Top workplaces, large: 2. Wynn Las Vegas

Wynn Las Vegas remains one of the top places to work in the Las Vegas Valley in 2014.

The company ranked No. 2 in the large-company category, and employees tout it as a fun place to work that offers them opportunities to advance. They say they appreciate working for a company that cares about them and their health, and treats them like they are part of a larger family.

“Our employees are proud of this and showing Las Vegas that we are a great place to work,” says Carrie Messina, the company’s vice president of human resources. “They don’t consider it a company, but a family. They’re all excited to come to work.”

Chairman Steve Wynn shows he cares about the employees, Messina says. That includes making sure the menu in the employee dining room is what they want and making sure services are available. He takes care of them like he does guests.

“If people know they are valued and cared about, they are happy where they work,” Messina says. “That feeling is translated to our guests.”

Wynn Las Vegas offers dry cleaning services to its employees and offers a wellness center online where employees can get prescriptions if they come down with a cold or need something as simple as eye drops.

When an employee went through the process to become a citizen, the company paid for it and even hosted a swearing-in ceremony for that person and others in the community.

“But what makes Wynn different is it doesn’t rely on formal programs,” Messina says. “Our managers stand and greet people as they come in. You never see that. Everyone talks, and we care about each other.”

Messina says the best advice companies can follow if they want to become a top workplace is to talk to employees and try to meet their needs.

Employees were adamant in their praise, with many saying it’s a fun job with great pay coveted by others in the community.

“I love working at the Wynn,” one employee says. “Who doesn’t want to work at the Wynn?”

Some call the job a second home.

“I’m not a number,” one employee says. “They make me feel like a person. I work hard at my job and at the end of the day I feel fulfilled that I did my best. The management team appreciates my hard work and dedication. They acknowledge all the effort that is put in and create a harmonious work environment. Fun events occur at the Wynn, it keeps me motivated and energized to put my best foot forward.”

Some employees talked about getting to meet with business leaders from all over the world and how they learn from guests and how that can propel them in their future. Others talked about the latitude they have to solve problems and contribute ideas. Knowing there are expectations raises the level of performance, an employee says.

“I love my job because I am empowered to make real decisions,” one employee says. “This makes my job feel meaningful and satisfying. I feel that our leaders genuinely believe in our people and understand that people are our most valuable asset. I also believe there’s real opportunity to learn and that there’s real opportunity to advance. I have learned skills that will be valuable with me anywhere I would choose to go.”

Employees have praised Wynn as a visionary and innovator who makes them feel comfortable about the resort and its future. He pays close attention to detail and is always improving the property.

“There’re no other place in the world for the work that I do where the company cares what’s going on on a daily basis,” one employee says. “They’re organized from top down and provide plenty of information on every aspect of my work. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”