LCMS named among winners of ‘Top Workplaces’ award

Ronald P. Schultz, chief administrative officer of the LCMS, announces to employees June 23 at the International Center that the Synod has been recognized as a “Top Workplace” by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Synod, he said, has made “a concerted effort over the past few years to put programs in place that equip and encourage organizational and employee development. We are gratified to know that it was our employees themselves — their opinions of their own workplace — that made the recognition possible.” (LCMS/Frank Kohn)

The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod has been awarded a 2016 Top Workplaces honor by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. The Top Workplaces lists are based on the results of an employee feedback survey administered by WorkplaceDynamics, LLC, a Pennsylvania-based research firm specializing in organizational health and workplace improvement.

Some 1,270 St. Louis-area companies were nominated and thus eligible for the competition. Participating employers were divided into three groups — large, medium and small — based on the number of their employees. The LCMS qualified as a mid-range company and received designation as a top workplace at No. 34 in that category.

“The Top Workplaces award is not a popularity contest, and oftentimes, people assume it’s all about fancy perks and benefits,” said Doug Claffey, chief executive officer of WorkplaceDynamics. “But to be a Top Workplace, organizations must meet our strict standards for organizational health. And who better to ask about work life than the people who live the culture every day — the employees? Time and time again,” he continued, “our research has proven that what’s most important to them is a strong belief in where the organization is headed, how it’s going to get there, and the feeling that everyone is in it together. Without this sense of connection, an organization doesn’t have a shot at being named a Top Workplace.”

“We are delighted and honored to be recognized in this way,” said Ronald P. Schultz, chief administrative officer of the LCMS. “We know that one of the keys to organizational success is having engaged employees — people who enjoy coming to work and who share the mission and values of the organization. Based in large part on employee feedback, we have made a concerted effort over the past few years to put programs in place that equip and encourage organizational and employee development. We are gratified to know that it was our employees themselves — their opinions of their own workplace — that made the recognition possible.”

Added Synod President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison: “We are living in an extraordinary moment — both nationally and internationally. It is such a challenging time for the church in many different ways. And yet, there are so many great things coming out of this building, and none of them would be happening without the great work of those who serve here, making sure that whatever they do is excellent, and good, and right, and God-pleasing. I thank God for every single one of them. It is such a joy to serve in this place!”

Posted June 27, 2016