14 West Named One of Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplaces
On Thursday, 14 West was recognized by The Baltimore Sun as one of the city’s Top Workplaces for the 8th consecutive year. This became public information on Sunday, and yesterday a handful of you asked why we hadn’t announced this ourselves. Well, there is a reason we’ve never announced these awards in the past… and it’s a pretty good one.
While we certainly appreciate the nod from The Baltimore Sun, we’re not all that concerned with the list itself. We took a small group of people to the awards ceremony and accepted our plaque graciously. But we’d already had what we really wanted for months. We just want to know what our employees think about working here.
The rankings are based on surveys completed by real employees that cover engagement, management, training opportunities, benefits, and work-life balance. In the responses over the years, people have consistently told us that they feel empowered and appreciated for the work they do. They’ve let us know what we could do to improve our workplace and their opportunities for success – and we’ve responded. What is most meaningful, however, is that the vast majority of them truly value the work they do – or in The Sun’s words, “I feel my work makes a difference.” We believe that says it all.
Because regardless of an employee’s current position, how long they’ve been here, or where they want to go with their career, they come to work every day for an organization that exists to help people live the lives they want to live.
There is a lot to be said for that… and if it’s never printed in The Sun, that’s OK with us.
“Thank you,” again to all of our employees who participated in this year’s surveys. Know that the feedback we’ve received is being put to good use.
Daisy Smith
Assistant Director, Communications
"Don’t take yourself too seriously.”
I found myself at 14 West after 18 months of traveling and teaching in Bali, Thailand, and Australia. And now 5 years later, I’ve learned and grown with my team in extraordinary ways. I think that’s due in large part to the fact that I’ve been encouraged to approach my work and explore my potential in the same ways I’ve explored other parts of the world. I’m constantly asking questions, seeing and doing new things. And learning A LOT. I didn’t expect to find an experience like this in “an office back home.”
I love my position at 14 West because I’m invited to take on a diverse range of responsibilities. From running our Wellness Program to brand development and brand marketing to writing, I have a broad range of interests. And my role allows me to develop my skills through work that truly excites me. I have a hard time saying no to new projects, even when I already have a full plate. But when I take on too much, the leaders here are there with the support I need to get the job done. At the same time, I’m given the creative freedom to feel real ownership over my projects, which only motivates me more.
What is one thing you have to do every day in the office? Gotta have my essential oil diffuser going. Five of us share an office and we’re all hooked on the diffuser now, but it’s my job to create the perfect oil cocktail each morning to set the tone for the day. I’m obsessed.
