Hartford Courant Names United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut a Winner of the 2025 Top Workplaces

Hartford, Conn. (September 23, 2025) – United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, for the second consecutive year, has been awarded a 2025 Top Workplaces honor for The Capital Region, Northeastern, Southeastern and Lower CT River Valley Planning Regions by Hartford Courant. This list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The confidential survey uniquely measures the employee experience and its component themes, including employees feeling respected and supported, enabled to grow, and empowered to execute, to name a few.

“What makes this recognition special for me is that it is based solely on our staff’s feedback, and I’m honored we received this award for the second year in a row. Our staff is United Way’s greatest asset, and we are committed to prioritizing culture and employee engagement within our organization,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut had 41 full-time and nine contracted employees at the time of the survey, with thirty nine percent (39%) of its workforce having more than 5 years of tenure. As part of its new strategic vision, the organization is working to end poverty in the 860 region by closing gaps in child literacy, wages, housing and life expectancy.

“The employment engagement survey has been a valuable tool the organization has used to measure employee satisfaction, morale and engagement levels. Employee comments included in the survey are a gift that assists in shaping our strategies to attract and retain top talent,” reflected Helen Bergin, Human Resources Director at United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.

“Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “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. That’s paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends.”

In addition to this award, United Way recently announced the recognition of its Director of Marketing and Communications, Kate Blackburn, as a 2025 Hartford Business Journal 40 Under Forty Honoree.