The annual competition recognizes large and small businesses that have created outstanding work environments. GSSI was named to the winner’s list based on its commitment to creating a great company culture that supports and encourages employees through a commitment to work/life balance, training and development and appreciation programs.

“We strive to create a space that inspires our people to do their best work.” says Christopher Hawekotte, President. “We are focused on building an environment that fosters open communication, collaboration, trust, accountability and… having fun. In doing so, we see our team members deeply engaged in what we are trying to accomplish and staying with us longer than national averages. Every employee has a direct contribution to our success. Their passion and energy have made us the leader in our industry, and a great place to work.”

Flexibility and work/life balance is significant to GSSI; they understand that family time is valuable, and employees have personal lives outside of work. Employees and their managers are empowered to work together to determine what schedules work best for the individual and the needs of the team. For added convenience, GSSI created an onsite recreational room where employees can work out, play games and unwind during the day or after hours. The space holds a wide array of gym equipment and has hosted yoga and rowing classes which were a huge hit with employees.

GSSI supports employees with a robust training and development program that includes up to $12,000 in annual tuition reimbursement, leadership training sessions, seminar and webinar subscriptions, trade courses and certification.

Employees are celebrated as often as possible at GSSI. This begins on the first day of each new staff member as they are welcomed with a swag bag, a lunch with the entire department, and a complete culture book created to provide new employees with a snapshot of tribal knowledge that cannot be found in the employee manual. Employee appreciation events go beyond annual celebrations at the Employees Appreciation Day and Holiday party, to fun-filled events all year long. Some of these special events include “Minute to Win it” challenges during the summer, a yuletide “Pouring of the Nog” party on the manufacturing floor, and a regularly scheduled “Lunch with the President” program that builds connections and make it easy for employees to provide input and feedback directly to senior management.

Hawekotte said, “On behalf of GSSI, I’d like to extend a sincere congratulations to the winners of the 2019 NH Best Companies to Work for competition.”