In 2009, collection agencies all around the country participated in an intensive survey that aimed to single out the best places to work in the collections industry and why. With the results, the collections industry was able to identify a number of the most important parts of the job that makes a particular agency an employer of choice.
It was asked that company workers rate their companies on an “ABC” scale, “A” being the best, “C” being the worst, “B” being in between. Small companies scored the most “A” ratings in comparison to larger and medium companies. The survey was able to determine that smaller companies were desired for a number of reasons, including the idea that employees are part of a team working towards a common goal, and the fact that leaders of smaller businesses in general are open to more input from employees.
Other factors responsible for high ratings included a feeling that the agency the employees were working for treated people like people, not numbers. Supervisors working at high scoring agencies were seen as handling work related issues with more skill, and appeared more open to feedback. The employees of the small companies that were picked as winners of the highest scores felt as though their supervisor helps them to grow to their fullest potential, and as if their agency might increase their pay. Employees of smaller companies additionally saw more room for advancement in the agencies.
Of all of the companies of every size, workers were the least satisfied when it came to pay and benefits, and felt as though their training and development lacked. However, overall ratings improved from the preceding year, probably because of the sobering realities of difficult conditions and layoffs that occurred over the last year.
Other major factors that had the largest influence on the positive opinions of employees included the belief that the leaders of the agency felt for their well being. Corporate objectives that were well planned with good follow through were highly valued, and leaders of agencies that were open to input from workers were much appreciated. Finally, out of all of the positive thoughts about their place of employment, the employees who thought they could trust the company reported the most favorable opinions.
Mallory Megan works for Rapid Recovery Solution and writes articles on new york collection agencies