#5 Edelman
These days, it's not enough for a company to bury its head in business. Corporate citizenship is paramount for a multitude of reasons and for Gen Yers who care deeply about issues affecting their world, a company that goes above and beyond the call of humanitarian duty is highly attractive. It also helps when the job itself is cool, like it is at mega PR firm Edelman.
Founder Richard Edelman believes that "in order to be good business people, we need to be good human beings in general." As a result, Edelman engages in many corporate responsibility programs and initiatives.
"Every year, we have a different focus," says Maria O'Keeffe, Executive Vice President of HR. "Last year it was focused on educating young females in Africa. Edelman took 15 employees from around the globe and allowed them to spend time helping." O'Keeffe says Edelman was the first public relations committee chosen to help with the annual "Off the Street" club event, holding its own fundraiser to help fund 100 children in summer camp programs--and almost 600k was raised.
For employees at Edelman, the philanthropy looms large, but it wouldn't mean as much if the work wasn't rewarding. "It is a very fast paced, creative, high energy environment," says President and COO Nancy Ruscheinski. "The nature of the profession draws a certain type of person--they fight for ideas till the death. It's a very vocal, passionate culture."
"I've grown tremendously," says Assistant Media Executive Matthew Clay. "I came in as an intern; a month later there was an opening for a full time position and I got it. I was able to take over projects. Another employee and I proposed to start a practice group and they gave us a budget." Clay adds that at Edelman, the culture is more than comfortable. Says Clay, "It's all about Generation Y."
The company isn't just dedicated to humanitarian efforts--they're dedicated to their employees, as well. At "Edelman University" each week, multiple classes are offered. Classes are held during the day, and employees attend workshops like "yoga at your desk" or writing and presentation skills classes whenever they have time.
"It's the little things," says Account Exec Lauren Ross. "On Monday mornings we get free breakfast and there's ice cream on Fridays." Now that's corporate citizenship.
