Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Neal Communities develops blueprint for employee satisfaction
For more than five decades, Neal Communities has been a key player in the construction industry in the Sarasota area and nationwide.
The company, a family-owned business founded in 1970, employs more than 250 locally and 295 nationwide. It has sold 19,000 homes.
According to Pat Neal, founder of Neal Communities, officials believe that where people live has an impact on their life.
More: 2022 Herald-Tribune Top Workplaces winners
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Taylor Morrison strives to empower team members
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: At J2 Solutions, family matters
Top Workplaces: Nominate an organization for Sarasota Herald-Tribune's Top Workplaces
“We're passionate about building beautiful, thriving communities that residents love to call home,” he said. “It is why we are all ambassadors of the brand. No matter what department we may fall into, employees at Neal Communities are excited to come to work each day and play their role in building vibrant communities for families.”
Neal added that Neal Communities is in what he termed the “creation business,” and as a result, each day is different for employees.
“All employees at Neal Communities have a voice that is listened to, appreciated and respected,” he added. “Every year we celebrate our team members' commitment and success through initiatives like our Years of Service recognition or our annual Guiding Principles Award, which honors an employee who illuminates the principles that guide us at Neal Communities.”
As a family-owned business, employees don’t have to deal with corporate red tape because the company isn’t answering to stockholders or board members, and employees don't have to worry about hitting numbers dictated by executives in another state.
“We are empowered to do the right thing,” Neal said. “We can pivot quickly and put the customer first.”
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: YMCA of Southwest Florida offers strong work environment
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Children First demonstrates success on all levels
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: The Florida Center for Early Childhood offers lifeline for children
Neal employees have plenty of great opportunities for compensation growth, bonuses and career advancement while working on rewarding projects.
The company also recognizes the importance of its employees to the success of the business.
“This is why we not only offer excellent compensation, but an outstanding health care plan including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug coverage,” Neal explained. “Additional benefits like employer-paid life insurance, supplemental insurance, long- and short-term disability insurance and employer-paid ID theft protection give our employees peace of mind now while a generous company-matching 401(K) that they’re 100% vested in on Day 1 lets them plan for the future.”
The company also focuses on work-life balance, with paid time off and paid holidays. The Employee Home Purchase Discount Program and Vendor Discount Program set the company apart when it comes to benefits.
“Employees can purchase a Neal home at a savings or have work done on their existing home through trusted vendors and receive Neal’s special builder pricing,” Neal explained
Other benefits include a wellness program, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance program (EAP) and employee service awards each year. The company is always seeking programs that its employees will find valuable in their everyday lives.
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: NetReputation a top place to work in Sarasota
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Thrive focuses on doing the right thing for customers
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Culture a draw for workers at IAT Insurance Group
Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Certified Collectibles Group is rooted in complete independence, objectivity
“Of the programs we’ve recently added, one standout is Allstate Identity Protection, a program that helps employees protect themselves against the impacts of identity theft through financial and identity monitoring,” Neal said. “We also offer all employees travel assistance through Mutual of Omaha that includes help with lost, stolen or delayed baggage anywhere in the world and includes the replacement of items like airline tickets and credit cards.”
Programs also include the Tickets at Work program that provides savings on products, services and experiences - everything from the purchase of a new appliance to gift cards, hotels, theme park tickets and fitness memberships, employees can enjoy savings on things they purchase. Another addition was the Neal Communities Online Company Health Fair with in-person and virtual events.
Neal also noted that Neal Communities has given more than $7.5 million to local charities throughout Southwest Florida and is committed to the communities where the company lives, works and builds. The company has donated time or funds to local schools and community organizations, including the Pace Center for Girls, Boys & Girls Clubs, and the Salvation Army.
The company has hired 91 new employees over the past year and has about 13 open positions.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Top Workplaces 2022 Spotlight: Neal Communities Sarasota
