Geauga County Job & Family Services has been honored as a 2025 “Top Workplaces” award recipient by Northeast Ohio Top Workplaces. The recognition is based entirely on confidential employee feedback collected through a third-party survey.
Geauga County Job & Family Services has been honored as a 2025 “Top Workplaces” award recipient by Northeast Ohio Top Workplaces. The recognition is based entirely on confidential employee feedback collected through a third-party survey.
The survey, administered by Energage LLC, a leading provider of employee engagement tools, measured key aspects of workplace culture, including mission alignment, employee engagement, respect, support, empowerment and potential for growth, according to press materials.
Geauga County JFS was one of 188 organizations selected from across 11 Northeast Ohio counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit and Wayne. To be eligible, organizations were required to employ at least 35 people.
“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Energage CEO Eric Rubino. “That’s something to be proud of. In today’s market, leaders must ensure they’re allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”
Geauga County JFS Executive Director Craig Swenson credited the award to the department’s culture and the dedication of its team.
“This recognition is truly a reflection of our culture of transparency, teamwork, compassion, collaboration and commitment to our mission,” Swenson said. “Our employees are our greatest asset, and we must continue to support, empower and cultivate them so they can reach their highest potential and feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves. I couldn’t be prouder of my staff.”
Swenson also spoke about the award during the Geauga County Commissioners’ July 8 meeting, highlighting the importance of listening to employees and understanding their experiences.
He told the commissioners that looking beyond surface-level results to understand how employees feel is crucial, regardless of whether feedback is positive or negative.
Swenson said the department received “tremendous” feedback and is grateful for both the praise and the areas for growth.
“Yes, it is great that we did this, but we still hope to improve year after year. The commissioners have enabled me over the years by giving me the tools to support my staff,” Swenson said. “Thank you very much.”
Commissioner Jim Dvorak praised the department for its achievement, adding, “You are a shining star in Northeast Ohio, which shows with this award. Congratulations.”
