#33 Avanade
From the latest smart phone app to the newest Twitter platform, nobody embraces technology like Generation Y. At global IT consultant Avanade, savvy Gen Yers not only work to expand technological horizons, they get to be the first to play with all kinds of new toys. For many, it's a job match made in digital heaven.
"There was a time when Avanade didn't embrace new technologies like blogs and Facebook," says Account Group Executive Michael Wood. "Then a Gen Y employee was hired that had his own blog and [through it] established relationships at Microsoft. They watched him embrace the use of these technologies, and now they're an important part of our work."
Gen Y's work style has made an impact on the company in other ways, too. "Generation Y is different from other generations in that they're more vocal in what they want professionally and personally," says Wood. "Gen Y appreciates and demands a balance."
Avanade helps its employees achieve that balance partly by providing lavish tech support to allow employees to work anytime from anywhere. "We have a gadget bonus to spend on technology 'toys' we feel would be fun to play with and enhance our knowledge," says Manager Michael Vire. Consultants who spend a lot of time on the road enjoy extended benefits that make travel easier, including dry cleaning and childcare.
Communicating with management is encouraged, especially since Generation Y employees are such early adopters to new technology and often have new innovative ideas. "There's an underlying entrepreneurial spirit," says Manager Joel Danowitz. "The company provides MSDN licenses when you start and you can download anything Microsoft has to offer. I downloaded everything I wanted right away, which allows us to play with anything new coming out. The leadership teams are behind their employees." Avande encourages their employees to learn, grown, and voice their opinions to create better solutions for their clients. And, it's working.
Not everyone at Avanade works in IT--jobs range from analytics to human resources, consulting to marketing, finance to sales--but they all come together in the "family-like" atmosphere during--and after--work. "Some of my coworkers are like me, some are into music or sports or are rock climbers," says Danowitz. "The people I work with are typically around my age and they're as passionate about what they do as I am. Most people I hang out with in and out of work are Avanade employees."
"Avanade is great for Gen Y because we really understand and respect what makes people want to come to work every day," says Delivery Lead Beth Howlett. "We expect a lot, but in return we give a lot. We're flexible, open to new ideas and creative ways to get work done."
