PR Close-Up: Company Culture, Benefits, and Perks

Hiring managers know that when candidates are interviewing, they’re not just considering the job, they’re also considering the company culture. While company culture can mean anything from the physical layout of the office to the company org chart to the culture of communication, this week I’d like to discuss the ways in which a company can invest in their employees. Through professional development, benefits, and perks, companies can create an exciting and unique company culture for their employees.

Curb burnout
As many PR professionals know, one of the most common reasons for unhappiness at a company is exhaustion. Employee burnout may seem unavoidable, but many companies are finding simple ways to communicate to employees that taking breaks is important. Many of our clients do this excellently. For example, March Communications (named one of PR News’ 2015 Top Places to Work) has a “duvet day,” a day separate from sick or vacations days afforded to each employee to call in and stay under the covers, as well as a Day of Service, where instead of going to work, employees can volunteer at an organization of their choice. ZocDoc, a healthcare technology company, has been named one of the best places to work in part because of their unlimited vacation days. Given the inherent challenge for PR professionals to find work-life balance as discussed last week, these policies kill two birds with one stone. “We feel like we have a much more motivated work force,” ZocDoc CFO Netta Samroengraja says. “They’re absolutely much more productive as well while they’re here.”

Do chores
Another element of company culture and perks can be special amenities that take extra errands off an employee’s plate, making work something of a one-stop-shop. Our client TJX Companies provides onsite dry cleaning, day care, and a fitness center as a way of creating a community atmosphere. ZocDoc provides free lunch every day. Efforts like these can help employees focus on work, but are also a good way to communicate that companies are supportive of a positive work-life balance.

Provide opportunities
Through thought leadership initiatives and networking opportunities, many companies are prioritizing professional development for their employees. This is an exciting way to help employees individualize their work experience and better themselves parallel to their work at the company. Whether it’s providing membership to networking groups like PRSA, prioritizing thought leadership in-house, or bringing industry thought leaders to speak, these efforts are an exciting way to invest in employees’ growth. For example, ZocDoc has events and presentations giving information about trends in the healthcare and technology industries at large, information that will help PR and communications professionals do their best.

Next week, we’ll take a closer look at professional development.

Chaloner

Chaloner, founded in 1979 as Chaloner Associates, is a national executive search firm that focuses on recruiting mid- to senior-level communications, public relations, marketing and investor relations professionals.