For the third consecutive year, Glen Allen-based Markel is one of the Richmond Times-Dispatch’s Top Workplaces among the region’s largest companies. The specialty insurer offers an array of products, covering everything from high-end bikes to fine art, and has offices around the globe. The company’s culture is based on what’s known as the Markel Style — a set of principles that foster excellence and achievement, both as a team and individually.
Markel
Sue Davies, EVP and Chief Human Resources Officer
How do you ensure employees feel heard, valued and supported in their roles while fostering open communication at all levels of the organization?
A lot of our focus is on recruitment, but we also think a lot about retention. We spend time and money on managers’ training and retention because the manager is a key part of employees’ experience. We also have a flexible work program, and we have an employee well-being program. Late last year we launched a global recognition program that encourages peer to peer recognition.
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What’s so important about having an attractive benefits package?
Benefits are critical. We think about it as total rewards — supporting employees more holistically. On an annual basis we provide employees with a total rewards statement, identifying all the benefits that they can take advantage of. Whether it’s paid time off, workplace flexibility or after-school care, we think about the whole employee and all the moments that matter in their cycle of life.
Philanthropic support is important to your organization. Why is supporting organizations important for businesses like yours, and how does corporate social responsibility influence your employees?
This comes back in part to the culture that we have and the commitment to community that is baked into that Markel Style. A lot of that is how we think about philanthropic endeavors. We look to put power into the hands of employees. We have a generous three-to-one matching gifts program. We have a program called “Dollars for Doers.” If our employees can donate time, we will provide a matching cash gift. All this provides an additional sense of community.
How do you create an environment where all employees feel a sense of belonging and have opportunities for growth?
We have an inclusive workplace, one that builds a strong sense of community. This includes great relationships between managers and teammates, opportunities for advancement and giving back to the community. We embrace the idea of reaching one’s potential through leadership management, strong coaching and strong mentoring. We make sure people can fully use our diverse resources and be the best they can be.
The numbers are in for this year’s Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplaces, which spotlights the region’s best employers.
