Employee Rewards & Recognition: World Energy Solutions, Worcester

World Energy Solutions, a company that has blossomed steadily over the last 12 years by helping organizations cut their energy costs, in no small part by encouraging and recognizing the efforts of its employees.

And there are more employees, of course, because of that growth. In the last two years alone, the staff roster has more than doubled, from 60 to 130. Employee contributions don't go unnoticed. That's what has earned the firm recognition from the Worcester Business Journal this year for honoring and recognizing what their employees do for the company.

“We are a company who recognizes their staff,” said Dan Mees, World Energy's vice president of corporate communication. “We note the ability of the employees and their contribution to the company.”

Jacqueline M. Bamman, vice president of human resources, is committed to the importance of recognizing employees for a work well done. They have award recognitions such as a quarterly Award for Corporate Excellence (ACE), which is based primarily on nominations by peers. Bamman said those who are selected embody the company's core values.

“Some of the values entail having respect for the customer, responsibility, and (tending) to customers' needs,” said Bamman, who added that being selected helps employees advance their careers, and makes the CEO and board of directors aware of them and their accomplishments.

Those who have won are recognized and asked to evaluate others who could qualify for the award, a way of paying it forward, she said.

“Winning this award has given me the opportunity to grow, and to have more responsibility,” said Michael Dougher, who was honored with an ACE last year. He said that since his recognition, he has moved up from his position as a senior market analyst to market manager of a team of retail energy analysts and for most of World Energy's Ohio power procurement events.

Although the ACE serves as a high level of employee recognition, the company has other awards that commend its staff.

For example, the Presidential Club Award, launched just last year, is given to sales personnel who have demonstrated great sales and work ethic, Bamman said. She said the Presidential Club Award gives winners three- to four-day company-paid trips

“As a relatively small organization, this award is valued by our sales team and considered one that is both generous and special,” she said.

While the awards may be big things, the company does the smaller-than-big things that recognize employee achievements as well, such as handwritten notes or “shout outs” at the company's quarterly meetings.

World Energy Solutions, which has seen its annual revenue grow nearly 77 percent from 2010 to 2012 (the company took in nearly $32 million last year), also recognizes area college students who are seeking internships, or are interested in becoming part of the company after graduation.

“We are open to the community, and college students from the Worcester area who want to (intern) or grow in their professional life,” Mees said.

Honorable Mention

The Davis Cos., Marlborough
The staffing firm recognizes employees on a daily, quarterly and annual basis, and honors them with everything from Dunkin Donuts gift cards to company cruises to the Bahamas. When an employee reaches a specific goal, he or she gets to spin a “Wheel of Fun” (similar to “Wheel of Fortune”) to win a prize.

Employee Health & Wellness: Chitika

General Excellence: Hanover Insurance Group, Worcester