Newmark Merrill is also constantly striving to better itself foremployees. The company regularly increases benefits, addingmore vacation and holiday time and an increased 401K match aswell as special enhancements, like virtual doctors. To better itspolicies and practices, the company has an innovation task forcethat implements new strategies. “The company is constantly looking to improve by reflecting on every component of the business,”explains Susan Rorison, the company’s COO. “NewMark Merrillhas a succinct and thoughtful mission, incorporates quick andstreamlined decision-making and has the ability to recognize thestrengths of the firm and its build upon them.”
Phillips Edison & Co.
“Do the right thing, have fun and get it done,” are among the core
values of Cincinnati–based property management firm Phillips
Edison & Co., a private retail REIT that focuses on shopping cen-
ters. Like any good workplace, the company puts high value in its
team, but Phillips, Edison & Co., known as PECO, stands out
because it also develops future leaders. The firm is committed to
finding and supporting the next group leaders through its college
recruiting program, which hosts 20 interns each semester and fre-
quently offers full-time jobs following graduation. The firm also
provides an education assistance program for all employees to
pursue additional education and certifications as well as in-house
training programs through its own PECO University. “PECO places
significant emphasis on company culture and associate develop-
ment, dedicating both the time and money to benefits and pro-
grams that will keep our team engaged,” says Eric Richter, SVP of
property management. “Our core values truly reflect the values of
the leadership team and the organization.”
While development is important, so is a healthy work-life bal-
ance. For that reason, PECO has a generous paid time off program,
flexible scheduling and other resources. Expecting parents are
offered help preparing for leave and returning to work, as well as
arranging childcare. In a commitment to wellness, employees have
access to a workout studio with Peloton bikes, weight machines and
a daily, instructor-led workout class. The company also offers a
monthly gym membership stipend and Healthcare360 benefits. In
addition, there is an onsite kitchen stocked with fresh fruit.
When PECO doesn’t get things right, it listens. Younger associates recently requested a more flexible dress policy and increasedparental leave. The company responded with revised policieswithin a month. The firm’s commitment to employees and flexibility to make changes in their favor has produced a low turnover rate.“I would describe PECO’s culture as being almost like a secondfamily,” says Sarah Harmeling, director of portfolio managementfor the north. “The level of trust that we have in each other is something I haven’t seen in other companies.”
Presidium
At Presidium, a Dallas-based developer and investor, the firm
invests heavily in the success of its employees and in turn, employ-
ees play a pivotal role in the firm’s success. The company places a
high importance on employees reaching personal and professional
goals by exploring new opportunities and helping team members
hit their targets. “You are not just a number; they know you, you’re
family. They make the job work for what’s best for you and cater to
whatever you need. They truly believe that if you feel taken care of
in life or work, and feel like you have a team that supports you, that
will inspire you to work harder and be the best employee you can
be,” Sabine Goodrich, director of property management, says
about the company.
To award those who have excelled, Presidium hosts a peer-nom-
inated star rewards program, where employees on both the corpo-
rate and on-site teams are recognized. Plus, the company reim-
burses tuition for industry education throughout the year, allowing
team members to continue to grow and achieve their goals.
The firm’s leadership team has cultivated a collaborative envi-
ronment where team members have the ability to make decisions
and share opinions about the future of the company. For that rea-
son, there is an open-door policy and a sense of transparency.
At the end of the day, however, the team works hard and plays
hard together. Employees are regularly treated to surprises, like
movies and popcorn in the conference room, Ping-Pong tables,
games, holiday parties and corporate-sponsored team building
events.
In 2020, Presidium will continue to grow its benefits for employees with a healthy-lifestyle initiative that will promote wellness withcompany-sponsored fitness challenges and health-relatedresources. “The level of engagement with the company is one ofthe best I’ve ever seen,” says Jamie Trevino, community director.“No one is overlooked or under-looked.”
Roadside Development
LLC
Washington DC-based Roadside Development’s holistic, full-ser-
vice approach doesn’t end with its community-forward develop-
ments —the firm carries these values into its workplace. The team
is highly integrated and resourceful, which is what it takes to exe-
cute the firm’s forward-thinking mixed-use developments. While
teams take on substantial responsibility to achieve these goals, they
rise to the occasion. “People have been hired who are the best
people for the job,” says Patricia Earnest, chief investment officer at
Roadside Development. “The team is a true “melting pot” of diver-
sity across age, race, religion and experience. It is a very horizontal
organization with a high level of responsibility given across the
team.”
The rewarding work environment has less than 5% turnover,
and has fostered strong relationships. Most team members eat
lunch together, and the firm regularly hosts outings and events.
Plus, company retreats, ridesharing transport to work and com-
pany trips also help to incentivize employees and create a strong
sense of camaraderie.
The company’s new office space is yet another sign of the firm’scommitment to its workforce. The open office layout features glass-walled conference rooms, meeting nooks and private offices. Thespace fosters collaboration and communication, and creates a realteam-forward environment. In this space, employees have biweekly project meetings to improve communication across disciplines within the company. The space was designed to encourageopen communication and team member participation. We alreadyhad a very congenial environment; many of the team eat lunch
