Small Companies
(Organizations with 1-50 North American staffers)
Brick City Greenhouse
Brick City Greenhouse team members see a big advantage in working at this small agency. The ability to connect with senior management, a lack of hierarchy and an abundance of opportunity were all factors staff members cited as reasons BCG is a great place to work.
“As a smaller organization, all staff have direct access to senior-level executives,” noted one professional. Leadership is engaged and invested in talent development, and the company offers continuous learning, cross-training, leadership opportunities, mentorship and clear paths to senior roles. Staff members appreciate frequent check-ins with senior leaders.
The agency’s small size provides plenty of opportunity for ownership over projects. One team member expressed satisfaction with minimal levels of approval hierarchy and said the streamlined approach leads to more efficient and effective client services. “The sense of autonomy bestowed on BCG employees fuels us to take pride in our work and deliver beyond client expectations,” reported a staffer.
Judges were impressed with the fully remote agency’s ability to create a collaborative workplace. “Despite our remote work environment, we’ve cultivated a strong sense of community where collaboration, support and open communication thrive,” noted a team member. Another praised BCG’s “rewarding and dynamic work environment that prioritizes both professional development and employee satisfaction.” Employees feel their agency puts the well-being of its people and clients over profit.
Regular virtual meetups, team-building activities and shared goals help foster a tight-knit culture where everyone feels valued and connected. The mutual respect team members feel for each other was evident. “The authenticity came through as people talked about their colleagues and their relationships,” noted one judge. One professional revealed being thankful for coworkers who pitch in to ease heavy workloads or cover during a personal or family emergency. The result is a dynamic and cohesive team in an inspiring and productive workplace.
Elevate Healthcare Marketing
Elevate Healthcare Marketing staffers report feeling passionate about and proud of their work at this agency. Survey respondents gave the agency the highest possible marks for creativity and reported that the firm is continually looking for new ways to improve the work they do for clients. “We create award-winning work for our brands and clients,” enthused one professional. “We are great at building and maintaining relationships, providing quality service and are focused on what matters most — the patients.”
Elevate staffers overwhelmingly praised their agency’s culture. “It’s more like a family or tribe than any agency I’ve ever worked for. Everyone rolls up their sleeves and chips in at all levels to help get projects over the finish line, and we make it a point to celebrate both our small and large accomplishments,” said one professional. Judges were impressed with how much Elevate employees “really care about each other at an emotional level.”
The agency’s “Cultivate” culture, which is informed by 21 “core fundamentals,” fosters that sense of mutual respect. “Cultivate has become the language we use to communicate, collaborate and build relationships,” explained a team member. “Cultivate is a very authentic way to treat each other with kindness and respect.”
To ensure the Cultivate approach flourishes, the firm holds monthly meetings to discuss one of the 21 Cultivate fundamentals and to recognize and celebrate a team member who embraces the Cultivate spirit and principles in a way that benefits the company and its clients. It’s no surprise that the agency received high marks for collaboration, transparency and accountability and for treating its employees well. Monthly team-building initiatives and biweekly happy hours encourage regular interaction among team members.
Elevate also received high marks for salary, paid vacation and an “above average holistic benefits package.” Despite challenging market forces, staffers are confident that “the agency does an excellent job of planning for the future which helps minimize the impact we experience.”
Thermal
While most agencies pay lip service to the importance of maintaining a positive and collaborative culture, the pros at Thermal said their agency walks the walk. “Thermal is very intentional about creating an atmosphere that defies traditional/big agency hierarchies,” said a staffer. “The agency places genuine importance on building a team in which we all feel shared responsibility for the client work and for supporting each other and having fun along the way.”
Team members at Thermal are united in a “shared passion for improving human health” and report deep satisfaction in working with clients who are on the cutting edge of biotech and healthcare innovation. “We are delivering high-impact, meaningful work for clients working to change human health,” reported a staffer.
Thermal’s work with trailblazing clients has not been affected by challenging market trends. “Thermal continues to win new business and throw its weight behind clients using truly seminal technologies, particularly CRISPR and AI,” said an employee.
If the chance to work with top scientists and innovators tackling the hardest problems in medicine is a lure at Thermal, the company’s culture convinces staffers to stay on. Team members describe a workplace that encourages professionals to take ownership of projects and invests in developing junior staff members to take on additional responsibility. They also voice appreciation for “flexibility when it comes to working remotely.” “The breadth of our work, caliber of our clients and highly engaged management team offer unique opportunities for hands-on learning and development regardless of level or experience,” enthused one staffer. “That is difficult to find anywhere else.”
Midsize Companies
(Organizations with 51-200 North American staffers)
Calcium+Company
Calcium+Company team members made it clear that while the agency is made up of professionals with diverse strengths and different viewpoints, everyone at this agency is pulling in the same direction.
“None of us fit into the traditional structure but we all found a home that is accepting and appreciates the value that everyone brings,” explained one staffer. Team members described Calcium as an “innovative, forward-focused organization with a thoughtful strategic vision and culture.”
