Infinitive has been a Best Small Firms to Work For stalwart—appearing on the list every year since Consulting starting ranking small firms in 2008.
It's often hard to quantify what specifically builds a strong firm culture, but consider this example from Denis McFarlane, CEO of Infinitive: In the last company-wide meeting in 2010, employees voted on company initiatives that had been submitted to firm leadership, which committed to implementing the two that received the most votes.
The first initiative, a wellness program, is well underway and is being managed by a committee of employees, McFarlane says. Meanwhile, the second, a structured training program, is in the planning phase.
" 'Infinitivians' " as McFarlane calls employees "are telling us that including them in both the selection and development of new programs fosters buy-in and furthers team morale," he says. "Our culture makes Infinitive unique and is introduced from the first recruitment call and is reinforced on a daily basis. We have a continued focus on our people."
That focus on people extends to their enrichment and professional development as the firm expands its breadth and scope with three additional companies: Infinitive Analytics, which is focused on web analysis; Infinitive Federal, which supports the federal government; and Infinitive Insight, which provides risk management services. The firm is also building out CRM and Digital Media capabilities, thus providing new learning and growth opportunities.
McFarlane says it all boils down to three things he tells his employees to focus on every day—Kicking Butt for the Client, Helping Fellow Infinitivians, and Having Fun. "It's important to enjoy what you do," he says. "If someone's not having fun kicking butt for the client and helping fellow Infinitivians, than something's not right."
—J.K.
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