Doyle Security Systems recognized as good place to work

ROCHESTER, N.Y.—Doyle Security Systems was recently recognized on Best Companies Group's annual list of top employers. Judy Katafiaz, Doyle's human resources director, talked with Security Systems News about the company culture and employee engagement that garnered this designation.

“It's really an honor and we're very excited. It's the first year that we've made the list and I think it speaks to all the work that we're doing to try to be a great place to work,” Katafiaz said.

The medium-sized category features companies that have between 100 and 250 employees, Katafiaz said; Doyle currently has about 120. Doyle Security was named number 12 of 19 companies listed in the category.

What makes Doyle a great place to work? “I really think it has to do with the leadership. Our CEO, John Doyle, has created an atmosphere that is just so amazing—it's a very friendly atmosphere,” Katafiaz said. “There are challenges, we work hard, but you never have to worry that someone's going to ask you to do something you're not comfortable doing. Meetings are very polite and professional. We have a ton of fun.” The company has a committee that plans different fun events, Katafiaz noted.

The company's culture is designed around open communication, according to Katafiaz. The company conducts two to three anonymous employee engagement surveys each year. “Employees are absolutely encouraged to say whatever they think in any of the categories, and they can write comments and ask questions through this channel,” she said, adding that these surveys are followed by meetings in each department with opportunities for discussion of the results, other questions, and brainstorming.

“Almost everything we do has a component of open communication. We have monthly breakfast meetings with the whole company and there's always time in the agenda for questions and answers,” said Katafiaz.

“Being recognized as one of the best places to work in New York is a testament to our amazing employees and to our culture," John Doyle, company CEO, said in a prepared statement. “We believe that having an engaging workplace is the key to being a great company.”