Communication is the cornerstone of this agency’s culture and management finds innovative ways to help staffers sharpen their skills. Staffers were enthusiastic about a program that assigned employees different “rock star personalities” and encouraged them to work “with different types of people and working styles.” The firm’s new Holy Cow initiative “has had a tremendous impact on collaboration, camaraderie and creative thinking in all of us,” noted an employee.
Calcium staffers also universally expressed high regard for their peers. “The talent/skill levels of my coworkers (including the best-ever editorial department in my experience), as well as the good-natured spirit and creative energy are top notch here,” raved one staffer.
Overall, judges were impressed not only with the robust number of responses from this company’s workforce, but also with the consistency of positive feedback. “It’s a well-run shop and people seem to really enjoy the environment,” observed one judge. “People said they’re set up to succeed there.”
Ensuring that employees succeed begins with onboarding at Calcium when new hires are paired with a buddy. Mentorship opportunities continue though many levels. From the company’s CAL-U internal training program to the Pharm Fellow internship and apprenticeship program, “Ca+Co truly supports the ethos that strong/confident employees lead to happy clients,” explained one employee.
DNA Communications
DNA has maintained its entrepreneurial spirit despite its rapid growth. “The agency is on an incredible growth trajectory over the past four years, yet the heartbeat of the agency has remained steady,” said one staffer. Another noted that clients applaud the agency’s ability to “create and execute big, creative programs while also excelling at data and scientific communications.”
“The work we do is exciting, supports diverse teaming and creates learning opportunities at all levels,” added another team member.
Employees say they work hard and are given the tools they need to create great client work and advance professionally. A number of team members cited abundant growth opportunities as a key motivator for staying at this firm.
A culture one employee described as “wonderfully human” is another differentiator. Respondents called the DNA environment supportive, collaborative and honest, and cited the long tenure of many DNA employees as a testament to the success of the workplace environment. “Many midlevels have stayed with us for many years, advancing to leadership levels,” noted a staffer. At this firm, employees at all levels have a strong sense of ownership. “Those who thrive here roll up their sleeves and do good work, help their teammates and understand the ‘all boats rise’ ethos,” explained a pro.
Judges observed the team spirit at this agency was evident in the survey responses. The firm’s Creativity Day, an agency-wide event centered around a visit to a piece of NYC art or history to spark creativity, is a fan favorite. Many mentioned a recent private tour of Lincoln Center as a memorable experience. The agency works hard to find other ways to bring its people together. In addition to longstanding team-building exercises, DNA recently added a coffee chat program that links new hires to senior leaders.
Heller Agency
Employees at Heller credit founder Rob Heller and the Heller leadership team with setting a tone that turns employees into “true Heller advocates.” Team members describe an agency that rewards entrepreneurial action and initiative and provides ample room for career advancement. They praised senior management’s commitment to maintaining a fully remote workplace that remains supportive, flexible and dynamic.
When it comes to compensation and benefits, this midsize agency is a standout. Employees applauded Heller for “going above and beyond to provide competitive compensation” and called the firm’s comp and benefits packages “generous and unique” and “extremely progressive.” The agency’s 401(k) match, enhanced PTO packages, paid family leave policy, family building benefits (including IVF) and prescription allowances were cited as particularly valuable employee assets. In addition, employees have access to financial wellness tools and life and career coaches and receive other fun rewards, such as a book from their Amazon wish list each month. Team members are convinced that their agency “provides the best possible benefits for employees.”
Heller demonstrated consistent and steady growth over the past year through organic new business wins, and the firm continued to hire employees, invest in benefits and increased its yearly Hellapalooza retreats to twice yearly.
Team-building events are a big focus at the fully remote agency. “Team-building is at the forefront for us,” said one staffer. “We believe you can learn more about someone in an hour of play than in a year of conversation.” The agency’s weekly online Heller House Party meeting focuses on employee recognition and gives staff members an opportunity to get to know each other during team events. This year Heller introduced a buddy system that pairs new employees with a staffer on a different account.
Overall, this firm’s workforce is a happy bunch. “Heller’s environment of collaboration, flexibility and transparency is quite refreshing in the marketing agency world,” observed a staffer.
Honorable Mention
Humancare
MM+M’s judges gave an honorable mention to Humancare for the high marks the company received for providing a supportive culture.
“Ninety-one percent of employees who responded said they have a supportive culture around people living with cancer or serious illness or who were caregivers,” noted a judge. “We agreed that it was very important that people look at mental health as part of the health and wellness package at a company.”
Judges were impressed with the high scores the firm received on providing the necessary support for all employees to feel that their safety, health and well-being is being taken care of and is a top priority.
In this post-pandemic time, when many professionals fall into the sandwich generation that is caring for children as well as aging parents, the judges felt strongly that “how we make it easier for people to bring their best selves to work and feel supported” was critical.
Humancare staffers expressed feeling a high degree of support and empathy and a strong sense of camaraderie at this company. “From the top down, Humancare employees are genuinely very caring and nurturing,” said one staffer. Another noted: “I have never felt more like a member of a team. Humancare employees support each other incredibly well. We all encounter difficult times at work or with clients and it always feels like we are in it together and have each other’s backs.”
