#14 Digitas
For a generation more technically savvy and connected than any generation before it, a workplace that prides itself on riding the wave of the digital future is likely to be a good fit. At global interactive agency Digitas, Gen Y puts their finely honed media skills to good use and in return enjoys a brag-worthy workplace.
"Digitas is fast-paced, transparent, empowering, fun, exciting, and entrepreneurial," says Dave Marsey, the company's SVP Group Media Director.
It's also welcoming to up-and-coming talent. "Gen Y is heard at Digitas," Dave says. "Anyone who has a great idea should be. We learn a lot from Gen Y because they experience media differently. I learn something new from them constantly; their uniqueness, their ambition, their drive--it's all very unique to their generation."
The work is unique right back. "Digitas is unique because of the way it's always changing. The work is rewarding, new, innovative, and unknown, but the atmosphere and the people are the things that keep me here; every day is different. It's more than just a place to work," says Steve Lafontaine, a Generation Y employee.
No kidding. Not too many offices have daily popcorn popping and a beer cart on Fridays, after all. At Digitas, after logging long hours (and the work is intense, make no mistake) employees often enjoy unpredictable perks, including warm bagels in the mornings and a visit from the ice cream truck on extra hot summer days. And if food doesn't impress you, there was a mariachi band on Cinco de Mayo last spring and a bagpipe player on St. Patrick's Day, too.
For many Gen Y recruits, using social media sites at work is an issue. Since Digitas believes sites like Facebook and Twitter are platforms for brands, workers are given free reign over their monitors. "It allows us to learn about our competitors so we can make better-informed decisions," says Steve. "Plus, it allows our clients to learn about the opinions of consumers."
The nature of the day-to-day work at Digitas is second to none. Their client roster includes major players like Disney, Comcast, AMEX, Shell, and Kraft.
