On April 3, 2025, the Great Place to Work ceremony took place at the Marriott Hotel in Belén, honoring the best workplaces in Central America and the Caribbean.

Renán González, Regional CEO of Great Place to Work, shared critical insights regarding employee engagement and organizational practices during the event.

González emphasized the necessity of actively listening to employees across all levels and departments.

He stated that understanding employee perspectives serves as a vital indicator of whether an organization's strategic planning and culture align with internal realities.

"Listening to the employee voice is essential because when it reaches decision-makers, it validates the alignment of organizational strategy and culture," González remarked.

According to González, one of the key findings from global Great Place to Work models—applicable to Central America and the Caribbean—is that employee feedback can reveal the level of trust in leadership.

He noted, "When there is trust, employees are inclined to stay, grow, and progress within the organization.

Conversely, a lack of trust results in disengagement, and subsequently higher employee turnover." High turnover rates, he explained, directly impact business outcomes and are indicative of a weakened organizational culture.

The expert reiterated that the practice of listening to employees is not limited to large corporations but is crucial for organizations of all sizes, including small businesses, NGOs, and government institutions.

He stressed, "It is not about being a great workplace because of personal connections with leadership; it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels they can develop professionally, which is vital for both individual and organizational growth."

González elaborated on the certification process for companies striving to achieve Great Place to Work status.

The certification is valid for one year and is based on data analysis and employee surveys.

He noted, "Many organizations seek to understand the status of their workplace culture and identify gaps, even if they do not aim for immediate certification."

He pointed out that each organization presents unique circumstances, especially those operating in multiple countries or employing diverse workforce groups in sectors like manufacturing, logistics, or services, each facing specific challenges.

"The employee voice differs depending on the work environment, necessitating a detailed analysis for leaders to identify areas needing improvement."

The surveys conducted not only gather opinions but also yield data that reveal trends and patterns within labor markets across countries.

González remarked, "For many organizations, engaging in this process is enlightening.

They realize that the goal extends beyond certification; it’s about becoming part of a repository of best practices that promote talent development and business sustainability."

During this year's event, a total of 25 companies were recognized as the best workplaces in Costa Rica, with Cisco, Aeris Holding, and World Wide Technology taking the top three positions.

Luis Carlotti, Director of Central America and the Caribbean for Cisco, expressed pride in the company's continued recognition, marking their sixth consecutive year as the top-ranked organization in Costa Rica.

He stated, "This award reflects our commitment to listening to employees and being empathetic to their concerns while adhering to the recommendations from the certification process that significantly enhances our workplace environment."