Mullingar firm 'sprinkles happiness’ among employees
Two local firms are among Ireland's top employers, according to the results of a new survey by the Sunday Times.
Watt Footprint and Writech are part of a group of 35 Irish firms judged to be among the best in the country when it comes to employee engagement, wellbeing, and job satisfaction.
The Sunday Times Best Places to Work survey uses 26 questions developed by behavioural scientists, data analysts, psychologists, business leaders, academics, and other independent parties to accurately monitor employee engagement, wellbeing, and discretionary effort in the workplace.
The Sunday Times said that at Mullingar-based energy management company Watt Footprint, which was founded in 2020 by Paul Mahon and Paul O'Reilly, “employees drive initiatives and change”.
“Members of the 18-strong team are encouraged to suggest improvements to their working life. Their feedback has led to enhancements to the sick leave policy, expanded opportunities for working remotely abroad, sit-stand desks for home offices, and access to co-working spaces nationwide.
“…It holds quarterly team-building events, social activities, and a three-day annual retreat to foster personal growth. The firm encourages a team culture focused on collaboration and mutual support and rewards exceptional performance with generous bonus incentives.”
Watt Footprint said that as a relative newcomer it was “delighted to be listed alongside such an established group of Irish companies”.
The other local firm included in The Sunday Times Best Places To Work is Writech.
The paper said that the Mullingar-based fire protection company, which was founded by Tom and Mary Wright in 1982 and is now run by their son Ted, “sprinkles happiness among its 155-strong team”.
“So far this year, nine employees have referred a friend for a job here, and 26 have collected long service awards. The medium-sized business, which designs, manufactures, installs, and maintains fire protection and detection systems, has grown into one of the largest companies of its kind in Europe, operating in eight countries. The firm promotes a culture of continuous improvement and learning. The in-house Frameworks app aids seamless workflow management and captures feedback from staff, which is used to inform company reports on issues from governance and the environment, to corporate social responsibility. Quarterly and annual awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions of the workforce.”
In a post on social media announcing that it had been chosen as one of the best places in the country to work, Writech thanked “each and every” employee.
“At Writech, we believe that a positive work environment is essential for encouraging creativity, collaboration, and growth. Our team’s commitment and hard work have truly made Writech a standout workplace.”