“The management team at GSSI understands that good employees have lots of choices regarding who they work for. We have always tried to hire people who are passionate, and provide an environment that fosters open communication, collaboration, trust, accountability and…having fun.” Says Christopher Hawekotte, President. “Over the past 18 months, this has become even more true as many of us have reevaluated what is important in our personal and professional lives. As a manufacturing company, it is critical for most of our employees to be in the office, so we try to foster a culture where they are excited to come to work.”

GSSI is known for it’s focus on flexibility and work/life balance, with employees and their managers working together to determine what schedules work best for the individual and the team. This past summer, GSSI recognized that our employees may need additional flexibility as life began to return to normal after events brought on by COVID-19. The company knew that everyone’s lives were impacted and that many had not seen their family and friends in a long time. Because of this, GSSI wanted to try to offer employees some additional flexibility in their work schedules. In May, GSSI the company gave employees flex and 9/80 schedule choices to recognize the personal challenges we all had recently faced.

At GSSI, we pride ourselves in providing an atmosphere where our people can thrive and be successful. Our greatest strength is our staff. Each new staff member is welcomed with a package of GSSI goodies sent to their home the Friday before they begin and a special lunch with their new department coworkers on their first day. There are fun-filled employee appreciation events all year long including company cookouts, Employee Appreciation Day, and Holiday parties to name a few examples.

Company benefits include a 401 (k) with a 50% match for a 6% minimum contribution and an enrollment waiting period that is the following month from the date of hire. Employees can receive new employee referral bonuses up to $10,000 and annual tuition reimbursement up to $12,000. Leadership training sessions, seminar and webinar subscriptions, and trade courses and certifications are also offered to employees if they choose. There is even a unique benefit that reimburses employees when they adopt a shelter animal.

Robin Finnegan, GSSI’s Senior Human Resource Manager, said “This year’s award is dedicated to Timothy Perrault, a veteran of US Marine Corps, and proud member of our GSSI family for 29 years.” He passed away unexpectedly this year, and the way his fellow employees honored him is a profound example of the culture at GSSI. Tim was typically one of the first employees at the office each day and parked in the same spot. That is now dedicated in his memory as a reserved spot for fellow veterans.”

“On behalf of GSSI, I’d like to express our appreciation for being named to the Best Company to Work For list again.” Hawekotte said. “We are honored to be among the handful of companies who are consistently recognized as the best in New Hampshire.”