Small For-Profit category
Versant
Bringing Together Bright Minds
Wisconsin — As a marketing communications firm, Versant specializes in helping clients build positive relationships with their customers. When it comes to its own employees, this pioneer in “Employer Branding” leads by example. By applying marketing principles to the employment experience, Versant demonstrates its commitment to enhancing employee growth and well-being and fostering a culture that encourages every associate to reach his or her potential.
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Employee Involvement
Recognizing that employee engagement and empowerment are crucial to business growth, Versant has designed a culture where all individuals have the opportunity to make important decisions, actively contribute to the organization’s success and assume responsibility for results. Open, two-way communication between Versant’s central management and associates, participative decision making, self-managed work teams and continuous improvement efforts contribute to a team-oriented atmosphere where creativity flows freely.
Health and Safety
Versant understands the link between stress and employee health and makes physical and emotional wellness a priority. Its health and safety initiatives include educational classes, structured walking activities, an Employee Assistance Program, access to an organizational psychologist, company sponsored immunizations, ergonomic assessments and a comprehensive health insurance plan that includes mental health benefits.
Employee Growth and Development
Versant approaches continuous learning as a strategy for both developing employees and improving client solutions. Opportunities for training and development include coaching and mentoring, roundtable discussions, funded membership in trade organizations, on- and off-site education and book discussions. All of Versant’s associates are viewed as knowledge leaders and are expected to educate each other and share their learning experiences through written summaries, presentations or group discussions. This culture of shared learning is designed to foster organic growth, where employees can find the best career path within Versant through a variety of opportunities to explore their own goals and aspirations.
Work-Life Balance
Versant believes that its employees should live well-balanced lives and be at their best both at work and at home. Therefore, the organization strives to create a supportive, family-friendly environment that recognizes the “whole person” and helps employees balance multiple demands. Versant’s programs and policies designed to promote work- life balance include flexible work schedules, telecommuting, paid time off and one-on-one coaching.
Employee Recognition
In Versant’s culture of recognition, seldom do individual or team accomplishments go without acknowledgment. From the little things, such as verbal praise, written thank you notes and rotation of prime parking spaces among all employees to more formal recognition efforts such as gifts, meals prepared and served by senior partners and monetary rewards, Versant’s leaders frequently take the opportunity to express their support and gratitude. Additionally, individual and group achievements are highlighted at regular meetings, personal and professional milestones are celebrated with cards, gifts and parties and a company-wide program enables employees to recognize each other for a job well done.
The Bottom Line
Comprehensive efforts to continuously improve itself as an employer have branded Versant as an employer of choice and an organization that can attract and retain the best and the brightest — no small feat in the fast-paced marketing industry. A recent employee survey shows high levels of job satisfaction, alignment with organizational goals and trust in the company’s leadership as well as low overall employee turnover risk. Additionally, employees feel valued, believe that their teams are effective, and are confident that they can make contributions to the organization.
Employees aren’t the only ones taking note of Versant’s positive work environment. Clients comment that they feel confident doing business with the firm because the staff is consistent and associates are committed, productive and focused. Additionally, Versant’s employment practices have been recognized by The Milwaukee Business Journal and Milwaukee Magazine/MRA (The Management Association). Along with employee and client satisfaction, Versant has realized larger, company-wide benefits. Since 2001, productivity has increased 36 percent and fees billed per full-time worker are up by 31 percent.