Independence, Mo.-based engineering resins distributor PolySource has been named No. 1 among suppliers for Plastics News' Best Places to Work list for 2021. This is PolySource's third appearance on the list — having previously made the list in 2017 and 2019 — and third time at No. 1.
Celebrations happen all the time at PolySource, whether it's a baby shower for an expectant employee, anniversaries, birthdays or cookouts on the Weber grill.
Free daily lunch for on-site employees? Check. Florida vacation home complete with company vehicle for transportation available for any employee? There's that, too. But not only those amenities, employees said they enjoy coming in to work and feel engaged.
"PolySource also prioritizes that employees enjoy their job and have fun working," the company, with 18 employees, said in its Best Places to Work questionnaire. "PolySource strives for an open culture that allows employees to be free with their thoughts and opinions that can better themselves and the company."
PolySource staff members are shown appreciation through several award programs. The Most Valuable Player/Fixer Award is a football given out at the annual sales meeting to the person who made a big impact on the company. The football is signed by the entire company.
The Begin in Gratitude (BIG) Peer Recognition Award, which happens weekly, acknowledges co-workers for efforts to help one another and go above and beyond. Then there are spontaneous customized awards that are directed toward the employee's family, such as gifts, dinners or services. One employee who was expecting a child received a house-cleaning service.
On the first day of hire, PolySource employees are eligible for its generous health care benefits: 100 percent paid-for medical, dental, vision and life insurance benefits for employees and their dependents. Additionally, the company contributes to a health reimbursement arrangement. The company's objective, it said, is to have employees pay $0 for out-of-pocket medical expenses.
PolySource employees were challenged to get outside and walk 50 miles in a month. The winners received an Amazon gift card valued at $50 or $100.
Employees can take advantage of 11 paid holidays and unlimited vacation, personal and sick days every year.
PolySource purchased equipment such as dual monitors and printers for employees to be able to work remotely when the coronavirus pandemic started. With everyone working in different locations, the company organized activities to keep everyone engaged and connected, such as a Zoom happy hour where employees would bring in their families and do quiz shows. Bob Findlen, director sales and marketing, said he feels the team is closer now than before the pandemic.
Ryan Koenig, chief financial officer, said he is most proud of the team's resilience.
"The PolySource family challenges conventional corporate culture in many ways including our benefit packages, our perks and our daily interactions with each other," the company said. "PolySource believes it is our responsibility to make a difference in the lives of our team, to set the example of how to make the employee experience personal, meaningful, and rewarding."