#42 Leapfrog Online
Gone are the days when office communication was restricted to phone calls or--gasp--walking over to someone's desk. Nowadays, inter-office communication happens via IM, message boards, and text message, and all this talk is more important than ever. At Leapfrog Online, the sense of community fostered by constant contact helps the firm create strong bonds with its Gen Y employees.
Senior Director of Operations Terrance Peppers, says, "We use group chat rooms all the time to stay in contact with one another throughout the building and all over the U.S. It's very important to be in contact and get feedback." Peppers says that this cultivated communication fosters opportunities that other companies might not have. "Most of the time with Gen Y, you're looking at more entry level positions. What's different about Leapfrog is that everyone does have a voice. It isn't like there's any kind of prejudice in status or stature. Gen Yers contribute ideas and help put together marketing plans for our clients. We're interested in high collaboration."
"The environment is relaxing, very friendly--everyone's willing to help you," says Gen Y employee Kristen Prinke, who finds the communication level at her job affects not just what she does at the office. "The people here are open. Everyone's very knowledgeable, and they come from all over the world. I've been learning a lot from people in my job and my personal life."
Gen Yer Brian Ames agrees. While he says that the work is rewarding--and always different from day to day--the real strength behind Leapfrog is its people. "What's unique about Leapfrog is everyone's relationships."
Laura Mangini, HR, says those relationships are born out of a common theme: hard work and a belief in changing the status quo. "I think one of the great things about working at Leapfrog is the ability to make a difference. Everyone has the chance to make a difference and be heard. There are lots of opportunities. If you work hard and you want to make a difference, you can."
