15. Aspen Advisors
Every firm and every consultant since the dawn of the profession has grappled with the dreaded work/life balance issue. One way Denver-based IT Healthcare consulting firm Aspen Advisors is tackling that ever-present problem is by flipping the script. Literally.
"We strive to create the conditions that enable our associates to do their best work—a collegial support network; focus on professional development, methodologies and toolkits; education and mentorship—to achieve their personal and professional goals. One way we do this is through what we refer to as Aspen's life/work balance philosophy. Note that we put the emphasis on 'life' first and foremost," says Daniel Herman, Founder and Managing Principal of the firm.
Aspen Advisors this year is making its triumphant return to our Best Small Firms to Work For list. Herman says it's a point of pride for the entire organization. "Our clients know that top talent is attracted to organizations that foster collegiality and knowledge sharing, and provide opportunities for professional growth. The survey results also provide valuable insights for our leadership as we focus on continuous improvement as a firm," he says.
Aspen Advisors looks for associates who are passionate about their work, and collaborative in nature. Especially in an industry like Healthcare, the kind of openness and communication that comes with a team approach to firm culture is critical for success.
"The healthcare industry is in a time of great challenge and change. Aspen is working with the healthcare industry's most dynamic and influential leaders to make substantive improvements. The underlying passion of our associates for "why we do the work we do" is incredible. Our associates are able to drive change in the industry and grow their careers doing it," says Herman
As for morale, Herman says it's "very high," citing the firm's culture where associates are "engaged, empowered and supported."
Part of boosting morale is putting programs in place to entice longevity, such as Aspen Advisors' five-year service anniversary award, for which associates are given a paid four-week sabbatical. After three years, associates are given a vacation bonus to help make their next trip extra special and restful. The firm even discourages excessively checking work e-mail after hours. But that's not all.
"We've launched several internal programs aimed at keeping life on the road fun, yet continuing to stretch consultants' minds outside of client engagements," Herman says.
When you look at the remainder of this year and 2015, what excites you?
Daniel Herman, Founder and Managing Principal, says: "We see IT as the catalyst for making fundamental change in the relationships among healthcare organizations and between providers and consumers of healthcare services. This has occurred in other industries where the cost of products and services has been reduced, customer service has been enhanced, access has been improved and new business models have been created.
It excites us to be in center of this change in the healthcare industry. We as a country, as employers, and as consumers simply cannot afford to spend what we are spending on healthcare. It's unsustainable. Future IT needs and the cost of sustaining the investment are on most CEOs' minds, and Aspen is well positioned to continue to support these efforts given our proven track record doing so in the past and the methodologies we've built and deployed to streamline these efforts."
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