Who wins?

Applicants are evaluated on the quality and scope of their policies and programs in several key categories. The CARE Awards selection process has three main areas of focus: policies and benefits, ease of utilization, and company culture and philosophy. In addition to reviewing the policies that are in place, the CARE Nominating Committee evaluates how companies publicize their programs and how easily accessible they are to employees. Less tangible, but perhaps even more important, is the company philosophy and culture. The Committee wants to learn why the company instituted these policies and how they fit into the overall goals of the organization.

Within this framework, CARE Award applicants are evaluated on the quality and scope of their policies and programs in the categories of Flexible Work Arrangements, Dependent Care, Work/Family Stress Management, and Benefits and Community Involvement. Finalists receive intensive site visits in order for the Nominating Committee to gain further insight into the companies' programs and cultures.

CARE Nominating Committee members visit each finalist, tour the company and interview a cross section of employees from entry-level to senior management. The goal of the site visit is to determine whether company policies truly respond to the needs of its workforce, that the policies are freely utilized and that leadership supports the goal of creating a flexible workplace. In addition to confirming the information previously provided by the applicant, the site visit allows the Committee more insight into the culture of the company.

Following the site visits, finalist companies are asked to administer a short web-based survey to a random sampling of employees. The results of the survey supplement the findings of the Committee during the site visit. The CARE Nominating Committee marks its recommendation for award winners by submitting a report to the CARE Advisory Committee. The CARE Advisory Committee makes a final decision on the award winners.

 

How can my company apply?

Applications are available in April of each year at www.careawards.net. To be eligible for a CARE Award, businesses must be located (not necessarily headquartered) in Northern Virginia. They must complete a benefits certification and application and return it to Northern Virginia Family Service in June of each year. Previous winners are encouraged to apply again. Semi-finalists also must participate in a confidential web-based survey of all their Northern Virginia-based employees. Finalists should be prepared to discuss all information in more detail during an on-site interview. (Each organization selected to participate will receive a copy of their survey results.)

Applications screened: June-July
Semi-finalists notified/participate in CARE survey: August
Finalists' site visits: September/October
Award winners announced at CARE Awards Breakfast: October 28, 2010

Finalists will be selected based on cumulative scoring of written application, employee survey and site visit.

 

When are they reported?

The CARE Nominating Committee, which is comprised of business leaders, human resource professionals and former CARE winners, will work throughout the summer and early fall to determine the winners for 2008. The process culminates with the announcement and presentation of awards at the annual CARE Awards Breakfast.

If you have any questions about the CARE Awards process, please call Irene LaBranche 703.219.2109 or e-mail ilabranche@nvfs.org.