, but only if managers know what they’re doing, says Dave Millner, an executive consulting partner with IBM. Unfortunately, there’s a troubling gap between the perceived potential of AI systems and managers’ understanding of the technology.
The HR.com survey found that most HR professionals believe AI will be widely used in their organizations over the next five years, with 70 percent saying chatbots will become an important way for employees to access HR information and more than half saying workers will take orders directly from computers, without the involvement of human bosses.
However, just 8 percent of HR professionals are confident that they understand AI technologies. That combination of ambition and ignorance is dangerous, Millner says, because it can prevent managers from engaging with AI in a clear-eyed way. “There are early adopters, and that’s great,” Millner says. “But there’s still a lot of ignorance, a lack of knowledge and understanding about what it can do and, more importantly, what it can’t do.”
Millner says what is needed is a more considered approach that begins with education and culminates in the implementation of well-understood systems that are designed to avoid bias and other potential pitfalls. “It’s a risk, of course,” he says. “But if it’s introduced in an appropriate way, with testing and piloting and continual learning, then you can mitigate those risks.”
The Long-Term View: ‘A Net Positive’
Bock also says workplace AI can be a boon if it’s handled responsibly. “In the long term it’s going to be a net positive,” Bock says. “But in the short/medium term it all depends on the values and perspectives of the people building these systems.”
The takeaway for decision-makers isn’t that AI is best avoided, Bock says. The key is to be cognizant of the risks and mindful in reaching for the potential rewards. “It’s a huge opportunity,” he says. “There’s a window in the next three to five years where the companies that are thoughtful about using this technology well are going to crush it, and absolutely win. There’s a huge amount of upside.”
Rather than viewing digital assistants in the workplace as money-saving technologies that can automate away the need for human interaction, Bock says, companies should see them as a means to augment human decision making and to give managers more time for the difficult but important tasks of building relationships and nurturing their employees.
“Fundamentally I’m an optimist,” he says. “A little machine learning can go a long way toward helping us be better leaders.”
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