What makes a great workplace?

We all have our own ideas about what makes a great workplace. Some believe it’s about access to a smart and collaborative team with motivational leadership, and others will say it’s about ample opportunity for personal and professional growth and the ability to maintain a healthy work/life balance. No matter what you consider essential in a top workplace, it’s important that it make you feel innovative, productive and inspired.

I’ve always appreciated how our Arena work culture is based on team spirit—the collective understanding that the contributions of each and every employee matter. For this reason and more, I’m honored to announce that Arena has made it onto the Bay Area News Group “Top Workplaces” list for 2012!

The Bay Area Top Workplaces list is part of the national Top Workplaces program, which recognizes employers on 30 regional lists and one national list. Over 1,200 companies across the Bay Area were nominated for this list, and winners were selected based on independent employee evaluations that indicate employees “feel inspired and are given the room to do great things.” Arena placed 5^th overall for small companies in the Bay Area, and got special recognition in the work/life balance category.

See for yourself what Arena employees have to say.

Recognition on the Top Workplaces list validates the efforts by every employee and leader to make Arena a place we look forward to coming to every day. Arena’s strong company culture provides a consistent platform for our employees to deliver amazing contributions, and we are committed to expanding our employee focus as we grow.

Craig Livingston, CEO

Arena’s commitment to technical excellence is a tangible part of our work culture and reflected in each and every team member. I enjoy working in an environment where I am challenged professionally and where my contributions have a positive impact on the productivity of my peers and, by extension, Arena customers.

Philip McMahon, Systems Engineering Manager

What I love about Arena is the people! Each new person I work with teaches me new skills and new ways of thinking.  I look forward to coming to work each day because I know I’m going to be challenged. I’m encouraged to ask questions and my supervisor takes time to explain answers so that I am self-sufficient in the future.

Laurel Johnson, Finance Manager

At Arena, anyone can affect change. If someone has an idea for a product, process or people improvement, management listens. It leaves you feeling empowered. Arena employees have an incredibly friendly, positive, ‘can do’ attitude – from the CEO down. I’ve worked in a handful of different work environments, and I can say with confidence that Arena’s culture is top notch. It makes coming to work each day an absolute pleasure!

Andrea Pitts, Vice President of Sales & Strategic Alliances

It’s been twelve years since I founded Arena, and in all that time, I’ve never been bored by the work I do. I love knowing that manufacturers use Arena’s cloud applications to design, build and ship better products faster—it’s very satisfying to help our customers succeed. And because the work is fun, challenging and rewarding, Arena continually attracts talented, well-intentioned people who are a pleasure to work with.

Eric Larkin, CTO and co-Founder

I love how customer-oriented Arena is. No matter the department, there are smart, positive people who care about our customers. Arena also understands what a work / life balance is all about, and accommodates flexible working schedules.

Keegan Warren, Account Executive

Arena is a great first place to work out of college. My team is encouraging, high-energy and knows how to have fun with things. It makes collaboration a breeze, and I feel like my voice is heard and my opinions matter.

Steven Harley, Marketing Web Developer

If you’re interested in joining the team, we just may have a spot for you! We’ve got positions open in every department from engineering to marketing, and we’d love to meet you.