#32 Burwood Group
A few short decades ago, the typical workplace looked pretty different. Hours and hierarchies were set in stone and working from home was a foreign concept. Companies like IT firm Burwood Group are taking the lead in the new world of work with flexibility and cutting-edge technology that move at the pace of Generation Y. As a result, they're changing the face of the modern workplace.
"Our work/life balance is great," says Maria Rubio, of Professional Development Manager. "There are no set work hours. You manage your own time. I get my work done, but am able to enjoy other aspects of my life." Most employees work from home at least one day a week, if not more.
"Flexibility is one of our key benefits," says Director John Fix. "Employees are allowed to work from home as long as they are meeting their 'milestones'. We believe that the employees should have the flexibility to do what they want as long as they are meeting their goals. We hire, train, and develop people who are responsible and take initiative. The people here want Burwood to succeed and everyone takes whatever steps necessary to make that happen."
Part of the dedication grows from Burwood's desire to see its own people do well. "[We're] very good about taking people in from the ground level and bringing them up," says Marketing Manager Blair Hannah. "It's a culture of 'move up or move out'; I started with an internship and moved up."
Annual training and bonus structures keep employees' knowledge fresh and up to date so that the company can continue to grow. "The tone has always been 'whatever you want to make of this, we are behind you,'" says Hannah. "Our professional development manager is great for suggesting courses for me to take and improve my skills."
To keep up with the pace of all that information, employees get laptops, iPhones, and, when it's all too much, an annual retreat to Mexico to decompress. Hannah sums up his work situation simply: "We are awesome! We are a young company dealing with technology. It's a great fit for Generation Y."
