Press Release

Powerful Listed in Newsweek’s 2024 America’s Most Loved Workplaces, Highlighting Employee Satisfaction

PORTLAND, OR – Powerful, a leading provider of human-centric web design solutions for electric co-ops and utility organizations, is proud to announce its ranking as #74 in Newsweek’s America’s Most Loved Workplaces 2024. This prestigious honor recognizes the top 200 companies across the United States that have created exceptional workplace environments where employees feel valued, respected, and genuinely enjoy coming to work. The list, which is based on an assessment of employee satisfaction and company culture, highlights organizations that are setting new standards in employee engagement, trust, and well-being.

Powerful’s inclusion in this exclusive list reflects the company’s deep commitment to fostering a supportive and empowering environment for its team members, regardless of company size or industry. Newsweek’s America’s Most Loved Workplaces list includes companies from all sectors, ranging from small businesses with a handful of employees to large corporations with thousands. Companies were ranked based on multiple criteria, including direct feedback from employees, leadership effectiveness, trust, career development, and workplace belonging.

The 2024 list was compiled through a partnership between Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute (BPI), a research company dedicated to identifying and documenting the management practices that lead to high levels of employee satisfaction and organizational performance. More than 2.6 million employees from companies of all sizes across the U.S. were surveyed to assess their experiences at work. The rankings are based on a combination of quantitative data from BPI’s proprietary Love of Workplace Index™, qualitative interviews with company officials, and external reviews from public sources such as Comparably, Glassdoor, and Google.

Charlie Stanley, CEO of Powerful, commented on the significance of this achievement, stating: “To be ranked #74 in the entire country as one of America’s Most Loved Workplaces is an honor. At Powerful, we believe that the relationship between an employer and an employee should be mutually beneficial. However, it’s important to recognize that employers typically have access to greater resources and power in that relationship, which makes it inherently unbalanced. With that advantage comes a responsibility to act in the best interest of our people, to ensure they’re cared for, respected, and supported every step of the way.” Stanley added, “This certification and recognition from Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute affirm that we’re doing the right thing by putting our employees first. Our people are the heart of everything we do, and creating a workplace where they feel valued and can thrive is central to our success.”

Best Practice Institute and the Love of Workplace Index™

The Best Practice Institute (BPI), in collaboration with Newsweek, developed the Love of Workplace Index™, a tool used to evaluate employee experiences across several key areas including collaboration, leadership trust, workplace belonging, and career achievement. In addition to the quantitative data gathered through the index, companies were also evaluated through interviews with company leaders and external research on factors like employee wellness, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and talent development programs.

The final America’s Most Loved Workplaces rankings were determined through a blend of employee responses, company interviews, and public sentiment. The rankings were not based on company size or sector, allowing organizations of all scales to be considered equally. This comprehensive approach ensures that the most loved workplaces—regardless of their scale—are recognized for creating environments where employees feel connected, valued, and empowered.

Powerful’s Commitment to Employee Well-being and Social Responsibility

As a socially responsible employer, Powerful’s people-first philosophy guides all aspects of its business. The company has built a culture rooted in respect, trust, and genuine care for its team members, and has implemented a range of industry-leading benefits and workplace policies to ensure employees can thrive both personally and professionally.

“Our responsibility as an employer goes beyond profitability—it’s about making decisions that positively impact the lives of our team members, even when those choices may not be the most immediately profitable,” said Stanley. “When we prioritize our employees’ well-being, we see lower turnover, higher job satisfaction, and stronger relationships with our clients. Ultimately, what’s good for our people is good for our business in the long run.”

Powerful’s employee benefits include:

  • Generous Paid Time Off and Sick Leave: Employees are encouraged to take time off to rest and recharge. Sick time is unrestricted, allowing team members to take care of their health without barriers.
  • Decentralized, Flexible Work Environment: As a 100% decentralized company, Powerful allows employees to work from anywhere and design their own schedules, ensuring they can balance work with their personal lives.
  • Reimbursement for Remote Work Expenses: Employees receive reimbursement for internet and cell phone expenses, supporting their ability to work effectively from any location.
  • Comprehensive Healthcare Coverage: Powerful covers 95% of healthcare premiums for employees and a significant portion for dependents, ensuring families are supported.
  • Paid Parental Leave: New parents are given 16 weeks of fully paid parental leave and receive $500 in baby cash to help ease the transition into parenthood.
  • Paid Sabbaticals: After five years with the company, employees are offered a paid sabbatical, providing them with time to reflect and recharge.
  • Tuition Reimbursement and Student Loan Repayment Assistance: To support lifelong learning and financial well-being, Powerful offers tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment assistance.
  • 401k Contributions with No Match Requirement: Powerful contributes to employees’ 401k accounts, regardless of whether they are able to contribute themselves, ensuring their financial future is secure.

In addition to these benefits, Powerful has built a strong managerial framework focused on employee development and engagement. The company’s managers are accountable for creating environments of safety and trust, facilitating regular one-on-one meetings with team members to ensure clear communication and mutual respect. This approach ensures that managers act as mentors, fostering a culture of support and empowerment.

“We’ve implemented processes that ensure our employees are consistently supported and that they have the resources and environment they need to thrive,” Stanley emphasized. “From flexible scheduling to transparent communication with managers, we’re committed to making sure our people are treated with dignity and respect at every level of the organization.”

Recognition in America’s Most Loved Workplaces 2024

The Most Loved Workplaces certification reflects not only Powerful’s dedication to its people but also its alignment with a broader movement of companies prioritizing employee engagement, well-being, and belonging. Being included in the Top 100 of Newsweek’s 2024 America’s Most Loved Workplaces is a powerful affirmation of the hard work that has gone into building and nurturing a workplace where people genuinely want to work.

Stanley concluded, “This recognition isn’t just an accolade—it’s a testament to the culture we’ve created at Powerful. Our inclusion in this national list highlights the importance of being a socially responsible employer, and I couldn’t be prouder of our team for making this achievement possible.”

About Newsweek

Newsweek is a premier global news magazine and website that has been delivering high-quality journalism and information to readers around the world for over 85 years. Covering topics ranging from politics and international affairs to technology and culture, Newsweek has a reputation for providing insightful analysis and investigative reporting. The America’s Most Loved Workplaces list is part of its commitment to recognizing companies that excel in creating positive workplace environments where employees thrive.

About Best Practice Institute

The Best Practice Institute (BPI) is a benchmark research organization that studies management practices leading to employee motivation and success. BPI is the creator of the Love of Workplace Index™, which is used to measure employee satisfaction across key workplace metrics, such as collaboration, trust in leadership, workplace belonging, and career development. BPI’s work has demonstrated the critical link between employee satisfaction, productivity, and organizational success. For more information, visit MostLovedWorkplace.com.

About Powerful

Powerful is a trusted provider of web design and development solutions for electric co-ops, water authorities and other utility organizations, offering human-centered digital experiences that engage, inform, and inspire. From concept to launch, Powerful’s approach to digital services is grounded in a people-first philosophy, ensuring that every client and employee interaction is rooted in integrity, sustainability, and a commitment to doing the right thing. Powerful’s recognition as one of America’s Most Loved Workplaces affirms the company’s dedication to building a workplace culture where employees can grow and thrive.