Top Workplaces: Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission wins first place for mid-size company

That’s why the commission operates under a set of core values that encourages its employees to work under the highest standards of quality and compassion, according to Evelyn McGill, executive director of VWC.

The state agency’s mission is to assist injured workers, victims of crimes and employers by getting them the assistance, protection and compensation that they are afforded by the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Act.

“We want our core values to be front and center in how we serve each other internally and how we serve the public,” McGill said.

This year, VWC returns to the list of Top Workplaces for the fourth consecutive year, its second in the top spot for midsize organizations.

McGill said that the leadership team has tried to create a culture where everyone feels like a valued participant. She and her colleagues have a shared vision to be a national leader as Virginia’s most effective and innovative state agency.

Staffers often use the hashtag #WeWorkAsOne when communicating to underscore the importance of partnership and community spirit, values that help them accomplish important work with their combined efforts. This reaffirms for employees a sense of purpose and worth.

“If they feel that they can reach their true potential, they will enjoy their career experience and invest their talent in the work that they perform,” McGill said.

Part of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and included is listening, according to McGill. “I make a lot of decisions every day and I don’t have all the answers,” McGill said. “As decision makers, we want to make the best decisions and we have to be willing to listen to different views.”

McGill said that she welcomes those other perspectives, even when they’re at odds with how she is approaching a topic. She believes that this sends a message that all employees’ views are important, that leadership is willing to listen and that everyone’s input helps make better decisions.

Serving others is at the heart of VWC’s mission, and this humanitarianism transcends the interactions with people and employers that seek their help. Agency employees also give generously to causes such as the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life and Feed More’s canned food drive, among others. They have also participated in card drives to offer best wishes to those suffering from breast cancer and sickle cell anemia.

“As human beings, we recognize the importance of helping those in need,” McGill said.

Although VWC has consistently demonstrated that its efforts are earning accolades, McGill cautions that now is no time to be complacent.

“We are public servants, and we are here to make a difference,” she said. “Yes, we’ve won many awards but there is much more work to be done.”