For the fifth year in a row, HAI Group has proven that a thriving workplace culture isn't just a goal—it's a standard. The company's latest recognition on the 2024 Top Workplaces list, awarded by Hearst Connecticut Media Group, highlights its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where employees feel valued and empowered.
The award ranks HAI Group among the top 55 employers recognized for exceptional workplace culture out of 2,485 organizations invited to participate across Connecticut's Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties.
"This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a workplace where every employee feels valued, supported, and empowered to grow," said Amy Galvin, chief governance and human resources officer at HAI Group. "This recognition isn't just about our policies or benefits—it's about the people who bring our culture to life daily."
Earlier this year, HAI Group, a specialty insurer serving public housing authorities and affordable housing organizations nationwide, was also named a National Top Workplace by USA Today, marking the second time the company has received national recognition for its workplace environment.
"To be celebrated at both the state and national levels underscores the impact of our efforts to foster collaboration, inclusivity, and excellence," Galvin said. "This milestone reinforces our belief that when employees are engaged and appreciated, the entire organization thrives."
The evaluation process
The Top Workplaces program evaluates organizations based on confidential employee feedback collected through a third-party survey administered by Energage, an employee engagement technology firm. This year's Hearst CT Media Top Workplaces Award was open to any Connecticut employer with 35 or more employees in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven counties. Organizations needed at least 35% of their local employees to respond to the survey to qualify. For companies with fewer than 85 employees, a minimum of 30 responses was required.
HAI Group was recognized in the 150-499 employee category, achieving an impressive 93% survey response rate in 2024—well above the industry average of 80%. Since adopting the survey in 2020, HAI Group's response rate has consistently remained above 92%, reflecting its strong culture of engagement.
Energage's rigorous survey process ensures authenticity by testing feedback and disqualifying organizations if a significant number of employees report feeling pressured into providing positive responses. Hearst Connecticut Media does not receive payments from Energage, and the award list is independently prepared, ensuring credibility.
HAI Group's secret sauce
HAI Group President and CEO Ed Malaspina credited the company's culture and atmosphere for fostering an environment where employees take pride in their work and uphold a strong sense of integrity.
"Our secret sauce is that our employees take pride in their work, which isn't the case at every company in today's business environment," Malaspina said. "Years ago, people took great pride in their work, seeing it as a reflection of themselves. That's the culture we've instilled here—do the right thing at the right time for the right reason, even when no one is looking."
HAI Group strongly emphasizes employee engagement through a wide range of initiatives. These include volunteer opportunities with local community organizations, offsite team-building events, and employee-led special interest groups such as the book club and art club. The company's headquarters also features a variety of onsite amenities, including a basketball court, tennis/pickleball court, ping pong tables, cornhole boards, and a fitness center, all designed to promote wellbeing and camaraderie.
From left to right: HAI Group employees from various departments display items collected for a local food pantry; members of the Account Services and Online Training teams represent the company at an industry event; employee April Parsons receives recognition from President and CEO Ed Malaspina for her years of service; HAI Group employees enjoy a friendly pickleball match during a field day event.
"We're much stronger when we function together," Malaspina said. "Engagement is the best way to create a highly productive environment."
Malaspina acknowledged the challenge of managing rising business costs while maintaining employee satisfaction.
"You look at expenses going up everywhere," he said. "How do you manage the rising business costs while ensuring employee satisfaction and fulfillment? It's more challenging than ever. But we've found that balance. I love hearing our employees' heartfelt feedback at our monthly all-staff meetings—it's unique and meaningful."
He also emphasized the importance of considering employees' well-being in the workplace.
"When negotiating a new healthcare contract, I'm not just thinking about our most valuable asset—the people who walk in the front door every morning—but also about their families, who are important to them," he said.
Embracing innovation and failure
HAI Group's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) regularly brainstorms innovative approaches to differentiate the company. Malaspina values experimentation, and the role failure plays in achieving success.
HAI Group's Executive Leadership Team, from left to right: Tony Corleto, Chief Legal Officer; Amy Galvin, Chief Governance and Human Resources Officer; Dr. Reginald Freeman, Chief Risk Officer; Ed Malaspina, President and CEO; Troy LePage, Executive Vice President and COO; Paul Lagonigro, Chief Financial Officer; Sherry Sullivan, Chief Insurance Officer; and Bernie Odoy, Chief Technology Officer.
"ELT sits around a table and brainstorms how to be different—how to zig when everyone else zags," he said. "Some ideas don't work out, but that's okay. Failure is part of the process: if you're not failing, you're not trying hard enough. Success often comes after overcoming failures."
Malaspina also encourages bold decision-making and trusting intuition over following conventional approaches.
"Don't be afraid to make decisions others aren't making," he said. "Trust your instincts and know what's best for your company. If you want to be the best, you must be uniquely supreme and true to yourself, not just follow what others are doing."
Turning feedback into action
At HAI Group, employee feedback is a catalyst for meaningful change. The company doesn't just collect survey results—it actively analyzes and uses them to guide future initiatives. This approach has led to enhancements like wellness programs, fitness center upgrades, and improved collaboration tools.
"Our employees' insights give us a clear picture of what makes their work experience positive and where we have room to grow," Galvin said. "We're dedicated to hearing their feedback and actively using it to build an even more supportive and rewarding environment."
Galvin emphasized that the Top Workplaces award recognizes past efforts and reflects HAI Group's ongoing commitment to improving the employee experience.
"We place tremendous value on our employees' input because it shapes who we are as a company. We aim to create a work environment where everyone feels empowered, supported, and motivated to reach their full potential," Galvin said.
Ready to join a company celebrated for excellence year after year? Explore career opportunities at HAI Group by visiting our Career Center today!
