PORTLAND — The Maine State Council of the Society for Human Resources Management has kicked off the eighth annual “Best Places to Work in Maine” program.

The program, endorsed by Best Companies Group, Maine State Chamber of Commerce, Maine Department of Labor, Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine HR Convention and Mainebiz, recognizes companies that have established and consistently fostered outstanding workplace environments.

“I think the success of the ‘Best Places to Work’ program is a true testament to Maine businesses understanding the importance of retaining and recruiting top talent to be successful,” said Deb Whitworth, state director of the SHRM Maine State Council.

In June, Best Companies Group will survey all the Maine companies that have registered online by the deadline of May 24. The scientifically validated survey will incorporate a company’s employee benefits and policies and responses from a comprehensive employee engagement and satisfaction survey.

The data collected from the assessment will be used to determine the Best Places to Work in Maine.

“Maine has set a goal of developing a globally competitive work force,” said Gov. Paul LePage. “The successful and continuous development of our work force benefits our businesses and our entire state. The more highly skilled our work force, the more we attract new businesses and diversify our economy. Maine can offer businesses world-class talent.”

First place winners of the seventh annual “Best Places to Work in Maine” program in 2012 included Westbrook-based Cintas in the large company category and PeoplesChoice Credit Union, located in Saco, in the small/medium category.

The Best Companies Group “Employee Feedback Report” is presented to each participating company, even if they did not make the list. The report includes the summarized employee engagement and satisfaction data, the Maine Benchmark Report, and the transcript of employee written comments. The report is used by many to make significant improvements in their workplace culture.

Any company in the state with at least 15 employees is encouraged to participate. Companies selected as a “Best Place to Work in Maine” will be announced at a gala event in the fall of 2013. A complete list of top companies will be featured in a statewide publication put out by Mainebiz. There is a fee to participate in the “Best Places to Work in Maine” program that helps cover administrative costs and the production of the Employee Feedback Report.

Interested companies can apply to participate in the program online at www.bestplacestoworkme.com. The deadline for registration is May 24, and all registered companies will be surveyed simultaneously following the deadline date.