ARI Named Among Fortune's "100 Best Places to Work For"
Global fleet services provider ARI has been named to Fortune Magazine's 2013 "100 Best Places to Work For" list. Now in its 16th year, the annual list recognizes companies that seek to foster employee engagement and develop a culture of trust, cooperation, and collaboration.
"This is an incredible honor," said Carl A. Ortell, President of ARI. "Without question, our employees are the most important part of our business and critical to our overall success, which is why we seek to create an environment that is supportive and open, provide work that is interesting and engaging, and offer opportunities for growth and development."
Listed at number 70, ARI was only one of five newcomers to the list. The company was recognized for its family-like culture; its internal employee engagement and empowerment program, Partners in Excellence; and its emphasis on employee development.
"What makes ARI different is our people," noted Bill Kwelty, Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer. The company, which has never had a layoff, has a turnover rate of just 2.7 percent.
ARI encourages an atmosphere of teamwork by supporting programs and initiatives that foster communication and recognition, including:
- Partners in Excellence (PIE): This is the company's internal, fleet-specific quality assurance program which, in addition to ensuring customer satisfaction, offers rewards and bonuses for employees based on the company's achievement of articulated performance management goals. The company also rewards employees for savings or revenue enhancement suggestions.
- Professional Development: All employees are encouraged to actively pursue new opportunities to grow and develop through advanced learning, either through the company's on-site program, ARI University, or through other available educational programs or training. The company supports a tuition reimbursement program which begins on the first day of employment with the company.
- Community Engagement: At ARI, community service and giving back is a fundamental part of the business model. Employees at all locations are permitted to take time off with pay to participate in their local United Way "Days of Caring," and the company is very active in supporting the regional United Way chapters where it has offices. The company also works with employee committees to mobilize support for events like the Walk Now for Autism Speaks and Bike MS, and partners with the American Red Cross several times a year to conduct blood drives.