Judges also took notice of the agency’s commitment to providing new opportunities for employees to connect and share interests. This year, Humancare initiated new interest groups, such as pet owners circles and cooking clubs, and employees appreciated the chance to “interact with work colleagues on things outside of day-to-day business.”
“It seemed like they were trying to be innovative in how they bring culture together,” said one judge. “It felt like they really live that mission of bringing a human approach to the group.”
Staffers also called out the Humancare Creative Team’s effort to plan regular “Humanly Possible” outings that inspire and spark innovation and collaboration. Employees and judges agreed that this agency is taking its commitment to culture and a “people first” viewpoint very seriously.
Large Companies
(Organizations with 201 or more North American staffers)
Lockwood
Lockwood remains an innovator in promoting a people-first workplace. During a time of tremendous growth for the organization, management has continued to focus on making staff feel supported. “Lockwood has always made work-life balance a priority and is constantly looking at ways to help staff manage their responsibilities,” said an employee. Judges were impressed that 92% of respondents believed their workplace would support them if they needed to care for a sick family member or their own health concerns. Indeed, one survey respondent reported the agency has been a tremendous source of support during a loved one’s recent health crisis.
Judges praised the agency’s ability to foster a culture that prioritizes “psychological safety and the idea that everybody throughout the organization is one team.” One employee described Lockwood as a company that sees its workforce “not only as employees but people.”
“During moments of uncertainty in our lives they are there to support us and help,” said one professional. “They celebrate the wins and help us when we need support in our personal lives.”
Employees also noted a variety of ways this “team-member-centric organization” promotes camaraderie. A company kickball team, baseball outings across many cities, Team Town Hall meetings and Health and Wellness Challenges are fun and effective ways to forge connections among team members.
“Every month we have been encouraged to have individual team collaboration meetings where we can take on any hot topic within our team,” said a staffer. Another team member cited quarterly people reviews that give business units within the organization the chance to “help people who need support, celebrate top performers, provide feedback, ensure everyone in the company feels supported and engage HR for any guidance or needs.”
PatientPoint
While judges were impressed with the overall scores this agency received from its workforce, it was apparent from survey comments that career development is a particular strength for PatientPoint.
This past year, the agency invested heavily in employee career development resources and team members said they take full advantage of every opportunity to build their skills and advance their careers. Staffers called out HR-hosted company-wide “development days,” speed networking events and LinkedIn Learning as valuable resources.
Staffers also voice appreciation for clear timelines and prescribed pathways to advancement at this agency. “Leadership makes the objectives associated with each level very clear,” noted one pro. Recent hires were particularly enthusiastic about the “tremendous potential for success within the organization” and cited a thorough onboarding process as a key advantage in joining PatientPoint.
A top-down “work hard, play hard” culture permeates this agency. One team member credited the importance of culture at this firm to the founder’s vision. The end result is a highly collaborative workplace where both remote and on-site employees feel valued and connected and have equal access to development, tools and perks. It’s no surprise that turnover rates are low. “I’ve never seen tenure like this at any other company I’ve worked for. People have been here since inception almost 35 years ago and many have worked here for over 10 years,” observed a staffer.
One happy team member noted that PatientPoint is “hitting on all cylinders” required to qualify as a Best Place to Work. “They have a phenomenal culture, strong people development, innovative product line, strong insights/strategy, commitment to diversity and inclusion, transparent communication and motivated employees.”
Ruder Finn
Employees describe Ruder Finn as an agency that offers “a lot of room for career growth.” Staffers say this firm encourages professional development and rewards its employees for work well done. “People are not siloed to a specific practice and have opportunities to collaborate across teams,” noted one employee who described the agency as “large enough to mobilize global resources but small enough to allow employees to follow their interests and forge their own career paths.”
A formalized mentorship program, quarterly RF Academy training, a speaker series and an annual stipend for professional development are just some of the resources available to employees. “We are consistently given opportunities to grow and develop in different areas and encouraged to learn from one another,” explained an employee. The agency has deepened its focus on providing AI training and advancement and recently added a staff member who will concentrate on advancing AI capabilities.
“Ruder Finn fully embraces AI and other new tools that keep the agency ahead of the curve,” noted a staffer. Another added: “Ruder Finn equips employees with the tools and knowledge to succeed in this industry while encouraging us to think deeper and more creatively.”
Judges were impressed with the agency’s commitment to being “on the cutting edge in training their employees and their strong career development program for their people.”
The judges also noted staffers receive consistent promotions. “When it comes to advancement tools, RF doesn’t just put clear review practices into place, it provides training for how to make the most of the process,” enthused a staffer. Survey respondents noted that people are routinely recognized for great work.
Staffers reported satisfaction with an agency they say is motivated by a “What’s next?” approach. “Ruder Finn is an innovative and collaborative agency. We’re not afraid to try new things in the pursuit of staying ahead of what’s next in the industry,” said one pro.
From the December 01, 2024 Issue of MM+M - Medical Marketing and Media
