11/16/2016

Access Fund Named One of Outside’s Best Places to Work

Access Fund is excited to announce that we have been named to OUTSIDE’s Best Places to Work of 2016. Each year, OUTSIDE recognizes the top 100 companies in the United States that help their employees strike the ideal balance between work and play. These companies encourage employees to lead an active lifestyle, are eco-conscious, and prioritize giving back to the community. Created in conjunction with the Outdoor Industry Association and Best Companies Group, the list of winners appears online at Outside Online.

"We are honored to be named as one of OUTSIDE's Best Places to Work," says Brady Robinson, Access Fund's Executive Director. "We strive to create a professional workplace that encourages our employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance and pursue their outdoor passions."

“This year’s list of Best Places to Work highlights employers who go above and beyond for their staff,” said OUTSIDE Online Editor Scott Rosenfield. “Included are organizations that emphasis a healthy work life balance and promote, encourage and reward employees to live active and healthier lives.”

To create the best places to work 2016 list, OUTSIDE started by comparing employers to five core categories, reflecting the magazine’s values and focus: Adventure/Travel, Wellness, Culture, Gear, and Media. OUTSIDE then conducted a rigorous vetting process in partnership with the Best Companies Group to assess the policies, practices, and demographics of hundreds of companies.

Powered by employee workplace reviews and taking into account factors like corporate culture, job satisfaction, work environment and overall employee engagement, the Best Places to Work list represents only the top companies that are not only empowering but also encouraging their employees to live better, healthier and more active lives.

The 21 employees of the Access Fund are focused on protecting America’s outdoor climbing areas via six core programs: climbing policy and advocacy, land acquisition, stewardship, local support and mobilization, risk management, and education. Staffers are allowed to bring dogs to the office and get free memberships to indoor climbing gyms. They’re also encouraged to squeeze in a quick climbing session at nearby Boulder Canyon, Eldorado Canyon, or the Flatirons. Employees who show long-term commitment to the organization are eligible for a paid sabbatical after seven years of employment.

Methodology: Companies from across the country entered the two-part survey process to determine the Outside’s Best Places to Work. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated company's workplace policies, practices, philosophy, systems, and demographics. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. The combined scores determined the top companies and the final ranking. Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process, analyzed the data, and determined the final rankings. The complete list of Best Places to Work winners is published at Outside Magazine.