PeopleFirm launched in September of 2008. It was just getting warmed up when several signed projects canceled. That led to what M. Tamra Chandler, CEO of PeopleFirm, refers to as "Black Friday," when she asked the entire team to take a pay cut in early 2009.
"We promised to pay them back when we could, which we did by early 2010," Chandler says. "During this recent economic climate, we've put a significant focus on keeping our team together and maintaining our values and our culture, which can certainly be challenged when things get tough. I wouldn't want to do it again, but I think a lot of good came out of those tougher times."
Since then, things have been looking up for the 27-person HR firm based in Seattle.
PeopleFirm continues to welcome new clients and new consultants, and Chandler sees no reason why it shouldn't continue in the future. She points out: by 2015 there will be 16 million more workers over 50 than today; young workers entering the workforce will change careers 10 to 14 times in their lifetimes; one in four high-potential employees will leave their employer in the next two years; and, some 30 percent of the workforce is disengaged.
"We see huge potential for our solutions in the market," Chandler says. "Our No. 1 strategic challenge will be to maximize that opportunity while maintaining our culture and delivery quality."
And the firm's culture is clearly one of the strongest attributes, as evidenced by the survey scores. Chandler points to PeopleFirm's open communication, a take-what-you-need vacation policy and minimal hierarchy as morale boosters. "This recognition will be a big deal for our team, Chandler says. "I hope they see it is a validation of the hard work we've done over the past three years."
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