12. Impact Advisors
No stranger to our Best Small Firms to Work For list is Impact Advisors, which finds itself in good company in our rankings for 2014.
Describing the elements that comprise a firm's culture can sometimes be difficult to put into words. So as part of its orientation process, Impact Advisors asks all new associates to choose a single word they feel best describes the firm based on their experience since joining. Some recent selections include "positive," "caring," "respectful," and "effective," according to Andy Smith, President of Impact Advisors.
"We started the Firm roughly eight years ago with two key themes. One, always deliver the absolute highest quality work for our clients, and two, strive to attract and retain the best associates. If we did both of those things consistently, everything else would work out, including establishing a great corporate culture, growing a top notch consultancy in terms of delivery capabilities, and building a firm where our associates do good work and have some fun along the way," says Smith.
Impact Advisors also puts a strong emphasis on communication, striving to give all hands a seat at the table to offer their input on everything from staffing decisions to firm financials and performance to leadership decisions. This transparent approach creates what Smith calls "a spirit of inclusion" within the firm.
"Our associates are continuing to be challenged with very complex opportunities at our clients, and we, overall, are having another strong year. We have also implemented even more communication channels to our associates over the past few months to solicit feedback in terms of what we, as a leadership team, could do to help our Associates as they practice their craft here," Smith says.
Among the firm's unique endeavors to keeping employees content is its resident 'Happiologist,' who is charged with, what else, keeping associates engaged, satisfied and happy. The firm also employs what it calls a Value Interview Process, an annual survey completed by each associate around their anniversary date, which gives the senior leadership team a snapshot of how satisfied and engaged their consultants are.
Impact Advisors also partners each new hire with a coach to ensure they receive the guidance needed to enhance their skillsets and grow with the company. "In addition to the benefit basics, we are committed to our associates' ongoing professional development, offering a formalized framework for career development along with an individual annual budget for training," says Smith.
Smith says being named a Best Small Firm again this year is inspiring, and shows their dedication to keeping their employees trained, engaged and happy has been a success. "This recognition is a powerful confirmation that we are truly living our mission for all we serve."
What sets Impact apart from competitors?
Andy Smith, President, says: "What sets Impact Advisors apart is our culture, which is and always will be a top priority within the firm. From celebrating our Associates' personal and professional milestones through multiple channels such as our quarterly newsletter, a Town Hall call or various other communication avenues to lifting them up when they need support in any way, we genuinely care about each individual team member and do our best to make sure they know how important they are to us. We also offer a peer-to-peer recognition program where any Associate can recognize a peer for a job well done, which includes a budget to send the award recipient a personalized gift as a part of their recognition."
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