Do you have the happiest workforce in the channel?

If so, you really should enter the CRN Sales and Marketing Awards' Best Company to Work For categories

A happy workforce means happy customers.

That is a statement that many companies make every day, but how many are actually making that investment to ensure their staff, regardless of level or role, are valued and appreciated?

And more importantly, what moves are channel firms making to ensure their valued employees stay rather than stray (or are tempted away)?

This year, the Best Company to Work For category has been expanded to include not only resellers and vendors, but distributors too.

Years ago, employees were happy if they were provided with a ridiculously high salary and perhaps a ping-pong table and a games console to while away the lunch hour with colleagues.

Now, money is just one element of many, and companies need to make a lot more effort and put a lot more thinking into ensuring their staff are happy and fulfilled in their jobs.

It is also about a great working atmosphere, flexible working opportunities for a good work/life balance and CSR.

Those firms that go the extra mile to ensure they get the best out of their valuable staff and treat them like human beings rather than just machines, will always be rewarded with loyalty in return.

Some of the entries for these categories that we have seen in previous awards have been absolutely awe-inspiring, with a range of fantastic initiatives and perks offered to staff, but there are still plenty of companies out there that have not shared their stories, and are actually offering some really unique incentives.

We really do want to hear from you this year.

If you are proud of your company and what it stands for, then you need to shout it from the rooftops and show potential employees of the future what they could be in line for if they decide to join your workforce.

To find out more and read about the Best Company to Work For criteria, and to submit an entry, please click here.